For your auditions
Brass (D.Mus., M.Mus. PG Art. Dip., GDP)
D.Mus. (Brass)
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
For your live audition, focus on chamber music, orchestral or solo repertoire.
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital material in various styles.
- Prepare for a 30 minute interview.
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
Conducting (D.Mus., M.Mus., Choral Cert.)
D.Mus. (Conducting)
Screening
30-minute video (camera facing the conductor) showing 15 minutes of rehearsal and 15 minutes of performance excerpts featuring a minimum of two contrasting works.
Live
This year your options are choral, orchestral and wind orchestra.
At your live audition:
- You will participate in a 15-30 minute rehearsal with one of our choral and/or instrumental ensembles.
- You may be asked to sight-sing and read a score at the keyboard.
- You may briefly be tested on your background knowledge of choral, orchestral, and wind orchestra literature.
- Choral conductors will be asked to perform two contrasting arias or art songs.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
Recorded auditions are not permitted for this program.
M.Mus. (Conducting)
Screening
30-minute video (camera facing the conductor) showing 15 minutes of rehearsal and 15 minutes of performance excerpts featuring a minimum of two contrasting works.
Live
This year your options are choral, orchestral and wind orchestra.
At your live audition:
- You will participate in a 15-30 minute rehearsal with one of our choral and/or instrumental ensembles.
- You may be asked to sight-sing and read a score at the keyboard.
- You may briefly be tested on your background knowledge of choral, orchestral, and wind orchestra literature.
- Choral conductors will be asked to perform two contrasting arias or art songs.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
Recorded auditions are not permitted for this program.
Choral Conducting Certificate
Screening
30-minute video (camera facing the conductor) showing 15 minutes of rehearsal and 15 minutes of performance excerpts featuring a minimum of two contrasting works.
Live
Applicants who pass the screening will be contacted with further instructions and repertoire to prepare for their on-campus auditions.
Recorded
Recorded auditions are not permitted for this program.
Early Music (D.Mus., M.Mus. PG Art. Dip., GDP)
D.Mus. (Early Music)
Screening
Early Music Voice
Record seven contrasting pieces, in four major languages, representing song repertoire and opera or oratorio (or both). Two pieces may be post-1800. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
All other instruments
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
Early Music Voice
For your live audition:
- Prepare a balanced 60-minute program representing the major musical periods (Baroque, Renaissance, Medieval), contrasting styles (opera, oratorio, cantata, air de cour, songs), and the four major languages (English, French, German, Italian). Include at least two recitatives and works from the repertoire on which you want to focus your research project. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Early Music Instruments
- Prepare a balanced 60-minute program representing the most important styles of the 17th and/or 18th centuries appropriate for your instrument.
- Include a work by Bach, a French suite or sonata, and an Italian sonata.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Fortepiano
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire on a five-octave classical fortepiano (FF-a3).
- Include at least one sonata by Joseph Haydn. The remaining works may be freely chosen from Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi, CPE Bach, or any other composer active between ca. 1750 and 1805.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Harpsichord
- Prepare a balanced 60-minute program representing the most important styles of the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus. Early Music
Screening
Early Music Voice
As of September 2023, screening is no longer required for this program.
Early Music Instruments
Early Music instrumentalists are exempt from the screening requirement for this program.
Live
Early Music Voice
- Five contrasting selections, including at least four different languages (Italian, German, French, English) and at least three arias chosen from the oratorio, opera, and cantata repertoire; one recitative must be included. All the selections should have been composed before 1800, and at least one selection should be by a female composer. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
Early Music Instruments
- Prepare a balanced 60-minute program representing the most important styles of the 17th and/or 18th centuries appropriate for your instrument.
- Include a work by Bach, a French suite or sonata, and an Italian sonata.
Fortepiano
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire on a five-octave classical fortepiano (FF-a3).
- Include at least one sonata by Joseph Haydn. The remaining works may be freely chosen from Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi, CPE Bach, or any other composer active between ca. 1750 and 1805.
Harpsichord
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire.
- Include a major work by J.S. Bach and two Scarlatti sonatas. The remaining pieces should include works by the English Virginalists, 17th-century Italian composers, and the French Clavecinistes.
Recorded
Record 30 minutes of repertoire from the on-campus audition requirements for your instrument.
PG Art. Dip. , GDP
Screening
Early Music Voice
As of September 2023, screening is no longer required for this program.
Early Music Instruments
Early Music instrumentalists are exempt from the screening requirement for this program.
