Audition Requirements By Program

While we strongly encourage attendance at one of the live audition rounds (check dates and locations) - if you are unable to attend a live audition, you may request to submit a video audition.

*Music Theatre auditions take place once a year.

The audition is divided into three parts.

Part 1

(Part 1 is completed in a group with other auditionees)

You should arrive 15-20 minutes early.

Dance: Dance experience is highly recommended but not required for entry. Following a short warm-up, you will be taken through a series of basic technical exercises and taught a short choreographic routine. You will present this to the panel. Please bring a water bottle, and wear jazz shoes / sneakers and clothing you can move in (avoid baggy clothing).

Part 2

(Part 2 is completed individually)

Singing: Present two songs from music theatre. These should:

• Be contrasting – one of the songs should have been written before 1965 and the other after 1965. (‘Contrasting’ may be interpreted as ballad/upbeat, comedy/drama, or by vocal style)
• Last no longer than two minutes each
• Not be accompanied by a backing track
• Be performed from memory

Both songs must be performed with piano accompaniment. An accompanist is provided for you, but you are also welcome to use your own. If you wish to use the provided accompanist you must bring sheet music in the keys in which the songs are to be performed, with any edits clearly marked.

Acting: Present two acting monologues. These should:

• Be contrasting
• Last no longer than two minutes each
• Only be from published scripts
• Not be extracts from poems, song lyrics or novels

Please prepare two monologues, although you may be asked to only present one, depending on time.

Interview: You will be asked about your application, a little about yourself, your training and why you wish to study at ECMT.

This part of the audition will take 10-15 minutes.

You may be asked to return later the same day to take part in Part 3 of the audition.

Part 3

(Part 3 is a callback. Selected applicants will be invited to participate at the panel’s request)

Preparation: There is no preparation required for Part 3 of the audition.

Callback: You will be paired with another auditionee and given a script to interpret, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your partner to stage the scene, before presenting it for the panel.

Q&A: You will have an opportunity to speak with the Head of Music Theatre and Lecturer in Music Theatre about the degree.

Photo & CV Submission

At your audition, you should be prepared to submit a current photograph and CV. Your CV should include:

• details of any current training – singing, dance or acting training and teachers
• recent practical examinations
• previous tertiary study if any (include an academic transcript)
• personal statement (short written reflection about why you want to study at the University of Adelaide, your general goals, how you got to this point and where you are headed)
• your contact details

Video Auditions

While we strongly encourage attendance at one of the live auditions (dates and locations), if you are unable to attend an in-person audition you may submit a video audition.

Your audition video must include:

• An opening slate including your name, age, current location and a short comment on why you wish to study at Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre.

Singing: Present two songs from music theatre. These should:

• Be contrasting – one of the songs should have been written before 1965 and the other after 1965. (‘Contrasting’ may be interpreted as ballad/upbeat, comedy/drama, or by vocal style)
• Last no longer than two minutes each
• Be performed from memory

Acting: Present one acting monologue. This should:

• Last no longer than two minutes
• Only be from published scripts
• Not be extracts from poems, song lyrics or novels

Dance: Please present a dance combination choregraphed by yourself or someone else. This should:

• Be in a ‘Jazz’ or ‘Broadway Jazz’ style
• Be no longer than 2 minutes
• Include at least one turn, one kick, and one jump

When you submit your audition (instructions will be provided after your registration is processed) please include:

• A link to your audition video
• A short written reflection about why you want to study at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, how you got to this point and your general goals
• A photograph (headshot)
• A current CV, including details of any current training (singing, dance and/or acting training and teachers), recent practical examinations, previous tertiary study (if any) and your contact details

Audition Registration Fee

A registration fee of $66.00 will be required when you submit your audition registration form.

Live auditions

Audition duration: 15 minutes

Brass: Horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium

Pieces performed: prepare three contrasting works demonstrating their level of musicianship and technical facility.

Scales: prepare two scales of their choosing that demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency level.

Sight-reading: Applicants may be asked to sight-read a short passage provided by the panel in the audition.

What is the audition panel looking for? Good tonal quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation.

