Audition Requirements for Undergraduate and VET Programs
Specialisations:
- Brass
- Composition
- Integrated Studies
- Jazz
- Keyboard
- Music Technology
- Performance and Pedagogy
- Percussion (Classical)
- Sound Engineering
- Strings
- Voice
- Woodwind
Brass (French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba)
You should prepare three contrasting pieces showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement. The panel will look for good tonal quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation. Technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
Please note that due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to play complete pieces.
Composition
Composition applicants should bring photocopies of several original scores (normally 3) that enable the interview panel to undersand your current style and handling of compositional techniques. If your compositions are short pieces, you may wish to bring more than three. Note that copies of your scores should be brought with you on the day and not submitted in advance. The panel will retain the photocopies after the interview.
During the interview, the panel will ask questions about your compositions. You'll be invited to speak about their character and the techniques through which your musical ideas are expressed. You will be asked general questions about things such as your knowledge of the musical repertory, your preferred composers and musical works that have influenced you.
Integrated Studies
Integrated Studies applicants should audition for their instrument or voice as outlined in the relevant section on this page.
Jazz (Bass, Drums, Flute, Electric Guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Voice)
Three pieces should be prepared, typically illustrating Blues, Latin and Swing standards. A list of possible options if available on request, however you do not have to choose from this alone. It is recommended that applicants provide their own rhythm sections for accompaniment to give the panel an opportunity to evaluate your interaction with other players. If this is not possible, CD backing tracks are acceptable.
All (12 keys) major scales and at least 2 types of minor scales are expected.
You may be asked to read chords and melody lines for your instrument within a Big Band chart and to read a simple chord chart and improvise in an appropriate jazz style.
While music stands, a Vocal PA and mike without risers, Bass Amplifier, Guitar Amplifier and drum kit with cymbals but no sticks are provided in the audition venue, warm up rooms only have an amplifier.
Please note that due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to play complete pieces.
Keyboard (Harpsichord, Piano, Organ)
Piano: You need to prepare three pieces covering three major periods of the pianoforte literature. These must include one study or piece of a technical nature and one polyphonic piece (Bach, Hindemith, Shostakovich, etc). Familiarity with some scales and arpeggios will be expected. You will be given one minute to prepare a short piece of sight reading. Aural ability may be tested.
All auditions are conducted on a Steinway piano. Warm-up rooms contain upright pianos.
Please note that due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to play complete pieces.
Organ: Applicants should include three contrasting works totalling not more than 15 minutes. Technical work should include two or three pedal solos such as JS Bach Toccata in F, BWV 540 (first pedal solo, bars 55-82) or Toccata in C, BWV 564 (pedal solo, bars 13-32) or F Mendelssohn Sonata in D Minor, Opus 65, No. 6 (pedal part of the 12/8 variation).
Applicants for all other keyboard instruments (harpsichord, etc) must prepare three contrasting pieces and technical work (such as scales and arpeggios). Sight reading and aural ability may also be tested.
Please note that due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to play complete pieces.
Music Technology
Music Technology applicants will attend a group interview and complete a short questionnaire as part of the interview process. If you have a DVD, CD or demo tape, please leave a copy with us at the interview. This should contain 3 works demonstrating your use of technology, music making, mixing and production, recording, live sound and sound design.
All applicants will need to bring a CV detailing their background and range of relevant activities, employment and other experiences which will be left with the panel at the interview.
Performance and Pedagogy
Applicants interested in the 'Performance and Pedagogy' specialisation in the Bachelor of Music Studies should audition for their instrument or voice as outlined on this page.
Percussion (Classical)
Applicants will be required to perform three contrasting works selected from the following percussion categories:
Group 1: Vibraphone, Xylophone, Marimba
Group 2: Timpani, Snare Drum, Multipercussion
The pieces can be performed with or without an accompanist and duration need be no longer than 10 minutes. Technical exercises are required demonstrating major scales and arpeggios, one to two octaves played at quavers equalling 120mm. Basic snare drum rudiments, e.g. single and double stroke rolls at various dynamic levels, are to be performed.
Pieces can be performed with or without an accompanist.
Please note that due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to play complete pieces.
Sound Engineering
Sound Engineering applicants will attend a group interview and acomplete a short questionnaire as part of the interview process. If you have a DVD, CD or demo tape, please leave a copy with us at the interview. This should contain 3 works demonstrating your use of technology, music making, mixing and production, recording, live sound and sound design.
All applicants will need to bring a CV detailing their background and range of relevant activities, employment and other experiences which will be left with the panel at the interview.
Strings (Cello, Classical Guitar, Double Bass, Harp, Violin, Viola)
You need to prepare three contrasting pieces showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement. The panel will look for good tonal quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation. Technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
Please note that due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to play complete pieces.
Voice (Classical)
Please prepare three contrasting pieces of classical vocal music. Songs should include a variety of styles such as early Italian, a classical arrangement of a folk song or spiritual, an Art song (a classically composed song in any language) or possibly something from a musical. Sight reading skills at 4th grade AMEB level are expected.
The panel may ask a student to demonstrate some basic aural skills by singing scales, arpeggios and intervals.
Please note that you will require an accompanist. Due to time restrictions, the panel may not ask you to sing complete pieces, nor ask for all three pieces you have prepared.
Woodwind (Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Recorder, Saxophone)
You should prepare three contrasting pieces from different periods/styles. One movement of a sonata is sufficient. showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement. The panel will look for good tone quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation. Technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
