Strings
Our Program ConcentrationsOur highest priority is assisting students in gaining facility and artistry through the application of sound pedagogical techniques.
Greetings from the string area at the University of New Mexico! The artist string faculty members at UNM pride themselves on being highly regarded and sought after performers both nationally and internationally. While maintaining active performing careers, our faculty is also completely committed to their students. The UNM string faculty provides excellent individualized instruction to all students, regardless of major.
UNM string students can choose from instrumental performance, string pedagogy or music education degree programs. Very accomplished non-majors, who participate in UNM Orchestra, are also offered private instruction by our string faculty. Many music students at UNM are awarded competitive scholarships and assistantship positions. Please consider UNM if you are a serious string player who desires conservatory level instruction, with the flexibility and opportunities offered by a large research university.
Strings Admission Repertoire Information
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, & String Pedagogy
Violin
Undergraduate:
- 2 scales of choice, one major, one minor, 3 octaves
- One solo etude of choice (such as Kreutzer, Fiorillo, Rode, etc.)
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
Graduate:
- One solo etude of choice showing advanced technique
- 2 contrasting movements from J. S. Bach solo sonatas or partitas
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
*In addition to the above audition requirements, applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music or Master of Music in String Pedagogy degrees should contact Dr. Aaron Jacobs at aaronjacobs@unm.edu to schedule a short interview.
Viola
Undergraduate:
- 2 scales of choice, one major, one minor, 3 octaves
- One solo etude of choice (such as Bruni, Campagnoli Palaschko)
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
Graduate:
- One solo etude of choice showing advanced technique
- One movement from the J. S. Bach solo works for cello or violin, transcribed
- One standard orchestral excerpt
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
*In addition to the above audition requirements, applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music or Master of Music in String Pedagogy degrees should contact Dr. Aaron Jacobs at aaronjacobs@unm.edu to schedule a short interview.
Cello
Undergraduate:
- 2 scales of choice, one major, one minor, 3 octaves
- One solo etude of choice (such as Dotzauer, Popper or Schroeder)
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
Graduate:
- One solo etude of choice showing advanced technique
- One movement from the J. S. Bach solo works for cello
- One standard orchestral excerpt
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
*In addition to the above audition requirements, applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music or Master of Music in String Pedagogy degrees should contact Dr. Aaron Jacobs at aaronjacobs@unm.edu to schedule a short interview.
Double Bass
Undergraduate:
- 2 scales of choice, one major, one minor, 2 octaves
- One solo etude of choice (such as Simandl)
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
Graduate:
- One solo etude of choice showing advanced technique
- One movement from the J. S. Bach solo works for cello
- One movement of a concerto, sonata or concertpiece (accompaniment preferred but not required)
*In addition to the above audition requirements, applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music or Master of Music in String Pedagogy degrees should contact Dr. Aaron Jacobs at aaronjacobs@unm.edu to schedule a short interview.
Strings Faculty
Cármelo de los Santos, ViolinKim Fredenburgh, Viola
Christoph Wagner, Cello
Albert Laszlo, Bass
Aaron Jacobs, String Pedagogy
“I am incredibly grateful for the time that I was able to study at the University of New Mexico. My professors were incredibly supportive and the biggest reason for my decision to pursue my career through UNM. They prepared me for life after graduation and enabled me to see evident improvement in my performing and teaching. I know that my success after graduation will be built on what I learned through the excellent teaching of my professors.”
