Audition Requirements

All prospective students wishing to enter the Music Diploma Program are required to audition on their primary instrument. Those students unable to attend a live audition may submit a tape/CD or video recording for assessment. Due to enrolment demands and to be eligible for entrance scholarships, applicants are strongly advised to audition as early as possible.

Audition dates for Fall 2012 are:

February 25
March 24
May 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
June 5, 6, 12, 13

Applicants will be notified of their audition date and time.

When filling out the application form please include which instrument(s) you will be auditioning on in the comments section of the form.

The audition process consists of the following four parts:

1. Repertoire

Applicants must perform two contrasting selections, preferably by memory and not to exceed 15 minutes. One copy of each selection must be provided for the audition committee. A list of repertoire studied within the last two years and a letter of reference from the applicant's current teacher should be presented at the audition, if possible. Where an accompanist is needed, it is suggested the applicant provide his or her own pianist or perform without accompaniment (an accompanist provided by the university may be available on certain audition dates).

Sight-Reading may be required at the discretion of the audition committee.

Performance Level Required:

Piano: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Ten or equivalent.

Applicants below this level may enrol in a preparatory year.

Voice: There is no specific grade level required. An ability to perform in a language other than English is an advantage, but not required.

Wind/Brass/Strings/Guitar/Percussion: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Six or equivalent.

The above grade levels are approximate guidelines and those applicants who are below the indicated level and demonstrate good potential for future growth and development will be given consideration.

2. Musicianship Skills Assessment

a) Tap or clap a short rhythmic excerpt

b) Identify intervals within an octave (ascending and descending)

c) Identify chords (major, minor, dominant and diminished sevenths in root position)

d) Pitch Matching (match one to three pitches with the voice after being heard on the piano)

3. Interview

Applicants will be asked about their musical background and future music, career and personal goals.

4. Theory Exam

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough and fluent knowledge of the fundamentals of music (pitch, key signatures, scales, rhythm, intervals, chords, transposition and musical terms).

Applicants who have successfully completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Advanced Rudiments (Grade Two Rudiments) Exam will be granted exemption however are required to bring a copy of their RCM certificate to the audition.

A sample theory exam is available from the music office or by downloading the following PDF files:

Sample theory exam (pdf)

Recommended Texts for Preparation:

Berlin, Boris, Molly Sclater and Kathryn Sinclair. Keys to Music Rudiments. Toronto: Gordon V. Thompson (Warner Bros. Publications), 1968-1969.

Lawless, James. The New Theory Workbook. 3 vols. Waterloo, Ontario: Waterloo Music, 1991.

Sarnecki, Mark. The Complete Elementary Music Rudiments. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.

Vandendool, Grace. Keyboard Theory. 3 vols. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.

Wharram, Barbara. Elementary Rudiments of Music. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 1969.

Go to www.musictheory.net for additional music theory and ear training resources.