Live
Early Music Voice
- Five contrasting selections, including at least four different languages (Italian, German, French, English) and at least three arias chosen from the oratorio, opera, and cantata repertoire; one recitative must be included. All the selections should have been composed before 1800, and at least one selection should be by a female composer. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
Early Music Instruments
- Prepare a balanced 60-minute program representing the most important styles of the 17th and/or 18th centuries appropriate for your instrument.
Fortepiano
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire on a five-octave classical fortepiano (FF-a3).
- Include at least one sonata by Joseph Haydn. The remaining works may be freely chosen from Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi, CPE Bach, or any other composer active between ca. 1750 and 1805.
Harpsichord
- Prepare a balanced 60-minute program representing the most important styles of the 17th and/or 18th centuries appropriate for your instrument.
Recorded
Post-Graduate Artist Diploma: The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions are the same.
Graduate Diploma in Performance: Record 30 minutes of repertoire from the on-campus audition requirements for your instrument.
Ěý
Guitar (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Guitar)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire.
- Include works relevant to your proposed performance specialization. For example, prepare contemporary works if your focus is on 20th century music, prepare renaissance and baroque works if your specialization is early music, etc.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Guitar)
Screening
- N/A
Live
- Prepare 40 minutes of free choice repertoire, demonstrating at least three contrasting styles. The audition panel will select approximately 25 minutes from your program to listen to.
- Applicants may include chamber music as part of their audition repertoire.
- You may be asked to sight-read.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
- Please note that, for recorded auditions, guitar applicants must submit one 40-minute video. The video must be unedited and in one take (no edits between pieces or at any time).
PG Art. Dip. (Guitar)
Screening
- N/A
Live
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire, focusing on chamber music or solo performance.
- Include works relevant to your proposed performance specialization. For example, prepare contemporary works if your focus is on 20th-century music, prepare Renaissance and baroque works if your specialization is early music, etc.
- You may be asked to sight-read.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
- Please note that, for recorded auditions, guitar applicants must submit one 40-minute video. The video must be unedited and in one take (no edits between pieces or at any time).
Harp (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Harp)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare 60 minutes of repertoire.
- Include four works in different styles, including a 20th century composition and an Ă©tude
- You may be asked to sightread.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Harp)
Screening
- N/A
Live
- Prepare approximately 40 minutes of repertoire.
- Include four works in different styles, including a 20th century composition and an Ă©tude.
- You may be asked to sightread.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
PG Art. Dip. (Harp)
Jazz (D.Mus., M.Mus., GDP)
D.Mus. (Jazz)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Create a 20-minute mini-concert of pieces which should include at least one piece from the standard jazz repertoire plus 2-3 original pieces (minimum of 1 original is required)
- Bring a printed copy of the music you have prepared for the audition panel.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview after the concert portion
- Drummers: Bring your own cymbals, felts, cymbal sleeves, hi-hat clutches!
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Jazz)
Screening
All instruments must submit 3 contrasting pieces. Original compositions are not required but appreciated. You must improvise on all the “jazz” selections.
Brass:
Play one piece from each of the three categories below:
- A be-bop composition
- A classical Ă©tude
- A piece of your own choice
Saxophone:
Play one piece from each of the three categories below:
- A be-bop composition
- A transcribed solo with the recording
- A piece of your own choice
Piano:
Play one piece from each of the three categories below:
- A ballad
- A up-tempo swing (200 BPM minimum)
- A piece of your own choice (any style)
- At least 2 pieces must be performed with a live rhythm section (best possible level!) (Play-along recordings accepted only in cases where such musicians cannot be found by the applicant)
- 1 piece can be solo piano piece (appreciated but not required)Ěý
- At least 1 piece must be a jazz standard
Drums:
Prepare three contrasting pieces
- 2 of the 3 pieces should have a swing feel (with 2 different tempos)
- 1 piece of your own choice
- These pieces must be performed with live musicians - no play-along recordings.
Bass:
Play one piece from each of the three categories below:
- A blues (examples: Billie's Bounce; Au Privave, Straight No Chaser, Tenor Madness, Sonny Moon for Two, Blues Walk).
- A jazz standard (examples: Solar, All the Things You Are, Green Dolphin Street, What Is This Thing Called Love, Stella by Starlight, Four, Night and Day). · A tune with a contrasting feel from the above. This could be either: - A ballad (examples: Body and Soul, What's New, I Can't Get Started, I Fall in Love Too Easily) - A latin or str. 8th tune (examples: Blue Bossa, Corcovado, The Girl From Ipanema, Recordame) or - A tune in 3/4 (examples: Someday My Prince Will Come, Alice In Wonderland, Bluesette, A Child Is Born).