Interview:

Following the audition, applicants will participate in a brief informal interview (5 minutes) to discuss:

• Their musical background and training
• Motivation for pursuing undergraduate performance study
• Artistic interests and aspirations
• Engagement with music beyond solo performance, such as ensemble work, composition, or community involvement

This is an opportunity for applicants to share their passion for music and future goals, and to demonstrate their suitability for a performance-focused degree

Keyboard

Pieces performed: Applicants should prepare three stylistically contrasting pieces from the mainstream piano repertoire, and must include in their program a study (or work of a technical nature) and a polyphonic piece (e.g. Bach, Handel, Hindemith).

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate familiarity with scales and arpeggios.

The audition will include a short sight-reading test.

The panel may engage in a brief interview with the applicant regarding their musical background, training, artistic interests and future aspirations.

What is the audition panel looking for? The panel will be looking for fluency, accuracy, musical engagement and the potential for further development.

Percussion

Pieces performed: prepare three contrasting works selected from the following percussion categories. Applicants must include at least one work from each category:

• Group 1: vibraphone, xylophone, marimba
• Group 2: timpani, snare drum, multi-percussion

Technical work and sight-reading: applicants may be tested on scales, arpeggios, rudiments and sight-reading skills.

What is the audition panel looking for? Good tonal quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation.

Interview:

Following the audition, applicants will participate in a brief informal interview (5 minutes) to discuss:

• Their musical background and training
• Motivation for pursuing undergraduate performance study
• Artistic interests and aspirations
• Engagement with music beyond solo performance, such as ensemble work, composition, or community involvement

This is an opportunity for applicants to share their passion for music and future goals, and to demonstrate their suitability for a performance-focused degree

Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, harp

Pieces performed: prepare three contrasting pieces showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement.

What is the audition panel looking for? Good tonal quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation.

Technical work and sight-reading: applicants may be tested on scales, arpeggios and sight-reading skills.

Woodwind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone

Applicants must prepare three contrasting pieces that demonstrate:

• Musical expression and interpretive understanding
• Technical facility, including control of intonation, agility, and articulation
• Current musical achievement, reflecting their present level of development

Selections should represent a variety of styles or periods (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary). Individual movements from larger works are acceptable. Accompaniment is encouraged where appropriate.

What is the Audition Panel Looking For?

The panel will assess both technical command and musical maturity. Specific criteria include:

• Tonal quality – focused, even, and characteristic sound across registers
• Articulation – clarity, precision, and stylistic variety
• Rhythm – steady pulse, rhythmic accuracy, and control of tempo
• Intonation – accurate pitch and interval tuning
• Musical flair – stylistic awareness, shaping of phrases, and expressive nuance
• Communication – confidence, personal connection to the music, and ability to engage an audience

Interview:

Following the audition, applicants will participate in a brief informal interview (5 minutes) to discuss:

• Their musical background and training
• Motivation for pursuing undergraduate performance study
• Artistic interests and aspirations
• Engagement with music beyond solo performance, such as ensemble work, composition, or community involvement

This is an opportunity for applicants to share their passion for music and future goals, and to demonstrate their suitability for a performance-focused degree.

Voice

Pieces performed: prepare three contrasting works in the classical genre.  Songs should include a variety of styles such as, but not limited to, an Italian song,  a folk song , an Art song (in any language). You may also include up to one song from a musical.

Sight-reading: applicants are expected to be able to sight sing at Grade 4 AMEB level (domestic students only).

Aural test: some very basic aural tests may be conducted during the audition.

Interview:

Following the audition, applicants will participate in a brief informal interview (5 minutes) to discuss:

• Their musical background and training
• Motivation for pursuing undergraduate performance study
• Artistic interests and aspirations
• Engagement with music beyond solo performance, such as ensemble work, or community involvement

This is an opportunity for applicants to share their passion for music and future goals, and to demonstrate their suitability for a performance-focused degree

Recorded audition submissions

Applicants prepare for the same requirements as live auditions, but without the sight reading and aural test. Applicants may be required to complete an interview via Zoom.

Live auditions

Audition duration: 15 minutes

Bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute, violin

Pieces performed: three contrasting pieces, typically a blues, a Latin piece and a swing ‘standard’.

Scales: all (12 keys) major scales and at least two types of minor scales are expected.

Chords: applicants will be asked to arpeggiate chords (triads, seventh chords).

Sight-reading: All applicants will be asked to sight-read. Drummers will be asked to sight-read drum notation in a Big Band chart. All other jazz instrumentalists will be asked to sight-read melodies in a leadsheet or Big Band chart. Pianists and Guitarists will also be asked to sight-read chords symbols in a leadsheet or Big Band chart.

