Rossen Milanov, Music Director

Next Event:

Holiday Pops

December 6, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
View Details

THE ACADEMY AUDITIONS

4+ Years Experience

The following is required for 4+ Years’ Experience
for the Columbus Symphony Academy auditions.

Scales

Scales should be in 2 or more octaves. Select 2 of the following major scales and 1 of the following minor scales. Minor scale can be natural, harmonic, or melodic:


major scales

Select 2 scales from the following:
A Major, E-flat Major, B-flat Major, E Major, A-flat Major

Minor Scales

Select 1 scale from the following:
F# Minor, C Minor, G Minor, C# Minor, F Minor

Edibility Requirements

  • Rising 5th-9th grader at time of application
  • Identify as part of a BIPOC community (Black/African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Multiracial, or Pacific Islander)
  • interest in pursuing music at the collegiate/conservatory level
  • Dedicated and open to challenging themselves as a musician
  • At least two years of experience on standard orchestral instrument (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, orchestra percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass)
  • Teacher recommendation

CYSO Excerpts

Select the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra ensemble excerpts that matches your instrument, grade (2024-25), and ability level. All excerpts listed for your instrument are required for your video. Excerpts can be found by clicking your instrument below:

Junior Strings

grades 3–7

excerpts

Chamber Strings

grades 6–9

excerpts

Repertory Orchestra

grades 7–10

excerpts

Youth Orchestra

grades 9–12

excerpts

Solo

The solo can be any 1 of the following options and may be preformed with or without accompaniment. Select the option that best showcases your talent and skill. Your selection should not exceed 7 minutes:

  1. A standard solo piece from standard repertoire or a concerto movement
  2. A school ensemble piece – this can be a band or orchestra piece you are currently working on with your school music teacher
  3. Piece from OMEA Class B or C List – see columbussympphonyacademy.com for lists. Ask your school music teacher for help selecting the right piece.

Audition Timeline

  • Review Audition Requirements for your experience level
  • Submit the free online application and audition video by 11:59pm Tuesday, April 30, 2024

    Application must include teacher recommendation or it will be considered incomplete
  • Selected applicants will be asked for a Family Interviews via Zoom the week of May 6-10

    Applicants and at least one parent/guardian will be asked to attend by appointment
  • Dedicated and open to challenging themselves as a musician
  • Live Final Audition – TBD in May 2024

    Selected applicants will be invited to meet our staff and audition in-person. Applicants will perform one scale, one CSYO excerpt, and sight-read another excerpt

Audition Repertoire
Recommendations

Need some suggestions for your solo piece selection? We recommend viewing the Ohio Music Educators Association List of Solo & Ensemble Recommendations. Find your instrument below and choose from one of 3 OMEA Class Levels that fits the musician’s performance level. Discuss these options with your school teacher or band/orchestra director.

  • Class Level A (4+ years of experience)
  • Class Level B (3-4 years of experience)
  • Class Level C (2 years of experience)
strings
woodwinds
Brass