In order to help you with the application process, here are a few links and a few extra words of explanation for bassoonists applying for admission.
Tentative Audition Dates for Admission in the Fall term 2009:
Friday, November 21, 2008; Friday, February 13, 2009; Friday, February 20, 2009 (graduate students only); Friday, March 6, 2009 (undergraduates only); Friday, March 27, 2009
All application materials are easily found on-line at the University of Michigan web page. Go to www.music.umich.edu and look for the "Prospective Students" link at the bottom of the page.
From there, pick your degree level (undergraduate or graduate), and the program or programs in which you are interested (you'll find the options under the link "Degree Programs.")
You will also find a listing of audition requirements under the "Auditions" link. Scroll down to where you see the link for Winds & Percussion.
Undergraduates are required to prepare one or two movements of a standard concerto, sonata or solo work for bassoon and two contrasting etudes equivalent to the Concert Studies by Ludwig Milde. If you have any questions about the works you are prepared to perform, please contact me by e-mail at jlym@umich.edu. Some typical works performed by entering freshman applicants include bassoon concerti by Mozart, Vivaldi, Weber, etc., or sonatas by Saint-Säens, Telemann, Devienne, Tansman and others. You could also choose an unaccompanied work such as the Rhapsody by Willson Osborne, or one of the more technically challenging waltzes for solo bassoon by Francisco Mignone, the Parable by Vincent Persichetti, etc. Finally, the two etudes could come not only from the Milde Concert Studies but also from the more advanced portion of the Weissenborn studies, the etudes by Ozi, Jancourt, Orefici, etc.
Undergraduates seeking financial aid should visit the School of Music, Theatre and Dance web page with detailed scholarship information: http://www.music.umich.edu/prospective_students/admissions/ug/schol_finaid.htm
Masters applicants must prepare two contrasting solo works from the standard repertory, two contrasting etudes, and a minimum of four standard orchestral excerpts. You may add a third solo piece to demonstrate any area of specialization you would like to develop, such as new music, early music, etc. You can visit my page of orchestral excerpts on this site for suggestions on which excerpts to play.
If you are applying for financial aid as a Masters student, please see this link.
DMA APPLICANTS: The funded position of GSI for the bassoon DMA in the 2008-2009 academic year is currently taken. Please be advised that there is no additional DMA assistantship available to be offered for the 2008-2009 academic year. I will consider accepting extraordinary applicants who qualify for admission, but be advised that there will be no financial assistance for new DMA students this coming year. For the 2009-10 academic year, please write to Dr. Lyman for the status on this position.
Doctor of Musical Arts applicants must prepare a much longer list of repertory, and that information can be found by following the links to the Rackham Graduate Admissions at the School of Music web page. You will be required to demonstrate a wide variety of styles, and I have asked for the following specific works:
These works should demonstrate not only your ability to move among a variety of styles and musical periods, but they also help to test the breadth of your musical education to date. Only the most motivated and talented students are admitted to the DMA program, as this degree program requires a great deal of both research AND performance. Be sure and discuss the program with me either by phone or e-mail before starting the application process.