Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

College of Music and Dramatic Arts

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The Institute of Composer Diversity and the Boulanger Initiative focus on music written by composers who have been historically excluded from the profession. The focal point of the Institute of Composer Diversity is discovery, study, and programming of such composers through its database and reports, while The Boulanger Initiative advocates for women and all gender-marginalized composers. Because of limited exposure, incomplete records, difficulty of procuring music, and identified bias, female composers’ orchestral works are underrepresented in orchestral programming. Professional orchestral horn audition repertoire is no different, with professional orchestras, such as the New York Philharmonic, only very recently including a few female-composed excerpts in their rotation.

This monograph identifies 24 orchestral horn audition excerpts of 14 works by 9 female composers from a variety of stylistic periods, along with the techniques that would give a musician the chance to stand out in an audition, as well as comparable, current audition repertoire standards, and an explanation as to why these lesser-known excerpts belong in the horn audition canon. This monograph also expands upon the previous research on the topic of female orchestral composers, adding the depth needed for the level of equality that is becoming expected in professional orchestras. Given that a high level of technical playing is expected at all auditions, the musician’s intent to make a connection with the audition committee is most evident in the performer’s artistic approach, which evinces careful musical considerations, informed decision-making, and an individual approach to the excerpts. This monograph includes guidance for the performer to have a more musically compelling audition.

While current orchestral audition standards for the horn include compositions from a variety of genres and time periods to assess technical skills of horn performers while demanding musical excellence, they are all written by male composers. The excerpts in this monograph are chosen to not only challenge the technical skill of horn performers and demand musical excellence, but also to expand upon the canon and demonstrate that inclusion enriches professional auditions.

Date

7-12-2026

Committee Chair

James Byo

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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