Bachelor's, Master's, or Diploma in Brass [Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba], (BM, MM, Diploma)
The Brass Performance program prepares students with the training and background to succeed as professional musicians. CCPA students enjoy the opportunity to study in Chicago, a thriving musical and cultural center, with master teachers from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and other renowned ensembles. Our students graduate with comprehensive musicianship skills, performance capability, analytic abilities and stylistic knowledge.
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Why °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ
Performance Opportunities
Brass Performance majors enjoy a wide variety of performance opportunities at CCPA, within both large ensembles and small chamber music groups. CCPA Ensembles perform not only in our gorgeous on-campus venues, but also at various historic venues throughout Chicago such as the CSO Symphony Center, the Harris Theater, the Auditorium Theatre and others.
Renowned Faculty
CCPA's faculty is comprised of passionate teachers and performers who can be seen and heard on stages around the world, including here in Chicago with organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Chicago is Our Campus
For students who are looking for an intensive music conservatory experience paired with the rich musical and cultural experiences provided by living in a major city, CCPA will prepare students for a successful career in music. CCPA's emphasis on entrepreneurial activities also prepares students for multiple career opportunities after graduation.
"From the time I started playing trombone at the age of eleven, I had the idea of someday studying in Chicago. It is a city that has over the years gained recognition as being at the center of the brass universe. I researched carefully to know which schools could provide me what I was looking for and I discovered that °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ was the perfect place for me. In addition to a variety of academic programs designed perfectly for each student, it also has a world-class team of faculty who are absolutely committed to their students. I am enormously happy to have °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ as my alma mater."
Ignacio del Rey Tomas Biosca MM - 2016, Diploma in Orchestral Studies - 2018
Admission Info
Sample Courses
Career Opportunities
Admission Info
Location: Chicago Start Term: Fall, Spring
Applicants to the Brass Performance Program must first . All CCPA applicants must also submit the Artistic Application, which allows applicants to provide more information about their artistic background, submit their audition preview or pre-screening recordings (no audio or video enhancements, please) and schedule their future audition/interview. Please visit to complete your Artistic Application.
Brass Audition Requirements
Horn
Undergraduate (BM): Two contrasting selections from standard horn repertoire; standard orchestral excerpts.
Graduate (MM): Solos of the candidate’s choice from standard horn repertoire. Orchestral Studies applicants must also present at least five orchestral excerpts.
Performance Diploma: Three major works, including a complete sonata or concerto. At least two stylistic periods must be represented.
Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies: Five standard excerpts of the applicant’s choice; one etude; a complete sonata or concerto.
Tenor Trombone
Undergraduate (BM): One Rochut Melodious Etude; either Morceau Symphonique by Guilmant, Concertino by David, or a work of similar difficulty.
Graduate (MM): One Rochut Etude; one intermediate or advanced technical etude; two contrasting works by Bozza, Hindemith, Corelli or Wagenseil. Orchestral Studies applicants must also present at least five standard excerpts.
Bass Trombone
Undergraduate (BM): One Rochut Melodious Etude; two solo works in contrasting styles.
Graduate (MM): One Rochut Melodious Etude; one advanced level Etude by Tommy Pederson; two solo works of contrasting styles. Orchestral Studies applicants must also present at least five standard excerpts.
Performance Diploma: Three major works, including a complete sonata or concerto. At least two stylistic periods must be represented.
Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies: Five standard excerpts of the applicant’s choice; one etude; a complete sonata or concerto.
Trumpet
Undergraduate (BM): J. Hubeau - Sonata (1st mov), J. N. Hummel - Concerto in Eb (1st mov), J. B. Arban - Characteristic Etude Nr. 1
Graduate (MM - Performance): A. Honegger - Intrada (intro), J. Haydn - Concerto in Eb (1st mov), T. Charlier - Etude Nr. 4
Graduate (MM - Orchestral Studies):A. Honegger - Intrada (intro), J. Haydn - Concerto in Eb (1st mov), Leonore nr. 3, Pictures (Promenade), Mahler 5th (intro), Pines of Rome (offstage), Bartok Concerto (2nd & 5th mov, 2nd tpt)
Performance Diploma: O. Böhme - Concerto (1st mov), J. Haydn - Concerto in Eb (1st mov), A. Jolivet - Concertino (beginning until number 19)
Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies:J. Haydn - Concerto in Eb (1st mov), H. Tomasi - Concerto (1st mov),Petrouchka (Solo and ballerina), Mahler 3rd (posthorn), Mahler 5th (intro), Messiah (Trumpet Shall Sound), Ravel Pno. Concerto (1st mov)
Tuba
Undergraduate (BM): An etude (suggested composers: Kopprasch, Blazevich, Gallay); a solo such as Suite for Tuba by Haddad, Air & Bourèe by Bach, or similar.
Graduate (MM): A complete concerto by Mozart or Strauss, or a work of similar difficulty. Orchestral Studies applicants must also present at least five standard excerpts.
Performance Diploma: Three major works, including a complete sonata or concerto. At least two stylistic periods must be represented.
Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies: Five standard excerpts of the applicant’s choice; one etude; a complete sonata or concerto.
Sample Brass Courses
Applied Lessons
Large Ensembles
Chamber Music
Brass Performance Class
Degree Recital
Career Opportunities in Brass
Students graduate with comprehensive musicianship skills, performance capability, analytic abilities and stylistic knowledge. Our students go on to hold positions in major orchestras and ensembles throughout the world. Community engagement, social justice, business skills and professional development are woven into the curriculum as well.
From biology to bassoon, psychology to pharmacy, reading to real estate, °µÍø½ûÇøÆƽâ°æ has a program for you. Explore our comprehensive academic choices, outstanding faculty and nearly limitless degree program options.