Answers by UCLA Tuba & Euphonium Faculty Aubrey Foard
Why should I audition at UCLA?
The UCLA Tuba and Euphonium Studio is a tight-knit group of ambitious young musicians. Every student works hard to take it to the next "level," whether that means learning a new solo work or auditioning into a job with a symphony orchestra. The training is rigorous: you are expected to practice several hours a day, learn several new solo works each quarter, go through all the major etudes, and, for more advanced students, be able to perform the full repertoire of orchestral excerpts. In addition to weekly lessons, you will also perform in studio class, our weekly master class setting.
We perform regularly as a tuba-euphonium ensemble, playing original music and transcriptions in Southern California and at conferences around the world. UCLA hosts several tuba and euphonium guest artists each year from all over the world, giving you exposure to different kinds of teaching and opportunities to network with other teachers. Because of the moderate studio size, each student plays in at least two large ensembles each quarter, including brass ensemble and at least one of the following: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and/or Philharmonia.
Finally, we are residents of the city of Los Angeles, one of the world's major cultural hubs. There are countless opportunities to hear the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera, LA Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, touring orchestras from around the world, and world-class solo and chamber music. There are also opportunities to get involved in LA's famous freelance scene as well as the two professional training orchestras (American Youth Symphony and Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra).
How much exposure will I get to my teacher?
I provide you with one hour lessons plus an hour of studio class and tuba euphonium ensemble each week. In addition, I coach brass quintets, the brass ensemble, perform with the UCLA Faculty Brass Quintet, and perform on faculty solo recitals. In other words, at least several hours per week.
I also maintain a 24/7 "open door" policy, meaning you are welcome to text, email, Facebook message, or call me anytime with any questions you may have. If my schedule allows, I am available for additional lessons beyond what is required by UCLA.
What should I play at my audition?
The required audition repertoire is available by clicking on the "AUDITION" button at the top of the page. You are welcome to propose different solo music to perform at your audition. Please use the "CONTACT" button above to get in touch with me to let me know what you'd like to play and I will reply promptly to let you know whether that will work.
How should I dress at my audition?
Plan on wearing "business casual" attire. No jeans and flip flops, please, but also no need to wear a tuxedo or formal dress.
Do I need an accompanist / collaborative pianist?
No, you are welcome to perform your audition without accompaniment.
Which instruments will I need for the audition?
Tuba: If you are auditioning for your freshman year, you are welcome to perform on BBb tuba. If you are accepted, I will require you to purchase a CC tuba before you begin your freshman year. Of course, if you already have a CC tuba and F or Eb tuba, that is best. If you are auditioning for transfer or the Master of Music program, you should audition on a professional-quality CC tuba and, preferably, an F or Eb tuba. DMA applicants must audition on a professional contrabass tuba (CC or BBb) and bass tuba (F or Eb).
Euphonium: If you are auditioning for your freshman year, you should perform on a four valve euphonium. If you are auditioning for the Master of Music or DMA program, you should perform on a professional-quality instrument (top-of-the-line Willson, Yamaha, Miraphone, Adams, or Besson equivalent).
When should I arrive before my audition?
I highly recommend that you arrive at UCLA at least an 90 minutes before your audition (for those of you auditioning from out of state, I recommend arriving in Los Angeles the night before your audition). UCLA is a big place and, even though we provide clear directions, it takes a few minutes to get your bearings. You will need to park in one of the parking structures, walk to the music building, check in, and then be escorted to a practice room. All of this takes time and we want to ensure you have adequate time to warm up. So, please do plan to arrive with at least 90 minutes to spare.
What is the audition itself like?
The auditions for brass typically take place in one of the performance venues in the School of Music (a recital hall or large ensemble room). We typically run the auditions "semi-formally." That means we expect you to be on your best behavior, but we may engage you in some casual conversation to get to know you better. We typically listen to everything you've prepared; auditions time slots are progressively longer for masters and doctoral applicants. Remember that we're not looking for you to crash and burn - we want you to play your best! So, come on in and give it all you've got.
Who should I contact with questions?
If you have specific questions about your audition, the Tuba and Euphonium Studio, or me / my teaching, please feel free to contact me using the "CONTACT" button above.
