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, prior to 7 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.

Applicants (both Jazz and Classical) will be required to sit an Aural and Theory diagnostic test.

2012 Undergraduate Audition Registration Form

Audition applications will open on the 22nd August. Please complete the online registration form to request an audition

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.

Contact our Accompanists

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.

Voice (Classical)

Three contrasting songs or arias to be prepared - applicants will be asked to choose the first item to be heard and should be prepared to introduce and speak briefly about each item, including background information, what the song is about, and translations of any non-English-language repertoire.

Applicants should present a printed list of all solo repertoire (including non-classical) studied over the previous two years (including instrumental repertoire if the applicant also plays an instrument)

A quick study-piece - candidates will have 10 minutes in a practice room with a piano in which to prepare a simple unaccompanied song in English.

Sight-reading of musical and/or text extracts.

Applicants will be expected to display their knowledge of major and minor scales by singing selected scales over one octave, ascending and descending, singing the note names on pitch. Applicants may use the piano as required.

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.

Music Inquiry Major

It is possible to complete the BMus without a specialism in performance or composition, but rather focusing on music history, theory, world musics, and the study of music in society.  These students will complete a major in Music Inquiry (and are also eligible to study a number of practical courses as part of their degree).  These applicants can be interviewed in person, or via phone/Skype.  This interview will cover the students' experience of and ideas about music.  Applicants are encouraged to have available during the interview any already-completed written work on music (analytical work or music essays done in the past), and/or scores and recordings of works that they find particularly intersting or significant from an intellectual perspective, to discuss with the panel. The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant's potential to work at university 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 or as part of the Music Practice minor will be required to audition (see Performance above).

Bachelor of Professional Music Practice

For entry in 2012, there is no longer any requirement for interview or audition for entry to the Bachelor of Professional Music Practice.  Audition is by ATAR only.  The expected minimum entry score is 80.

If you wish to study an instrument or voice as part of the BPMusP, you will have to audition in February to be placed in an appropriate stream.  These auditions  Weekly individual instrumental lessons are not guaranteed for all applicants, but there are a range of modes in which instrumental and vocal study is available to BPMusP students, including individual, group, masterclass, via videoconference, and intensive.  For the specific audition requirements, see 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 2012 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. For further information contact the College student office on (02) 6125 2898.

Alternative Pathways 

Open School of Music

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.