Audition Requirements By Program

All applicants for the Bachelor of Music Theatre (ECMT) MUST attend a live audition - see Audition Rounds for locations and dates.

You may select your preferred location when completing your application.

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 contemporary
• 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 University of Adelaide’s accompanist you must provide 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 – one must be modern (after 1960)
• last no longer than two minutes each
• only be from published scripts
• not be extracts from poems or novels

Your spoken voice will be considered during the performance of your acting pieces.

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 either later the same day (Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne) or a following day (Perth, Adelaide) 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 panels request)

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

Singing: As a group, applicants will be taught a short song to sing. You will also be taught a harmony line for the same song. In pairs, you will then be asked to present the song twice for the panel, switching the vocal roles.

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

Audition Registration Fee

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

Audition duration = 15 minutes
Pieces performed: applicants are required to prepare three contrasting works. Songs should include a variety of styles such as early Italian, a classical arrangement of a folk song or spiritual, an Art song (a classically composed song in any language) or 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.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants prepare the same requirements as they would in person, but without the sight reading and aural test. 
 

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

Audition duration = 15 minutes

Pieces performed: Applicants are required to 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.

Sight-reading: This may be tested along with technical work such as scales and arpeggios.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants prepare the same requirements as they would in person, but without the sight reading. 
 

Keyboard

Audition duration = 15 minutes

Pieces Performed: The applicant should prepare three contrasting and stylistically varied pieces chosen from the mainstream classical keyboard repertoire. The program must include a study or piece of a technical nature, as well as a polyphonic piece (e.g. Bach, Shostakovich, Hindemith).

Scales: Familiarity with scales and arpeggios will be expected.

Sight-reading: Applicants will be given one minute to prepare a short piece of sight-reading (domestic applicants only).

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants prepare the same requirements as they would in person, but without the sight reading. 
 

Percussion

Audition duration = 15 minutes

Pieces Performed: Applicants are required to 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: It is expected that applicants will play any major or minor scale/arpeggio, one or two octaves. Basic snare drum rudiments will be required (domestic students only).

Sight-reading: Applicants will be given one minute to prepare an 8–10 bar piece of sight-reading (domestic students only).

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants prepare the same requirements as they would in person, but without the sight reading.

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

Audition duration = 15 minutes

Pieces Performed: Applicants are required to 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.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants prepare the same requirements as they would in person, but without the sight reading.

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

Audition duration = 15 minutes

Pieces Performed: Applicants are required to 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.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants prepare the same requirements as they would in person, but without the sight reading. 

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

Audition duration = 15 minutes

Pieces Performed: Applicants are required to prepare three contrasting pieces, typically blues, Latin and swing standards.

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

Sight-reading: Applicants may be asked to read chords and melody lines for their instrument within a big band chart.

Chord Chart Reading: Play/improvise from a simple chord chart.

Accompanist / Rhythm Section: it is preferable for applicants to bring rhythm section players to the audition, or drum applicants to audition with a band, thereby giving the panel an opportunity to evaluate the applicant’s interaction with other musicians. However, if this is not possible, CD backing tracks 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.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). 
Applicants are required to prepare three contrasting pieces, typically blues, Latin and swing standards

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 principal aim of the audition is to ascertain the applicant's level of music literacy and practical musical skills. The audition will indicate whether or not the student has the musical background (including practical ability on an instrument or Classical Voice) to successfully complete the Performance courses with the BMus (Music Education & Pedagogy).

Any applicant who wishes to be considered for both the
Bachelor of Music with a major in Music Education and Pedagogy (ie Flute) AND the
Bachelor of Music with a major in Classical Performance (ie Flute)
would need to do two separate auditions - one for the Classical performance and one of the Music Education and Pedagogy.

Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for the following Programs:

• Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Teaching (Middle) with Bachelor of Music

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through any files if you are attending a live audition). Applicants will need to provide three contrasting pieces or songs and will be required to undergo an interview (via zoom).  

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

Survey: The survey will ask a range of questions about their 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.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through your folio if you are attending a live interview, bring it with you on the day). 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.

Interview duration = 15 minutes
Folio: Applicants should bring copies of several of their original scores (normally three) 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. These scores should be brought to the interview, not sent prior to that time. Scores may be neatly written or computer generated (there is no preference for the latter), but they must be photocopies and not originals as the panel will retain them after the audition.

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 submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through your folio if you are attending a live interview, bring it with you on the day). Applicants must present a folio of three or more recently completed original compositions for different instruments / ensembles. These compositions should demonstrate the applicants current understanding of style and compositional techniques. Copies of scores should accompany the submission and may be neatly written or computer generated.

Interview duration = 15 minutes

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.

Recorded submissions (interstate and international applicants only, do not send through your folio if you are attending a live interview, bring it with you on the day). Applicants should submit a recording of three original works composed in a pop/rock style which demonstrate their creativity, technical and musical proficiency on an instrument/voice and potential for further development. Applicants should also submit a CV of relevant experience in the pop/rock style.

The audition requirements for the Bachelor of Music - Advanced are the same as the Bachelor of Music, please see Bachelor of Music for requirements.

Applicants for these programs will need to indicate as part of their application for audition... (a) what their instrument is, and (b) which of the following areas they would like to undertake their Music Education & Pedagogy performance studies in. options available are: Popular Music, Classical Performance, Jazz Performance, Sonic Arts, and Classical Voice. These are not 'majors', just areas of practical study for your instrument or voice.

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.

The principal aim of the audition is to ascertain the applicant's level of music literacy and practice musical skills. The audition will indicate whether or not the student has the musical background (including practical ability on an instrument or Classical Voice) to successfully complete the Performance courses with the BMus (Music Education & Pedagogy).

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 two 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.

The principal aim of the audition is to ascertain the applicant's level of music literacy and practical musical skills. The audition will indicate whether or not the student has the musical background to successfully complete the minors required courses.

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.

Applicants must submit a portfolio of 3-4 recent works that demonstrates experience in working with a variety of forms and media, such as (but not limited to) orchestral forces, chamber ensemble, and/or vocal setting of text. The portfolio must include a fully notated score of each work, with at least one work for large forces (e.g. orchestra) and at least one showing the development of musical material over an extended time span (approx. 10-15 minutes in duration).

Interview duration = 25 minutes

Brass

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
• 10-15 minutes 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:

• 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
• 10-15minutes of Chamber Music (with accompanying artists) and 10 - 15minutes 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

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

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

Woodwind

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.

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.

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 must submit studio recordings of three original songs, a video of them performing live and a CV.

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

Interview duration = 25 minutes

Applicants must submit a recorded portfolio of work of approximately 20 minutes duration demonstrating an advanced level of skill in one or more of the following areas:

• Composition using electronic or electro-acoustic media
• Sound design, computer programming for sound/music
• Live electronic/electro-acoustic music performance
• Hardware/ software development
• Audio recording/production

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

Interview duration = 25 minutes

Applicants must submit an example of a previous written paper of not less than 2,000 words on a music-related topic, and must have studied Music Education and Pedagogy courses throughout their Undergraduate degrees. Candidates will have a a 20 minute interview (either in person or zoom) to discuss the area that they wish to study in their Honours Degree. This interview will include an audition with three contrasting pieces if the Minor Project that the candidate is proposing would include a performance element.

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.

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.

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.

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

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Applicants should present a 25 minute program which includes:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.