For questions pertaining to the application process, course loads, the Herb Alpert School of Music or UCLA at-large, please visit www.music.ucla.edu/music-undergraduate-admissions (for undergraduates) or www.music.ucla.edu/music-graduate-admissions (for graduate applicants). The admissions department email is [email protected]
The UCLA Tuba and Euphonium Studio is a tight-knit group of ambitious young musicians. Every student works hard to take it to the next "level," whether that means learning a new solo work or auditioning into a job with a symphony orchestra. The training is rigorous: you are expected to practice several hours a day, learn several new solo works each quarter, go through all the major etudes, and, for more advanced students, be able to perform the full repertoire of orchestral excerpts. In addition to weekly lessons, you will also perform in studio class, our weekly master class setting.
We perform regularly as a tuba-euphonium ensemble, playing original music and transcriptions in Southern California and at conferences around the world. UCLA hosts several tuba and euphonium guest artists each year from all over the world, giving you exposure to different kinds of teaching and opportunities to network with other teachers. Because of the moderate studio size, each student plays in at least two large ensembles each quarter, including brass ensemble and at least one of the following: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and/or Philharmonia.
Finally, we are residents of the city of Los Angeles, one of the world's major cultural hubs. There are countless opportunities to hear the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera, LA Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, touring orchestras from around the world, and world-class solo and chamber music. There are also opportunities to get involved in LA's famous freelance scene as well as the two professional training orchestras (American Youth Symphony and Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra).
How much exposure will I get to my teacher?
I provide you with one hour lessons plus an hour of studio class and tuba euphonium ensemble each week. In addition, I coach brass quintets, the brass ensemble, perform with the UCLA Faculty Brass Quintet, and perform on faculty solo recitals. In other words, at least several hours per week.
I also maintain a 24/7 "open door" policy, meaning you are welcome to text, email, Facebook message, or call me anytime with any questions you may have. If my schedule allows, I am available for additional lessons beyond what is required by UCLA.
What should I play at my audition?
The required audition repertoire is available by clicking on the "AUDITION" button at the top of the page. You are welcome to propose different solo music to perform at your audition. Please use the "CONTACT" button above to get in touch with me to let me know what you'd like to play and I will reply promptly to let you know whether that will work.
How should I dress at my audition?
Plan on wearing "business casual" attire. No jeans and flip flops, please, but also no need to wear a tuxedo or formal dress.
Do I need an accompanist / collaborative pianist?
No, you are welcome to perform your audition without accompaniment.
Which instruments will I need for the audition?
Tuba: If you are auditioning for your freshman year, you are welcome to perform on BBb tuba. If you are accepted, I will require you to purchase a CC tuba before you begin your freshman year. Of course, if you already have a CC tuba and F or Eb tuba, that is best. If you are auditioning for transfer or the Master of Music program, you should audition on a professional-quality CC tuba and, preferably, an F or Eb tuba. DMA applicants must audition on a professional contrabass tuba (CC or BBb) and bass tuba (F or Eb).
Euphonium: If you are auditioning for your freshman year, you should perform on a four valve euphonium. If you are auditioning for the Master of Music or DMA program, you should perform on a professional-quality instrument (top-of-the-line Willson, Yamaha, Miraphone, Adams, or Besson equivalent).
When should I arrive before my audition?
I highly recommend that you arrive at UCLA at least an 90 minutes before your audition (for those of you auditioning from out of state, I recommend arriving in Los Angeles the night before your audition). UCLA is a big place and, even though we provide clear directions, it takes a few minutes to get your bearings. You will need to park in one of the parking structures, walk to the music building, check in, and then be escorted to a practice room. All of this takes time and we want to ensure you have adequate time to warm up. So, please do plan to arrive with at least 90 minutes to spare.
What is the audition itself like?
The auditions for brass typically take place in one of the performance venues in the School of Music (a recital hall or large ensemble room). We typically run the auditions "semi-formally." That means we expect you to be on your best behavior, but we may engage you in some casual conversation to get to know you better. We typically listen to everything you've prepared; auditions time slots are progressively longer for masters and doctoral applicants. Remember that we're not looking for you to crash and burn - we want you to play your best! So, come on in and give it all you've got.
Who should I contact with questions?
If you have specific questions about your audition, the Tuba and Euphonium Studio, or me / my teaching, please feel free to contact me using the "CONTACT" button above.
For questions pertaining to the application process, course loads, the Herb Alpert School of Music or UCLA at-large, please visit www.music.ucla.edu/music-undergraduate-admissions (for undergraduates) or www.music.ucla.edu/music-graduate-admissions (for graduate applicants). The admissions department email is [email protected]