Cello

The Aspen Music Festival and School cello department offers the opportunity to play premier assignments alongside artist-faculty from major U.S. orchestras or as principal in a variety of ensembles. All students 18 and older play in orchestra. Students under the age of 18 do not play in orchestra but may participate in private lessons and chamber music. For details on the student orchestral experience, please see the Orchestra/Instrumental program page.

Please see our Fellowships and Financial Aid page to learn more about our many fellowship and scholarship opportunities available to full session applicants.

Important Program Information

  • Applicants should submit the financial aid form for access to all funding opportunities.
  • VIDEO audition recordings are required.
  • Students under the age of 18 do not play in orchestra but may take private lessons and participate in chamber music.

Teaching Faculty

Full Session

Half Session I

On hiatus in 2025

How to Apply

APPLICATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15
  • Resume required
  • Two letters of recommendation encouraged but not required

STANDARD REPERTOIRE (applicants 18 and older) 

Audition repertoire must be submitted IN THE ORDER LISTED in 5 INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TRACKS. All repertoire should be unaccompanied. Memorization is encouraged but not required for solo selections.

Students are required to submit recordings performed within the last year and are strongly encouraged to submit recordings made within the last six months.

  • At least 5 minutes from an important movement of a major concerto demonstrating your virtuosity and musicianship
  • A complete movement of a solo work of your choice, not less than 3 minutes
  • STRAUSS: Don Juan (opening 9 measures, 7 m. before letter G to letter H, and letter R to letter T)
  • BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5 (2nd movement, opening 10 bars, m. 49–59, m. 98–106)
  • SCHUMANN: Piano Quartet (3rd movement andante, m. 3–18) 

* String orchestra placement assignments will be determined for enrolled students based on faculty review of the student’s admission audition recordings.

YOUTH REPERTOIRE (applicants 17 and younger) 

Audition repertoire must be submitted in INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TRACKS. Accompaniment not required. 

  • Any movement of a concerto and a contrasting piece
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Application Fees & Deadlines

Deadline: January 5, 2025
Application opens September 15, 2024

Application Fee(s):

$30 September 15–October 15, 2024
$60 October 16–December 15, 2024
$110 December 16, 2024–January 5, 2025