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Strings · 174 verified programs with a cello pathway

Cello: degrees, diplomas and programs

Cello study spans solo, chamber and orchestral playing, with a range from suites for unaccompanied cello to period instruments and contemporary music.

Also called: Violoncello, Violoncelle, Violonchelo, Violoncello (Italian), Cello (German).

What the listings below mean

A program is listed for cello only where its official page names the instrument in the title, as a major, or as a formal principal-study pathway. These are formal degree, diploma or certificate pathways; the page says which. An instrument taught in private lessons, or a teacher on the faculty, does not create a listing.

90 Bachelor’s · 65 Master’s · 8 Diploma · 8 Practice doctorate · 3 Certificate · 139 named major, 11 formal principal-study pathway, 24 named in the program title

174 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

Published cello audition repertoire

Copied from each program’s own admissions page. Requirements are specific to the program and intake: follow the link and check the current year.

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Master of Music
    • Master of Music (MM) | • A fast movement of a concerto from memory. | • Two contrasting movements of a Bach cello suite from memory. | • An etude, caprice, or virtuoso work. | • One contrasting work of your choice that demonstrates your musical interests and musicianship. Selections might include: a 20th/21st-century composition, a work by a BIPOC composer, a work from a musical style or period not otherwise represented in the audition, etc. | Piano accompaniment for the audition is not required. | Graduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should upload the audition directly to their Graduate College application. Graduate applicants who submit a recorded audition will also register for a virtual interview with the faculty. Applicants can register for their interview after submitting the Graduate College application.​ | Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) | • Two contrasting movements of a concerto from memory. | • Two contrasting movements of a Bach cello suite from memory. | • Two contrasting works of your choice that demonstrate your musical interests and musiciansh
  • University of Iowa: Bachelor of Music (BM)
    • For general information and to register for an audition, please see Undergraduate Auditions . | The requirements are three contrasting works, such as: | Study or etude such as Popper etudes | One movement of a concerto or sonata | One or two movements of a Bach suite | If you cannot audition during the School of Music's annual audition day, please contact Jamie Clark to make alternate arrangements.
  • Lawrence University: Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)
    • One movement from the standard concerto repertoire, or any single-movement work for cello and orchestra | One movement of unaccompanied Bach | One contrasting movement or work. This might be a 21st century composition, or even something entirely outside the classical style. Applicants are highly encouraged to select a work written by a composer from an underrepresented group | An introductory video is required for recorded auditions
  • DePaul University: Bachelor of Music
    • ​​ We encourage all applicants to audition in person if possible. Audition registration will be available after prescreen results are sent. Register for a live audition by January 15. | Prescreen Repertoire - Due Dec. 1 | A prescreen is required for all applicants who list cello as their primary instrument. Please review our Prescreen Information page carefully before submission. | One etude (Popper, Franchomme, Piatti) | One movement of a Bach Suite (Prelude preferred) | Exposition of a standard concerto | Audition Repertoire | Performing the audition by memory is encouraged and preferred. | One etude of choice (any from Popper Opus 73, Duport, Franchomme, or a Piatti Caprice) | Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) | One movement from a standard cello concerto
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Bachelor of Music
    • Prepare three contrasting selections that demonstrate your instrumental ability, musical interests, and musicianship. These selections should demonstrate slow and fast playing and contain no less than 15 minutes of music. Selections might include; the first movement of a concerto, a movement of a Bach cello suite, a Popper etude, a 20th/21st-century composition, a work of your own composition, a work by a BIPOC composer, or a work from a musical style or period not otherwise represent in the audition. | Piano accompaniment for the audition is not required. | On-campus audition dates can be found here . It is highly recommended that all undergraduate candidates attend an on-campus audition. If you are unable to audition on-campus, please select the “recorded” audition format preference on your supplemental music form. Undergraduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should follow the steps outlined here .
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Bachelor of Music
    • Cello: Audition Requirements Undergraduate, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma Must be played from memory: One etude of choice (any from Popper Op. 73, or a Piatti Caprice) Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) One movement of a standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Theme, Var 1, 2, 3) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized) Artist Diploma and Doctor of Music Arts: Pieces must be performed from memory. A complete Bach Suite (without repeats) A complete standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Var. 1, 2, 3, and Finale) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Master of Music
    • Cello: Audition Requirements Undergraduate, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma Must be played from memory: One etude of choice (any from Popper Op. 73, or a Piatti Caprice) Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) One movement of a standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Theme, Var 1, 2, 3) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized) Artist Diploma and Doctor of Music Arts: Pieces must be performed from memory. A complete Bach Suite (without repeats) A complete standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Var. 1, 2, 3, and Finale) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Graduate Diploma
    • Cello: Audition Requirements Undergraduate, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma Must be played from memory: One etude of choice (any from Popper Op. 73, or a Piatti Caprice) Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) One movement of a standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Theme, Var 1, 2, 3) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized) Artist Diploma and Doctor of Music Arts: Pieces must be performed from memory. A complete Bach Suite (without repeats) A complete standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Var. 1, 2, 3, and Finale) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Artist Diploma
    • Cello: Audition Requirements Undergraduate, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma Must be played from memory: One etude of choice (any from Popper Op. 73, or a Piatti Caprice) Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) One movement of a standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Theme, Var 1, 2, 3) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized) Artist Diploma and Doctor of Music Arts: Pieces must be performed from memory. A complete Bach Suite (without repeats) A complete standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Var. 1, 2, 3, and Finale) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Artist Certificate
    • Cello: Audition Requirements Undergraduate, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma Must be played from memory: One etude of choice (any from Popper Op. 73, or a Piatti Caprice) Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) One movement of a standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Theme, Var 1, 2, 3) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized) Artist Diploma and Doctor of Music Arts: Pieces must be performed from memory. A complete Bach Suite (without repeats) A complete standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Var. 1, 2, 3, and Finale) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Doctor of Musical Arts
    • Cello: Audition Requirements Undergraduate, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma Must be played from memory: One etude of choice (any from Popper Op. 73, or a Piatti Caprice) Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (without repeats) One movement of a standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Theme, Var 1, 2, 3) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized) Artist Diploma and Doctor of Music Arts: Pieces must be performed from memory. A complete Bach Suite (without repeats) A complete standard concerto or Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (Var. 1, 2, 3, and Finale) One short piece or movement of your choice written after 1950 by a composer who has been overlooked because of their race or gender (does not need to be memorized)
  • DePaul University: Master of Music
    • ​​ ​We encourage all applicants to audition in person if possible. Audition registration will be available after prescreen results are sent. Register for a live audition by January 15. | Prescreen Repertoire - Due Dec. 1 | A prescreen is required for all applicants who list cello as their primary instrument. Please review our Prescreen Information page carefully before submission. | One etude (Popper, Franchomme, Piatti) | One movement of a Bach Suite (Prelude preferred) | Exposition of a standard concerto | Audition Repertoire | One etude of choice (any from Popper Opus 73, Duport, Franchomme, or a Piatti Caprice) | Prelude from a Bach Suite plus one other movement of choice (w/o repeats) | One movement from a standard cello concerto | One short (~5 minute) piece of choice, preferably by an underrepresented composer. | Performing the audition by memory is encouraged and preferred.

