The TCU Cello Studio is a very dynamic studio in a phase of strong growth. The current cello students come from Fort Worth, the Metroplex, as well as from China, Korea, and The Bahamas, studying in undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance and music education under the direction of Dr. Jesus Castro-Balbi.

At TCU, you will find a wealth of opportunities, challenges, emulation, exchanges. You may perfom for your peers in studio classes, in master-classes, for guests, in recitals, in chamber music, with the TCU Cello Ensemble, in the TCU Symphony and TCU String Orchestra, the New Music Ensemble, or the School's early music group, Collegium Musicum. The School is also host to the TCU CelloFest, the Faculty & Friends Chamber Music Series, and many, many more first-class events taking place virtually all year-round. TCU is a fine place to develop as a musician, artist, and as a person.

Audition Repertoire Requirements for Cello (BM, BME, BA, MM):

Three works or movements of contrasting styles, such as:

1. Suite by J. S. Bach
2. Concerto
3. Work showing virtuosity such as an etude or caprice

-Please contact Dr. Castro-Balbi j.castro-balbi@tcu.edu, 817.257.6617 with questions regarding repertoire selections and substitutions.

Application Information

Inquiries are welcome with Dr. Castro-Balbi at j.castro-balbi@tcu.edu to arrange a visit/lesson, confirm your audition repertoire, and with any question. Applicants who live abroad or are unable to audition during the normal audition days may contact Dr. Castro-Balbi to try to arrange another day/time or audition by video recording. It is highly recommended to apply and request supporting documents (e.g. notarized transcripts, TOEFL, GRE - for DMA applicants) way in advance of the deadlines. All deadlines listed are for Fall 2013 admission. In exceptional cases only, documents can be accepted past the deadline if the remainder of the application has been submitted by the official deadline. If in doubt, please contact Dr. Castro-Balbi.

Bachelor's degrees (BA, BM Performance, BM in Music Education): http://music.tcu.edu/admissions.asp and http://www.admissions.tcu.edu/apply/default.asp. Note that you must apply – and be admitted - to both the School of Music and the University. Application Deadline (for Fall 2013 admission): December 1, 2012.

Master's and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees (Performance or Music Education): http://music.tcu.edu/GRAD_admissions.asp. DMA applicants: Note that the GRE is for informational purposes only and that there is no minimum set required score. Application Deadline: December 15, 2012.

Artist Diploma (Undergraduate or Graduate): http://music.tcu.edu/AD_admissions.asp. A program focused on performance. No TOEFL requirement. Application Deadline: March 1, 2013.

Scholarships in Strings / Cello at TCU

Bachelor's degree (BA, BM Performance, BM in Music Education): Up to full-tuition scholarships in the form of academic and/or music scholarships (from the university and/or the School of Music / Orchestra) are offered based on the merits of the audition and application, and on demonstrated need. Note that, with few exceptions, only music majors can be considered for Orchestra scholarships.

Graduate programs (Masters, Doctorate): Up to Full-tuition and Assistantship with Stipend.

Artist Diploma: Admitted Students receive full-tuition.

SPRING 2013 Audition Dates (for admission in the Fall 2013):

Nordan Young Artist Award
Saturday - January 12, 2013
Saturday - January 19, 2013

Standard Audition Days (Bachelor's, Master's, Artist Diploma)
Saturday - January 19, 2013
Saturday - February 9, 2013
Saturday - March 2, 2013

DMA Audition Days
February 7-8, 2013
February 28-March 1, 2013