Entry Requirements
In addition to submitting a UAC application, you must register for an audition. Please click on the link below to complete the audition registration form, preferably prior to 6 October. If you experience any difficulties with this process, please call the School of Music on 02 6125 5754.
The School of Music welcomes applications from international students. International students will either be auditioned in their own countries and/or must submit a quality CD/DVD to the College of Arts & Social Sciences. In addition they must show evidence of English language proficiency.
Successful Bachelor of Music (except Jazz majors) and Bachelor of Professional Music Practice applicants who accept offers of placement at the ANU School of Music will be required to sit an Aural and Theory diagnostic test during Orientation Week, prior to commencement of studies.
2010 Undergraduate Audition Registration Form
Please note that the link to the online audition registration form is now closed. Please contact Patricia Rice on (02) 6125 5731 for further assistance.
Accompanists for Auditions
Jazz auditions: Applicants will be supplied with either a guitarist or pianist - applicants are to supply music in the correct key. Alternatively, applicants may bring own 'play-along'.
Classical auditions: Applicants will need to supply their own accompanist. Applicants may employ one of the accompanists from the following link, or bring their own.
Audition/interview Requirements
Bachelor of Music
Performance
Audition: Applicants are required to perform three pieces of their own choice of contrasting style and character which represent the musical and technical standard so far reached (these must not be movements of the same work). Technical work applicable to their instrument or voice and sightreading will also be required. Transpositions will be required for Horn and Trumpet applicants. Percussion applicants please refer to the Percussion page.
Composition
Applicants who wish to major in composition are required to submit a folio of completed compositions two weeks before the date of their interview and will be required to discuss their folio at individual interviews. Please send or deliver to the Student & Outreach Office, School of Music, Building 100, ANU ACT 0200. Students wishing to undertake an instrument/voice as an elective will be required to audition (see Performance above).
Jazz
Applicants who wish to major in Jazz except those auditioning on drums are required to perform two standard jazz pieces and one blues piece. A knowledge of major and minor scales and sight-reading are also required. Applicants who audition on drums are required to display technical proficiency and demonstrate rhythms of differing styles e.g. swing, bossa, jazz-rock, jazz-waltz. Sight-reading will be tested. More detailed requirements here or by contacting jazz staff directly.
Musicology
Applicants are required to bring to an interview a selected folio of written work on music (analytical work or music essays done in the past), and two music scores of their own choice to discuss with the panel. The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant's ability to work at a high level in regard to music theory, analysis, music criticism, writing, research skills etc. During the interview applicants will be asked about their research interests in regards to music. Interests can be wide ranging from traditional music, to jazz or classical. Students wishing to undertake an instrument/voice as an elective will be required to audition (see Performance above).
Bachelor of Professional Music Practice
Applicants are encouraged to bring to the interview any support material that will assist the panel in understanding their background and any particular musical interest.
If you are successful in gaining admission to the program your study plan will be determined at the time of enrollment.
If you are interested in having instrumental lessons as part of this program, please refer to the specific audition requirements above.
Bachelor of Education in Secondary Teaching (Music) - University of Canberra
This degree is a four year qualification which enables graduates to teach music in a secondary classroom setting within Australia. Students receive their award from the University of Canberra but a large proportion of the degree is undertaken at the ANU School of Music. Entry into the degree is via a successful audition and satisfactory entry into the University of Canberra. Applicants wishing to apply for this degree should complete the Audition Register Form for 2010 Entry.
Postgraduate Performance
Classical
The applicant should be prepared to perform selections of a prepared 50-60 minute recital. The panel will make selections at the audition on repertoire they would like to hear, and in accordance with time constraints. Repertoire should demonstrate a range of styles and periods of music relevant to the applicant's area of study. Piano accompaniment at auditions is mandatory (see above).
Prospective applicants may also audition by submitting a DVD of a 50-60 minutes recital.
Jazz
The applicant should be prepared to perform selections of a prepared 50-60 minute recital. The panel will make selections at the audition on repertoire they would like to hear, and in accordance with time constraints. Repertoire should demonstrate a range of styles and periods of music relevant to the applicant's area of study. Accompaniment will be provided (see above).
Prospective applicants may also audition by submitting a DVD of an ensemble performance of 50-60 minutes demonstrating a variety of jazz styles, tempos and rhythmic settings.
Status/Credit For Previous Study
Applicants who have undertaken recent studies at a tertiary institution or who have already reached a high standard of achievement may be eligible for Status and should indicate this on their application. For further information contact the College student office on (02) 6125 2898.
Alternative Pathways
Pre-Tertiary Programs
Type 1– College Level
Year 11 and 12 students at ACT colleges and non-government schools can complete the classical or jazz streams as Advanced Music Tertiary Courses, accredited by the Board of Senior Secondary Studies as part of the ACT Higher School Certificate. Students can also combine units from the School of Music courses with units from their own college or school to form an approved Type 1 system-wide course. The courses are offered over two years, with jazz studies also available over one year. As well as concentrating on the development of high level performance skills, the college and advanced certificate level courses aim to provide students with a foundation of musical knowledge and understanding and the ability to communicate through and about music. Both classical and jazz streams consist of modules in three key areas of learning: Performance: developing performance skills and artistic interpretation. Creating: applying aural and theoretical knowledge in a creative way. Appraising: developing critical understanding across historical, stylistic and cultural contexts. The strong practical focus of the courses taught by leading musicians, combined with the facilities and resources available at a national music institution, provide students with an opportunity to develop both technical proficiency and a long lasting commitment to musical learning.
Advanced Certificate in Music/Preparatory Jazz
The Type 1 courses are available to non-college mature age students as Advanced Certificate level studies in both classical and jazz. The Preparatory Jazz course and the classical course can be taken over one or two years.
Individual Instrumental Tuition
Individual weekly tuition is available in the following instruments: bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, harp, horn, oboe, orchestral percussion, piano, fortepiano, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin and voice. Successful applicants are enrolled for one semester at a time. Re-enrolment is subject to satisfactory attendance and progress as determined by the relevant department. Lessons may be half an hour to an hour per week and are given over two 16-week semesters per year. Semesters commence in February and July. Lesson times may be arranged outside school and work hours. Where students are of the appropriate standard, they may take advantage of the opportunity to play in a School of Music ensemble. A comprehensive brochure on pre-tertiary programs is available by contacting (02) 6125 5730 or visit the Open School of Music website.