- These pieces must be performed with a live rhythm section (i.e. piano or guitar, and drums) NO PLAY-ALONG RECORDINGS
- The blues and the standard should be contrasting tempos, one medium and one medium-up. · For each piece, demonstrate your ability to accompany a soloist and take an improvised solo.
- Walk a bass line in 2 and in 4 for the blues and the standard.
- Play the melody for at least two of the pieces.
In addition, a solo classical etude played with the bow may be included if you wish but is not required.
Electric bass players may perform the optional etude without the bow.
Voice and any other instruments:
Choose 3 pieces from these 4 categories (maximum one tune from each):
- A blues
- A ballad
- A jazz standard
- An original composition
Live
MMUS
- Create a 20 minute mini-concert of pieces which includes the standard jazz repertoire plus 2-3 original pieces (minimum of 1 original is required).
- Choose material that you are comfortable playing and that showcases your musicianship and technical proficiency.
- Drummers: Bring your own cymbals, felts, cymbal sleeves, hi-hat clutches!
GDP
- Supply lead sheets for the live rhythm section in order to avoid harmonic discrepancies.
- Perform one of the three original compositions submitted with your application.
- Choose material that you are comfortable playing and that showcases your musicianship and technical proficiency.
- Drummers: Bring your own cymbals, felts, cymbal sleeves, hi-hat clutches!
Recorded
- Perform five pieces of various tempos and styles from the standard jazz repertoire, including a ballad and up-tempo “rhythm changes” tune.
- Perform an original composition.
- All instruments: performances must be accompanied by live musicians.
MMUS ONLY:
In addition, please follow the requirements below for your respective instrument if listed.
- Brass: A classical Ă©tude
- Piano: One jazz standard of the five required can be a solo piano piece (this appreciated but not required)
- Drums: At least three of the five jazz standards should have a swing feel
- Bass: For each piece, demonstrate your ability to accompany a soloist and take an improvised solo. Play the melody for at least two of the pieces. In addition, a solo classical etude played with the bow may be included if you wish but is not required. Electric bass players may perform the optional etude without the bow.
Organ (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Organ)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire.
- Include a major work by J.S. Bach, along with pre-Bach, romantic and contemporary selections.Ěý
- You can choose between a mechanical action or electric action instrument. You can also audition on two different instruments. You can use a registration assistant at the mechanical action console, but you should do your own registrations at the electric console.
- Prepare for a 30 minute interview.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., PG Art. Dip., GDP (Organ)
Screening
- N/A
Live
MMUS
Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire. Include:
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach Trio Sonata or a Trio from the Leipzig collection or KlavierĂĽbung III collections.
- One major Prelude and 1 Fugue by J.S. Bach.
- The remaining repertoire should include pre-Bach, romantic and contemporary selections.
PG Art. Dip, GDP
Select one of the options below:
- Option 1:
Prepare 60 minutes of recital repertoire. Include a major work by J.S. Bach as well as pre-Bach, romantic and contemporary selections. You can choose between a mechanical action or electric action instrument. You can also present on two different instruments. You can use a registration assistant at the mechanical action console, but you should do your own registration at the electric console.Ěý - Option 2:
Focus on one specialized part of the organ repertoire, such as North German Baroque, French romantic music or a specific composer, such as Bach or Messiaen. In this case, you can choose to only perform works that are consistent with your desired specialization.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Percussion (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Percussion)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- You must demonstrate ability on all basic percussion instruments, i.e., timpani, keyboard percussion, snare drum, multiple percussion. You can submit multiple recordings of percussion solos to the Percussion Area Coordinator in advance of your live audition.
- Prepare a minimum of 30 minutes of solo recital material, and a minimum of 3 different pieces. At least one of them should correspond to the research topic that you want to study during your DMUS.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
Recorded auditions are not permitted for this program.
M.Mus., GDP (Percussion)
Screening
- N/A
Live
- Be prepared to demonstrate ability on all basic percussion instruments, i.e., timpani, keyboard percussion, snare drum, multiple percussion. Prepare a minimum of 30 minutes of material. Prepare to sight-read.
