Audition Requirements

Piano

Pianists should be prepared to play three pieces from different style periods of music (such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, Twentieth-century, or Contemporary). The suggested minimum level for repertoire is grade 9 (either Mount Allison Local Centre, Royal Conservatory of Music, or Conservatory Canada).

Voice

Singers should be prepared to perform three pieces in different styles (such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, etc.). If possible, singers should perform in more than one language (such as English, French, Italian, German). At the audition, singers will be asked to perform some technical and aural skills-based activities, including:

• singing of scales: major, harmonic minor, chromatic (any key)
• clap-back of rhythm
• sight reading

The level of difficulty for these aural tests will be at approximately the RCM Grade 5 level.

Clarinet and Saxophone

1. Scales: two major scales of our choosing.
All slurred and all tongued, in eighth notes at quarter note = 92 bpm.
2. Two pieces of contrasting style. At least one must have piano accompaniment. Jazz players may play an optional, third piece in jazz style.
3. Sight-reading

Flute

1. Scales: major scales, harmonic minor scales, two octaves
2. Two pieces of contrasting style. At least one must have piano accompaniment.
3. Sight-reading

Oboe and Bassoon

Oboists and bassoonists should prepare three pieces in contrasting styles. At least one must have piano accompaniment.

Brass

1. Scales: prepare all major scales.
All slurred and all tongued, in eighth notes at quarter note = 92 bpm.
2. Two pieces of contrasting style. At least one must have piano accompaniment.
3. Sight-reading (may or may not be asked)

Percussion

Percussionists should prepare three pieces in contrasting styles, demonstrating ability on the snare drum, drum set, multi-percussion set-up or mallet instruments (xylophone, marimba or vibraphone). If possible a timpani piece can be presented.
At the audition, you will be asked to do some basic sight-reading. Also, demonstration of some of the most important rudiments on snare drum will be required: long rolls, flams, paradiddles and ruffs.
Scales on either xylophone, marimba or vibraphone: major scales, two octaves.

Guitar

Auditioning students should prepare three pieces of contrasting styles and displaying different techniques from the classical guitar repertoire. A standard source from which to select appropriate pieces is the Bridges series of graded repertoire and studies compiled by the Royal Conservatory of Music and published by Frederick Harris Music. Students are expected to audition with pieces of at least the grade five level.