Aural: Applicants will be asked to recognise chord qualities (triads, seventh chords)

Pitch-matching: Applicants may be asked to listen to a simple melody sung/played by the panel and sing it back

Accompanist / rhythm section: it is preferable for applicants to bring rhythm section players to the audition, or drum applicants to audition with a band, to give the panel an opportunity to evaluate the applicant’s interaction with other musicians. However, if this is not possible, online backing tracks (or USB) are acceptable.

Equipment: music stands, a vocal PA and mic, bass amplifier, guitar amplifier and drum kit with cymbals are provided in the audition venue. Drummers should bring their own sticks. Please note that the warm-up rooms only have an amplifier.

What is the audition panel looking for?

• Applicants with good listening skills
• Applicants who are team-players
• Applicants who are adaptable and open to change
• Applicants with a solid rhythmic approach, a sense of ‘jazz’ style and phrasing in their interpretation of melodies, and an awareness of the importance of the jazz traditions
• Applicants who show a hint of originality budding in their playing

Note: Students do not need to be fully formed yet!! We want students who are motivated to develop their skills in music through studying jazz.

Voice

Accompaniment: it is preferable for applicants to bring rhythm section players (just a pianist or guitarist is also fine) to the audition but if that is not possible, you will either perform along with a backing track of some kind or pre-recorded accompaniment or iRealPro.

Pieces performed:

• Sing one medium swing tempo song, preferably from the standard jazz repertoire - see the Jazz Standards site  for ideas.
• No more than twice through the form of the song, please! Wordless improvisation (scatting) isn't required, but you may if you wish, just limit it to half a chorus and sing the melody for the remainder of the form so you still end up with only 2 total choruses. No instrumental solos please.
• Sing one ballad (jazz straight 8th ballad, slow bossa nova, very slow swing feel, etc.), with the first 8 bars of the song performed unaccompanied (a cappella), and one time through the form of the song ONLY.

Sight reading: applicants will sight read short rhythmic and melodic examples from the AMEB syllabus, grade 3 minimum. 

Aural:

• Respond to aural testing (tonal memory, chord tone recognition, etc.)
• Scales – applicants must be able to sing major scales, and at least two of the minor scales (harmonic, melodic & natural)
• Vocalize through your full vocal range and demonstrate proficient vocal technique. 

Equipment: music stands, a vocal PA and mic, bass amplifier, guitar amplifier and drum kit with cymbals are provided in the audition venue. Bring your own leads please.

What is the audition panel looking for?

• Applicants with good listening skills
• Applicants who are team-players
• Applicants who are adaptable and open to change
• Applicants with a solid rhythmic approach, a sense of ‘jazz’ style and phrasing in their interpretation of melodies, and an awareness of the importance of the jazz traditions
• Applicants who show a hint of originality budding in their playing

Note: Students do not need to be fully formed yet!! We want students who are motivated to develop their skills in music through studying jazz.

Recorded audition submission

Applicants prepare for the same requirements as live auditions, but without the sight reading and aural test. Applicants may be required to complete an interview via Zoom.

Live auditions

Audition duration: 15 minutes

Popular Music

Applicants will be interviewed individually and will be asked to provide a recording of a minimum of three of their own songs/compositions which demonstrate their creativity, their technical and musical proficiency on an instrument/voice, and their potential for further development. In some instances, where an applicant is unable to provide recordings, songs/compositions may be performed live during the interview. Where recordings are provided, applicants may be asked to further demonstrate their technical and musical proficiency on an instrument/voice, as determined by the panel. Applicants will be advised of this additional requirement at the time of the interview and should be prepared to perform if deemed necessary.

What is the panel looking for? Within a contemporary rock/pop style, creative potential in songwriting/composition is sought, supported by well-developed practical skills on an instrument or voice, and/or proficiency with technology and production.

Additional Items to bring: applicants should bring copies of their CV/portfolio together with recordings and/or written scores that demonstrate their songwriting/compositional ability.

Sonic Arts

Application session: applicants will attend an application session (duration 45 minutes) where you'll be provided with information about the program, complete an online survey and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Survey: a range of questions about your education, musical and technological background and knowledge, creative and professional interests. It will also contain a section to upload ‘Creative Works’ and a ‘Resume’ (see below).