- If you are auditioning on campus (which is preferred) and your percussion solos require a large setup, you can submit videos of them to the Percussion Area Coordinator in advance of your audition.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
PG Art. Dip. (Percussion)
Screening
- N/A
Live
- You must demonstrate ability on all basic percussion instruments, i.e., timpani, keyboard percussion, snare drum, multiple percussion. You can submit multiple recordings of percussion solos to the Percussion Area Coordinator in advance of your live audition.
- Prepare 40 minutes of solo material or, if your focus is on chamber music or orchestral repertoire, prepare 20 minutes of solo material and 20 minutes of complementary material (20 minutes of orchestral excerpts or 20 min of recorded chamber music).
- Prepare to sight-read.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Piano, Collaborative (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Piano, Collab)
For auditions to the ż´Ć¬ĘÓƵ-UdeM Piano-Vocal Arts Residency, please follow the guidelines here: ż´Ć¬ĘÓƵ-UdeM Piano Vocal Arts Residency
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare for a 30 minute interview and to sight-read.
- Prepare 15-20 minutes of music of your choice, from the solo piano repertoire. Present repertoire from one or two composers. Memorization is optional.
- Prepare selections from all three concentrations listed below, or choose two of the instrumental pieces plus the vocal or opera repertoire. If you want to work primarily with singers, you must include all three concentrations.
Collaborative concentrations:
Instrumental: A violinist will be provided by the School. Prepare the piano part from one (or two) of the following excerpts:
- Beethoven, Violin Sonata No. 7, c minor, 1st movement, Allegro con brio
- Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 2 in A, Op. 100, 1st movement, Allegro amabile
- Franck, Violin Sonata in A, 2nd movement, Allegro
Vocal: A singer will be provided by the School. Prepare the following songs:
- Franz Schubert, Ganymed
- Johannes Brahms, Meine Liebe ist grĂĽn
- Claude Debussy, Il pleure dans mon coeur
- Richard Strauss, Allerseelen
- Samuel Barber, St. Ita's Vision
Opera: The operatic excerpts should be sung in the original language while playing the orchestral reduction from any standard piano/vocal score. Prepare:
- Any Aria from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and "Sein wir wieder gut” from Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos,
or
- “Here I Stand” from Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progres
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Piano, Collab)
Screening
- N/A
Live
1. Prepare one selection, memorized, from the solo piano repertoire (your choice). It should be from a major composer and at least 8 minutes long.
2. Prepare selections from two of the following three Collaborative Concentrations:
Instrumental: A violinist will be provided by the School. Prepare the piano part from one of the following excerpts:
- Beethoven, Violin Sonata No. 7, c minor, 1st movement, Allegro con brio
- Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 2 in A, Op. 100, 1st movement, Allegro amabile
- Franck, Violin Sonata in A, 2nd movement, AllegroĚý
Vocal: A singer will be provided by the School. Prepare the following songs:
- Franz Schubert, Ganymed o Johannes Brahms, Meine Liebe ist grĂĽn
- Claude Debussy, Il pleure dans mon coeur
- Richard Strauss, Allerseelen o Samuel Barber, St. Ita's VisionĚý
Opera: The operatic excerpts should be sung in the original language while playing the orchestral reduction from any standard piano/vocal score. Prepare:
- Any Aria from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and "Sein wir wieder gut” from Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos,
or
- “Here I Stand” from Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
PG Art. Dip. (Piano, Collab)
Screening
- N/A
Live
- Prepare for a 30 minute interview and to sight-read.
- Prepare 15-20 minutes of music of your choice, from the solo piano repertoire. Present repertoire from one or two composers. Memorization is optional.
- Prepare selections from all three concentrations listed below, or choose two of the instrumental pieces plus the vocal or opera repertoire. If you want to work primarily with singers, you must include all three concentrations.
Collaborative concentrations:Ěý
Instrumental: A violinist will be provided by the School. Prepare the piano part from one (or two) of the following excerpts:
- Beethoven, Violin Sonata No. 7, c minor, 1st movement, Allegro con brio
- Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 2 in A, Op. 100, 1st movement, Allegro amabile
- Franck, Violin Sonata in A, 2nd movement, Allegro
Vocal: A singer will be provided by the School. Prepare the following songs:
- Franz Schubert, Ganymed
- Johannes Brahms, Meine Liebe ist grĂĽn
- Claude Debussy, Il pleure dans mon coeur
- Richard Strauss, Allerseelen
- Samuel Barber, St. Ita's VisionĚý
Opera: The operatic excerpts should be sung in the original language while playing the orchestral reduction from any standard piano/vocal score. Prepare:
- Any Aria from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and "Sein wir wieder gut” from Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos,
or
- “Here I Stand” from Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Piano (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Piano)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare a 60 minute solo recital program. Memorization is optional. The panel may choose to hear complete works and/or excerpts.
