Sophomore Barrier Requirements (effective spring 2011)
All applied Woodwind students must pass this exam to enroll in upper level applied lessons (32xx
and above). Students who do not initially pass the performance barrier must enroll in MUSI 2222
where they may try again at the end of the following spring or fall semester to pass the exam. Those
who do not pass on the second attempt will not be allowed to continue with a major in music.
Though individual studio requirements will vary (see below), students will be asked to perform the
following:
Scales
 The student will randomly choose seven keys from twelve available, which will be provided
by the Woodwind faculty at the time of the exam. From the seven, the student will perform
from memory:
o Four major scales with arpeggio
o One harmonic minor scale with arpeggio
o One natural minor scale with arpeggio
o One melodic minor scale with arpeggio
 No key may be repeated. For example, a student may not play C major and then use C as one
of the minor scales.
 Students will perform the scales over the full practical range of the instrument as designated
by the applied studio.
 Students may restart or replay any given scale no more than twice before moving to the next
scale in the series.
 Students must successfully perform (no mistakes) 10 out of the 14 scales chosen at the
exam.
 The minimum tempo requirements and ranges for each applied studio are:
o Bassoon – eighth notes @ quarter = 105-120; arpeggios may be performed in triplet
patterns. Range: Low B-flat to High C5
o Clarinet – sixteenth notes @ quarter = 100. Range: Low E to High G
o Flute - sixteenths @ quarter = 100. Range: Low C to High B; arpeggios in triplet
patterns
o Oboe – eighth notes @ quarter = 120; arpeggios in triplet patterns. Range: Low Bb
(or B depending on instrument) to High E
o Saxophone - sixteenth notes @ quarter = 100; arpeggios played in eighth notes.
Range: Low Bb to High F
Solo Repertoire
 Students must perform a minimum of two solo works.
o One piece must be performed with a collaborative pianist.
o The applied professor has the option to assign an appropriate etude as one of the
required solo works.
o Two works must be by different composers and should be from different stylistic
eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th century, Modern/Contemporary)
 Solo works should demonstrate both the technical and lyrical abilities of the student for
satisfactory advancement to upper level applied lessons.
 At least one copy of the complete piano score (showing both piano and solo parts) should be
provided to the jury by the student. The Applied professor may require additional copies;
please consult.
After deliberations, students will be notified by the respective applied professor whether or not they
have passed the sophomore barrier. All decisions by the applied faculty jury are final. A quorum of
the woodwind faculty must be present at all barrier examinations.