Department of Fine and Performing Arts

A successful audition is required to gain admittance to the music programme. Applicants will be required to demonstrate competency in pitch recognition and sight reading at the time of the audition in addition to performing two pieces. Individuals with learning disabilities (impaired vision, dyslexia, etc.) will also be required to show competency in sight reading and pitch recognition at the audition. An enlarged print of the scores can be provided upon request and it is recommended that prior notification be given so that the necessary accommodations can be made where possible.

Please note that this information is only for applicants who have been invited to audition and notified by the admissions office to attend live auditions. This is not an open call audition.

If you have applied and not been notified about the audition process, please contact the admissions office as soon as possible.

A live accompanist will be provided on the day of the audition for vocal auditions only. Individuals who require rehearsal with the accompanist prior to the audition can call the office for further information. Please note that all rehearsal scheduling and costs must be arranged and incurred by the individual. It should be noted that auditions are live and applicants should be well prepared. There will be no re-scheduling of auditions so that all applicants must be prepared and on time. Auditions must be a priority. Instrumentalists are advised to provide backing tracks where necessary and/or provide an accompanist.

It is important to note that all individuals attending auditions must be appropriately attired. No flip-flops, strapless clothing, shorts of any kind and tank tops.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Applicants auditioning to enter the music programme will be required to adhere to the audition criteria as stated.

Please click on the instrument of choice to view specific audition information.

• Piano
• Pan
• Voice
• Guitar
• Steelpan
• Woodwind and Brass (Applicants interested in the Woodwind and Brass specialisations are asked register for the audition and contact the music office 640-2548 for further information.

Any additional Information or queries, please contact:  The Department of Fine and Performing Arts Anthony Lezama Administrative Assistant 625-5030 ext. 5080, 5081

Voice audition requires that applicants perform three pieces.

• An Italian Art Song (17^th or 18^th Century)
• An English Piece (Not a Translation)
• Musical Theatre OR Jazz Standard

Pieces must be performed from memory. Suggested composers: Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Wagner, Rossini.

All applicants will be required to sight-sing music that will be provided on the day of the audition.

Two copies of the score/arrangement of repertoire being performed must be submitted to the audition panel in ring binders.

Applicants to the Steelpan Specialisation should audition on the tenor pan, double tenor or double second pans only.

SOLO PERFORMANCE REPERTOIRE

One piece from the following:

EITHER

1. A Bach Violin Concerto

OR

1. Solo selection of grade 3 level or above

OR

1. A solo composition by one of the listed composers

• Liam Teague
• Len “Boogsie” Sharpe

The second selection can be a jazz standard, calypso arrangement or a gospel arrangement. (Please note that no self composed repertoire will be allowed).

SIGHT READING

All individuals will also be required to show proficiency in sight-reading at the time of the audition. The sight-reading material will be provided.

SCALES

At least two octaves

Major and Minor and Chromatic Scales up to three sharps and three flats. Please note that you will be required to prepare both harmonic and melodic minor sales up to three sharps and flats.

Two (2) copies of the score/arrangement that you will be performing should be provided in a ring binder which will be utilized by the audition panel. All scores must be legible.

PIANO AUDITION

Applicants interested in pursuing the piano specialisation will be expected to perform two solo pieces, play scales upon request and demonstrate competence in sight-reading and aural skills.

SOLO PERFORMANCE REPERTOIRE

One piece from the following list of options:

Either

1. A composition from the baroque literature e.g. a Bach two- or three-part invention, prelude and fugue, etc.

OR

1. A sonata-allegro movement from the classical period — Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn (suggested composers)

OR

1. A composition from the literature of the nineteenth or twentieth century

The second selection should be chosen from Jazz or Gospel genre. (Please note that no applicant will be allowed to perform self composed selection).

SIGHT READING

All individuals will also be required to show proficiency in sight-reading at the time of the audition. The sight-reading material will be provided.

SCALES

At least two octaves

Major and Minor and Chromatic Scales up to three sharps and three flats. Please note that you will be required to prepare both harmonic and melodic minor sales up to three sharps and flats.

Two (2) copies of the score/arrangement that you will be performing should be provided in a ring binder which will be utilized by the audition panel. All scores must be legible.

Candidates will be tested in the following areas:

SCALES: (All scales must be played over two (2) octaves and  = 150 b.p.m. or faster)

• Majors: C, F,G & Bb
• Harmonic Minors: A & D

ARPEGGIOS: (All arpeggios must be played over two (2) octaves and  = 150 b.p.m. or faster)

• C Major 7^th
• A Minor 7^th
• D Minor 7^th
• G Dominant 7^th

CHORDS:

1. Basic chords in Open position,
2. A Calypso guitar chord sheet using Bar chords with a notated rhythm pattern,
3. A jazz lead sheet, and
4. Specific rhythm guitar patterns.

SIGHT READING:

1. A simple piece of Grade 2 standard from the Classical Guitar repertoire,
2. A simple melody from a contemporary lead sheet.

PIECES:

Candidates should prepare two (2) pieces that best demonstrate their level of proficiency.

1. One piece from the following two categories:

1. A classical piece of Grade 3 proficiency or higher

OR

1. A jazz standard played either Chord Melody style or improvised melody with accompaniment (candidates are require to make provisions for their own accompaniment – an accompanist will NOT be provided.  CD Tracks are acceptable for this exercise),

AND

1. A piece of choice (any genre)

REPERTOIRE: (Candidates are asked to prepare pieces from the list below.  Substitutions are allowed but must be of similar or greater difficulty. Candidates MUST also provide copies of their music pieces).

Contemporary / Jazz:

• Johnny Mercer’s “Autumn Leaves”
• Errol Garner’s “Misty”
• Bart Howard’s “Fly Me to the Moon”
• Simons / Marks “All of Me”
• Ellington / Strayhorn’s “Take the A Train”

Classical:

• Carcassi’s “Etude No. 1” from 25 Studies
• Carcassi’s “Etude No. 3” from 25 Studies
• Giuliani’s “Lesson # 10” from Opus 51 (18 Progressive Lessons for the Guitar)

Performances will be evaluated based on:

• Presentation
• Musicality
• Pitch accuracy
• Rhythmic precision
• Tonal Quality
• Technique, and
• Posture

GENERAL:

Candidates are required to bring an instrument in good working condition.  Under no circumstances would a guitar be provided.  Special care and attention should also be paid to:

• Tuning, and
• Instrument maintenance (i.e. intonation, string quality, cleanliness etc.)

Candidates are also advised that the College has very clear guidelines with respect to deportment, conduct and punctuality. These rules are to be observed by candidates during this important assessment phase.