Steps to Audition:
Apply to Utah State University by December 1st for early admission or February 1st for regular admission. Click here.
Follow the Caine College of the Arts Audition Guidelines. Click here.
Check out Flute Audition Requirements and Dates. Click here.
Follow this link to browse tuition fees and scholarship opportunities.
General Advice Before Auditioning:
Reach out to Dr. Hasan for a free trial lesson at j.hasan@usu.edu. We can go through appropriate repertoire and it is a great way to get to know me before you audition.
Come visit campus and be a flute major for the day! Our group flute studio class meets Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 and our flute choir from 5:30-7. We can schedule an in person lesson before hand and you can sit in our large ensembles that meet starting at 2:30. This will give you an idea about what it is like to study flute at USU.
Audition Information:
Auditions are held in my office, FAC 105 located in the Caine College of the Arts. They are in 20-minute slots. Parents/Guardians are welcome to sit in. Piano accompianment is always preferred, but it is possible to play alone.
In addition to performing your scales and two contrasting pieces ( contact me if you have questions regarding appropriate repertoire), please be prepared to sight-read flute duets with me and participate in a mini-lesson.
Nerves are understandable! My main goal while listening to auditions is to look for the fit in our studio, your flexibility as a student, and to help you become a better flutist. Make sure your repertoire shows your strengths; playing something slower and more lyrical is preferred to repertoire that is too fast and techinical. Accuracy is key!
FAQ:
What performance opportunities are there as a flute major at Utah State University ?
We have four major large ensembles that are open to participation. Wind Orchestra is our top band and an audition is required. Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Marching Band (which has an additional performance stipend) are open to all majors and non-majors. Flute majors and non-majors perform in flute choir, which meets Tuesdays 5:30-7. Additionally, the Caine Woodwind Quintet is an audition based chamber ensemble which accepts the best flutist in the program with an additional scholarship stipend. There are many other ensembles that students can participate in that are not woodwind based. Check out this link for all of our ensemble offerings.
Every year, we have guest artists that are hosted through the flute studio or the university. These are great performance and educational opportunities to attend.
What classes are required for flute majors?
In addition to traditional courses all music majors take, flute majors are required to participate in weekly studio class on Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 and flute choir, 5:30-7. Additionally, all upper classmen beginning spring semester sophomore year, are required to take a flute repertoire and literature course, held Fridays at 9:30. Lastly, students take 12 hour-long one-on-one lessons with me which are scheduled a few weeks before classes resume.
What flute majors are offered at USU?
We offer four major degrees for flutists. BM in Music Performance, BME in Music Education, BS in Music Therapy, and BA with an emphasis in Music.
BM-this degree is for flutists who are potentially interested in pursuing a masters or doctoral degree, performing in an orchestra, running a private studio, being a freelance musician, or anything else heavily related to performing. 4 years of lessons and studio class/flute choir , 4 years of large ensemble, a junior and senior recital, and participating in flute competitions and conferences are required. For more info, click here.
BME-this degree is for flutists who are also seriously considering teaching K-12. It is also possible to earn this degree if you are intersted in running a private studio or being a freelance musician, but there is a teaching certification that is awarded post-graduation which makes this degree best for music educators. 4 years of lessons and studio class/flute choir , 4 years of large ensemble, a junior and senior recital, and participating in flute competitions and conferences are required. For more information, click here.
BS in Music Therapy is for flutists who are interested in a clinical career where they will sing and perform, while also being trained in flute. Individual lessons and studio class/flute choir are only required for 2 years, rather than 4. For more information, click here.
BA Music-this degree is for flutists who are interested in pursuing other artistic interests such as lighting/design, theater, etc. Individual lessons and studio class/flute choir are only required for 2 years, rather than 4. A final project rather than individual recital is required. For more info, click here.
It is my hope to begin accepting students for Master in Music starting Fall 2024. More information coming soon!
What are your expectations for flute majors?
-All flute majors are required to hold membership with the Utah Flute Association (UFA). In the beginning of the year, I will register everyone for a group membership. It is an expectation that we attend as many UFA events as possible, especially the annual convention in March.
-All upperclassmen are expected to participate in the annual UFA sonata competition (repertoire is announced in early fall) and additionally, the MTNA competition in SLC held in October. Repertoire is chosen in the spring semester.
-Whenever possible, it is expected that majors participate in off-campus competitions and conventions and summer festivals such as the National Flute Association. Travel grants are available through the university.
-Please be as prepared as possible for lessons and guest artist masterclasses. Listen to your and other standard repertoire,become familiar with internationally-known flutists, and ask lots of questions.
-Attend all flute-related events on campus and as many off-campus as possible. These include Dr. Hasan’s personal recitals, Faculty Woodwind Quintet, Guest Artists, etc. and student ensembles that you do not perform in. A supportive enviroment is welcomed and expected at USU.
What are some flute studio student achievements?
Our students have won the Collegiate Division of the Utah Flute Association’s Sonata Competitions, played in masterclasses for guest artsits through the UFA, and attended the National Flute Association Convention as competition winners.
Are there any off-campus performance opportunities?
Our flute studio performs two community outreach concerts every year; a Holiday Caroling Concert in December and a Spring Concert for nursing and retirement centers.
What makes the flute studio and USU unique?
There are a few things that make our program unique!
-We own a contra-bass flute-enough said! In addition to our two altos, bass flute, and two piccolos, students have access to the vast flute family for use in our flute choir or for individual lessons on auxiliary instruments.
-USU is the only public institution in the state with a full-time flute professor meaning that I live in Logan (4 minutes from campus) and am on campus everyday whether or not my students like it!
-As the only professor teaching full-time with a doctorate in the state of Utah, the education and guest artist network that USU flute students receive are on the highest level. With former college teaching experience and a degree specifially in the art of teaching, my students are exposed to a wide and diverse range of teaching styles, repertoire, and professional experience.
-USU is the only land-grant institution in the state. This means that we support all students of any background, providing them with the best possible education at an affordable rate.
-We have extensive scholarship opportunities for students through the university in addition to plenty of student grants supporting travel and off-campus projects.
-Our faculty is amazing! With the largest full-time faculty in the state, with most holding the terminal doctoral degree, the education our students receive is top notch. We have internationally-renowned faculty and guests on campus every day!
What social media accounts can I follow?
Instagram: @usuflutes, @utahstatemusic, @cainecollege, @jhasanflute
YouTube: @CaineCollegeoftheArts, @jeiran-hasan
What is it like living in Logan, Utah?
Cache Valley is stunning year-round. Logan is a growing city with a small-town charm and feel. Generally, we are about 10-15 degrees cooler than SLC in the summer and during the winter, expect cold weather and snow. There are plenty of outdoor activities to help relax including taking outdoor recreational classes through the university such as skiing. The rec center also allows quipment rentals including skiis, tents, kayaks, etc. The Caine College of the Arts, which houses the school of music, is attached to the Nora Eccles Harrison Art Museum which is free to the public and a great way to escape the stress of classes. Check out some fun facts about Logan here.
What is the student body like at USU?
Here are some fast facts about USU, click here.
Further questions, please contact Dr. Hasan at j.hasan@usu.edu.