What is the panel looking for? A range of skills and interests in the area of music making and performance, music technology, arts, maths, science, general technology or related areas. In particular, applicants should have an interest for working with sound and technology creatively and be ‘open minded’.

Additional items to bring to the application session: 

Creative works: Applicants should bring three 90 second examples of their work on a USB stick or disk to submit as digital files at the interview. The work can include songs, compositions, electronic tracks, sound tracks, sound designs, studio or live recordings, solo / band performances, sound from software they have created, sound asset libraries, etc. Variety of style, genre or type is recommended where possible, and the examples should represent the most illustrative part of the work. The works can be either audio eg MP3 or video with audio eg MOV. Applicants are not required to perform live at their interview session.

Resume: Applicants should bring a recent resume to submit as a PDF at the interview. Ideally the resume will provide information aside from their music and sound education and activity. For example, the resume should include the following: education, interests and hobbies, employment, personal statement about themselves, any referees or references etc.

Composition

Folio: Applicants should bring copies of several (at least three) of their original scores that enable the panel to understand their current style and handling of compositional techniques. If compositions are short, miniature pieces, applicants may wish to bring more than three. Scores may be neatly written or computer generated, but they must be photocopies and not originals as the panel will retain them after the audition. Do not send scores through prior to your audition time.

What will applicants be asked about? Applicants will be invited to speak about the character of their compositions and the techniques through which their musical ideas are expressed. Applicants will be asked general questions about things such as their knowledge of the musical repertory as well as the composers, experiences and musical works that have influenced them.

Recorded audition submission

Applicants must submit a collection of works that includes original compositions and/or recorded or produced songs and/or instrumental performance. The folio should demonstrate musicianship and technical ability in music technology. Applicants should submit a PDF resume with their recording.

Do not send through your folio if you are attending a live interview, bring it with you on the day.

Live audition

Audition duration: 15 minutes

• A short demonstration of the student's practical skills on their instrument or voice. This will involve playing or singing a minimum of three contrasting pieces or songs.
• A demonstration of the student's ability to read music (sight reading or 'quick learning' as relevant). This may take the form of a reading exercise where the student is given a short musical excerpt, or some other music reading task that gives the student an opportunity to demonstrate their music reading skills.
• A short interview to allow the students to talk about their musical background.
• Applicants will also be required to sit the online musicianship test at the appropriate time.

The aim of the audition is to ascertain the applicant's level of music literacy and practical musical skills. Candidates wishing to specialise in composition or sonic arts will need to provide a portfolio of their work, drawing from the wording in the Major for these areas – ie 3 examples of their work.

The audition will indicate whether or not the student has the musical background (including practical ability on an instrument or voice) to successfully complete the performance courses with the BMus (Music Education).

Any applicant who wishes to be considered for both the Bachelor of Music (Music Education) AND Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance), for example, would need to do two separate auditions - one for Classical Performance and one for Music Education.

Recorded audition submissions

Applicants will need to provide three contrasting pieces or songs and will be required to undergo an interview via Zoom.  

Applicants should submit an example of a research essay of approx. 3000-5000 words on a music-related topic.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate degree.

Applicants should present a 15 minute program which includes two contrasting pieces, may be with an orchestra or ensemble, or, should that not be possible, with two pianos playing an orchestral reduction. Applicants should also submit a current CV.

Audition duration: 25 minutes

Brass: French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes ONE of the following options:

• 25 minutes of advanced solo repertoire, with accompaniment
• 10 minutes unaccompanied orchestral excerpts and a 15 minute 'orchestral audition' concerto with accompaniment
• 10-15minutes of Chamber Music (with accompanying artists) and 10-15 minutes of advanced solo repertoire, with accompaniment.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Conducting

Applicants should present a 15 minute program which includes two contrasting pieces, may be with an orchestra or ensemble, or, should that not be possible, with two pianos playing an orchestral reduction. Applicants will be given the opportunity to do a live audition or submit a video recording of their conducting.