About cello study

The cello is played seated, held between the knees with an endpin, and its range covers bass, tenor and treble registers. Degree-level training emphasises sound production, left-hand shifting over a long fingerboard, bow control and the physical ease needed for sustained practice. Students typically work with a principal teacher in weekly lessons and attend studio classes where they perform for peers.

Repertoire includes unaccompanied suites, sonatas, concertos and a deep chamber literature, as the cello is central to string quartets, piano trios and many other combinations. Orchestral work is a major part of most programs. Some departments also encourage exploration of baroque cello, continuo playing and contemporary or improvised music, and a few include cello ensembles as a distinct performance tradition.

Typical degree contexts include the Bachelor of Music in cello performance, the Master of Music, and practice doctorates such as the Doctor of Musical Arts. Some programs emphasise solo careers, others orchestral or chamber preparation, and many offer pedagogy components. The cello also appears in historical performance programs and, in some places, in contemporary and popular music courses.

What study typically involves

  • Cello technique, intonation and bow control
  • Solo repertoire including unaccompanied and concerto works
  • Chamber music such as quartet and trio literature
  • Orchestral playing and excerpt preparation
  • Studio classes, juries and recitals
  • Sight-reading, aural skills and theory
  • Music history and performance practice
  • Body awareness and injury prevention in some programs

Award titles. Cello is commonly studied for the Bachelor of Music or BMus and the Master of Music or MMus. Some conservatories offer an Artist Diploma or a graduate or postgraduate diploma at advanced level; these are diploma awards and not master's degrees. The Doctor of Musical Arts is a practice doctorate. Award names differ by country, and no equivalence between systems is claimed.

A program is listed under cello in this directory only when its official page names the instrument in the title, as a major, or as a formal principal-study option. A private cello teacher or a faculty cellist does not count. Not every school offers cello as a degree specialization, and some group instruments under a general strings label.

Auditions and admissions guidance

General orientation only. Each program publishes its own repertoire, format and deadlines; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Cello auditions are usually live, sometimes preceded by a recorded prescreening round. Panels generally ask for contrasting works, often including something from the baroque or classical periods and something from a later era, and for scales or etudes. The goal is to hear tone, intonation, rhythm and musical judgement.

Many auditions require an accompanist for sonatas or concertos, and schools differ in whether they provide one. Orchestral excerpts may be requested at graduate level, and sight-reading, theory and aural tests are common, as are interviews.

Each program publishes its own repertoire categories and format, which can change annually. Applicants should read the current-year requirements for every school and verify accompanist arrangements. No admission outcome is guaranteed.

See also preparing for auditions and prescreening vs final auditions.

Costs and funding

Cello programs sometimes offer scholarships tied to audition results, and graduate cellists may be considered for assistantships such as teaching in preparatory programs or serving as ensemble coaches. String quartet residencies at some institutions provide stipends or other support.

Availability depends on the school, the country and the year; many students receive only partial support. Consult each program's funding information.

Costs beyond tuition. Cellists may pay for instrument purchase or rental, a bow, strings, rosin, an endpin stopper, a hard case and regular repairs. Because cellos are large, transport and airline arrangements can add cost, along with accompanist fees, insurance and audition travel.