The guitar department at TSU-San Marcos requires all music majors auditioning with guitar as their primary instrument (Guitar Performance, Music Education, Jazz Studies and Sound Recording Technology) to perform two selections from the classical repertoire (on a nylon string guitar, no plectrum, with proper classical technique) such as a Carcassi study, Sor study (i. e. anything from the Sophocles Papas edition Nos. 1 - 30) or a Brouwer Etudes Simples (nos. 1 - 6).

If capable, you may also perform a concert work such as a single movement from a Bach Lute Suite, Giuliani Sonatine, Torroba Castles of Spain or like material.

We will also ask you to play scales.  Usually we ask for major scales in any key, two octaves are preferred.  Preparations of Segovia scales are encouraged (from C to B major and their relative melodic minors).

Also, work on sight-reading as we include that as part of your audition.

Graduate students must perform three concert pieces in contrasting styles consisting of an intermediate to advanced level. Scales and sight-reading will be requested.

For jazz studies candidates, in addition to the two classical guitar selections to be performed on a nylon string instrument, (fingerstyle, preferably with proper classical technique) you are also expected to demonstrate your improvisation skills through a blues progression and a jazz standard such as Autumn Leaves, All of Me or like material.  Jazz studies majors must also play a chord melody arrangement of a jazz standard.  Use of a plectrum is only allowed for the improvisation portion of the audition. The music school will require you to take a theory and aural test on your audition day.