Keyboard

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes:

• A polyphonic work (Bach or Shostakovich)
• A movement or movements from a sonata, or major extended work from the repertoire
• An etude or piece of a specifically technical nature

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Percussion

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes ONE of the following options:

• Advanced solo repertoire displaying skills in the areas of tuned and untuned percussion.
• 10 minutes unaccompanied orchestral excerpts and a 15 minute 'orchestral audition' concerto displaying skills in the area of tuned and untuned percussion
• 10-15 minutes of Chamber Music (with accompanying artists) and 10 - 15 minutes of advanced solo repertoire displaying skills in tuned and untuned percussion.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, harp

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes a work from each of the following three categories:

• One movement from a Solo Sonatas or Partita by JS Bach
• First movement of a major 19th or 20th Century concerto with cadenza
• Virtuoso showpiece (a short piece by a composer such as Kreisler, Wieniawski, Sarasate, Paganini etc. Accompanied or unaccompanied)

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Guitar

Applicants should present a 25-minute program that includes:

• At least one movement from a Bach Lute Suite
• A movement or movements from a sonata or other multi-movement guitar composition
• An etude or a piece of virtuosic nature

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Voice

Applicants should present a 25 minute program of classical vocal repertoire which:

• Includes music composed in the period from the 18th century to the 21st century inclusive (including a minimum of one piece composed in the 20/21st century and performed in original language).
• Displays competence in four languages (English, Italian, German & French).
• Shows a good understanding of most of the following styles and genres: ‘Early Music’, Oratorio, Opera, Lieder, French mélodie and Art song.

Consideration will be given to presentation and musicianship as manifested in the performances. The candidate must demonstrate technical skills and a level of musical maturity at a level equivalent to successful completion of a three year performance degree.

Woodwind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, recorder

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes a work from each of the following three categories:

• One movement from a baroque work
• Either one movement from the Mozart Concerto in D or G Concerto OR one movement from a major 19th or 20th Century Concerto
• Virtuoso showpiece

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Jazz Performance: Bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute, violin

Applicants must present a 25 minute program demonstrating an ability to play in an ensemble environment including a broad range of jazz styles showing accompanying and solo ability.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate jazz performance degree.

Audition duration: 25 minutes

Brass: French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes ONE of the following options:

• 25 minutes of advanced solo repertoire, with accompaniment
• 10 minutes unaccompanied orchestral excerpts and a 15 minute 'orchestral audition' concerto with accompaniment
• 10-15minutes of Chamber Music (with accompanying artists) and 10-15 minutes of advanced solo repertoire, with accompaniment.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Keyboard

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes:

• A polyphonic work (Bach or Shostakovich)
• A movement or movements from a sonata, or major extended work from the repertoire
• An etude or piece of a specifically technical nature

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Percussion

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes ONE of the following:

• Advanced solo repertoire displaying skills in the areas of tuned and untuned percussion.
• 10 minutes unaccompanied orchestral excerpts and a 15 minute 'orchestral audition' concerto displaying skills in the area of tuned and untuned percussion
• 10-15 minutes of Chamber Music (with accompanying artists) and 10 - 15 minutes of advanced solo repertoire displaying skills in tuned and untuned percussion.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, harp

Candidates must present a 25 minute programme of contrasting repertoire demonstrating their skills at an advanced performance level.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Guitar

Applicants should present a 25-minute program that includes:

• At least one movement from a Bach Lute Suite
• A movement or movements from a sonata or other multi-movement guitar composition
• An etude or a piece of virtuosic nature

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Voice

Applicants should present a 25 minute program of classical vocal repertoire which:

• Includes music composed in the period from the 18th century to the 21st century inclusive (including a minimum of one piece composed in the 20/21st century and performed in original language).
• Displays competence in four languages (English, Italian, German & French).
• Shows a good understanding of most of the following styles and genres: ‘Early Music’, Oratorio, Opera, Lieder, French mélodie and Art song.

Consideration will be given to presentation and musicianship as manifested in the performances. The candidate must demonstrate technical skills and a level of musical maturity at a level equivalent to successful completion of a three year performance degree.

Woodwind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, recorder

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes a work from each of the following three categories:

• One movement from a baroque work
• Either one movement from the Mozart Concerto in D or G Concerto OR one movement from a major 19th or 20th Century Concerto
• Virtuoso showpiece

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate performance degree.

Jazz Performance: Bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute, violin

Applicants must present a 25 minute program demonstrating an ability to play in an ensemble environment including a broad range of jazz styles showing accompanying and solo ability.

The candidate must demonstrate skills of a standard equivalent to successful completion of the third year of an undergraduate jazz performance degree.