- Select pieces from major composers, in a range of styles, genres and periods.
- Feature repertoire from the area in which you want to focus your major research and performance.
- Prepare for a 30 minute interview about your research interests.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Piano)
Screening
- N/A
Live
Prepare 40 minutes of memorized solo recital material from major composers (see below). Include:
- One or more movements of a sonata (or a set of variations) from the 18th/early 19th century, e.g., Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert.
- One piece in a romantic style from the 19th century, e.g., Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms.
One or more selections from these options:Ěý
- A 17th/18th century piece, e.g., Bach, Scarlatti, Rameau, Handel, Couperin.
- A piece from the end of the 19th/early 20th century, e.g., Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Albeniz, Schoenberg, Reger, Scriabin, Berg, Rachmaninoff, Franck.
- A 20th century piece (up to c.1950), e.g., Bartok, Webern, Hindemith, Stravinsky, Prokofieff, Messiaen.Ěý
- A contemporary piece, e.g., Stockhausen, Boulez, Berio, Xenakis, Mather, Cherney, Tremblay (memorization for this category is optional)
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
PG Art. Dip. (Piano)
Screening
- N/A
Live
Post-Graduate Artist Diploma Audition requirements for applicants who completed or are in the process of completing a Graduate Diploma in Performance (GDP)
- Prepare a 60 minute recital program.Ěý
- Include works from major composers covering a range of styles, genres, and periods , with at least one piece from the 19th century (e.g., Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms).
- Feature music from the repertoire area in which you wish to focus your major performance.
- The panel may choose to hear complete works and/or excerpts.
- Memorization is required except for the pieces written after 1960.
Post-Graduate Artist Diploma Audition requirements for applicants who have not completed a Graduate Diploma in Performance.Ěý
Prepare 60 minutes of memorized solo recital material from major composers (see below). Include:
- One or more movements of a sonata (or a set of variations) from the 18th/early 19th century, e.g., Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert.
- One piece in a romantic style from the 19th century, e.g., Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms.
One or more selections from these options:
- A 17th/18th century piece, e.g., Bach, Scarlatti, Rameau, Handel, Couperin.
- A piece from the end of the 19th/early 20th century, e.g., Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Albeniz, Schoenberg, Reger, Scriabin, Berg, Rachmaninoff, Franck.
- A 20th century piece (up to c.1950), e.g., Bartok, Webern, Hindemith, Stravinsky, Prokofieff, Messiaen.
- A contemporary piece, e.g., Stockhausen, Boulez, Berio, Xenakis, Mather, Cherney, Tremblay (memorization for this category is optional)
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Strings (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Strings)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare a 60-minute program of repertoire from various musical periods.
- Include two contrasting movements from the solo works by J.S. Bach.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Strings)
Screening
- N/A
Live
For cello, prepare (memorized):
- One study by either Servais or Piatti.
- The prelude and two other contrasting movements of a Suite by J.S. Bach.
- A fast and a slow movement from any classical, romantic or modern concerto.
For double bass prepare:
- One movement from a Suite by J.S. Bach.
- A complete concerto.
- A contemporary work.
- 4 orchestral excerpts.
For viola, prepare (memorized):
- One caprice by Campagnoli.
- The prelude and two other contrasting movements of an unaccompanied Suite by J.S. Bach.
- A fast and slow movement from a major concerto from the 20th or 21st century, selected from one of the following works:
- BartĂłk
- Walton
- Hindemith (Der Schwanendreher or Kammermusik No. 5)
- Bloch (1919 Suite)
- MartinĹŻ (Rhapsody Concerto)
- Penderecki
- Schnittke
For violin, prepare (memorized):
- A complete major concerto from the 19th or 20th century.
- Two contrasting movements from the solo sonatas and partitas by J.S. Bach.
- A Paganini caprice
Ěý
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
PG Art. Dip. (Strings)
Screening
- N/A
Live
Cello
- Prepare a 60-minute program of repertoire
- Include one study by either Servais or Piatti.
- Include the prelude and two other contrasting movements of a Suite by J.S. Bach.
- Include a fast and a slow movement from any classical, romantic or modern concerto.
- Fill the remaining time with repertoire of your choice.
- Concerto and unaccompanied Bach to be played from memory.
Double Bass
- Prepare a 60-minute program of repertoire
- Include one movement from a Suite by J.S. Bach.
- Include a concerto.
- Include a contemporary work.
- Include 4 orchestral excerpts.
- Fill the remaining time with repertoire of your choice.
Viola
- Prepare a 60-minute program of repertoire.
- Include one caprice by Campagnoli.
- Include the prelude and two other contrasting movements of an unaccompanied Suite by J.S. Bach.
- Include a fast and a slow movement from a major concerto.
- Fill the remaining time with repertoire of your choice.
- Concerto and unaccompanied Bach to be played from memory.
Violin
- Prepare a 60-minute program of repertoire.
- Include a complete major concerto from the 19th or 20th century.
- Include two contrasting movements from the solo works by J.S. Bach.
- Include a Paganini caprice.
- Fill the remaining time with repertoire of your choice.
- Concerto, unaccompanied Bach and Paganini to be played from memory.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Voice (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Voice)
Screening
Record seven contrasting pieces, in four major languages;
- Record seven contrasting pieces, in four major languages, representing song repertoire and opera or oratorio (or both). All repertoire should be performed from memory.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
- Prepare a varied 60-min program, to include 4 languages that includes, but is not limited to, art song and opera. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., GDP (Voice)
Screening
As of September 2023, screening is no longer required for this program.
Live
Prepare a varied 30-min program, to include 4 languages that includes, but is not limited to, art song and opera. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
Ěý
Recorded
The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
PG Art. Dip. (Voice)
Screening
As of September 2023, screening is no longer required for this program.
Live
Prepare a varied 60-min program, to include 4 languages that includes, but is not limited to, art song and opera. All repertoire should be performed from memory.
Recorded
The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Woodwind (D.Mus., M.Mus. GDP, PG Art. Dip.)
D.Mus. (Woodwind)
Screening
- Include a minimum of 20 minutes of music and at least two contrasting pieces.
- You can include recent recital or professional performances.
Live
Flute
All Graduate Programs:
- Mozart Concerto in G or D Major, complete, with cadenzas
- Bach Sonata in E Minor, 1st and 2nd Movements
- Prokofiev Sonata 1st Movement
- Piece(s) of the candidate’s choice (students are encouraged to perform a piece by a traditionally underrepresented composer however this is not mandatory).
In addition to the above requirements, applicants should prepare either A or B:
A. Any piece from Flute Music by French Composers or Dutilleux Sonatine and Piece of candidate’s choice 5 minutes
B. Orchestral Excerpts (Orchestral Excerpts for Flute with Piano Accompaniment, Jeanne Baxtresser & Martha Rearick, Theodore Presser Company):
- Ravel, Maurice: Daphnis et ChloĂ© Suite no. 2Ěý
- Debussy, Claude: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, L. 86 ·
- Beethoven, Ludwig van: Leonore Overture no. 3, op. 72Ěý
- Bach, Johann Sebastian: Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben, Soprano aria from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244Ěý
- Mendelssohn, Felix Bartholdy: Symphony no. 4, “Italian”, op. 90
- Brahms, Johannes: Symphony no. 4, op. 98Ěý
- Stravinsky, Igor: Firebird Suite (1919 version)
- Stravinsky, Igor: Petrouchka (1947 revised edition)
All other woodwind instruments:
For your live audition, focus on chamber music, orchestral or solo repertoire.Ěý
- Prepare 60 minutes of repertoire. Repertoire may include solo repertoire from various musical periods, orchestral excerpts, and Ă©tudes.Ěý
- From your repertoire list, the audition panel will select the material for you to perform in the 20 to 30-minute audition.
- Prepare for a 30-minute interview regarding your research and other professional interests and aspirations.
Recorded
If you are unable to attend an on-campus audition, recorded auditions will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
M.Mus., PG Art. Dip., GDP (Woodwind)
Screening
- N/A
Live
Woodwind instruments: MMus, PG ArtDip and GDP:Ěý
Post-Graduate Artist Diploma: Prepare 60 minutes of repertoire. Repertoire may include solo repertoire from various musical periods, orchestra excerpts, and Ă©tudes.
MMus and GDP: Prepare 30 minutes of Repertoire. Repertoire may include solo repertoire from various musical periods, orchestra excerpts, and Ă©tudes.
Recorded
- The repertoire for on-campus and recorded auditions is the same.
Ěý
Questions: Email us at graduateadmissions.music [at] mcgill.ca