Audition and application guidelines
Auditions for September 2023 entry can be performed live or submitted via video recording.
Live audition dates Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3, 2024 Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, 2024 |
Recorded auditions Recorded auditions are due February 28 |
- Complete the Application for Audition by February 15.
- Admission is based on the successful completion of the audition process and academic acceptance to the University of Victoria.
Violin and Viola
- Three contrasting movements from at least two works representing contrasting musical periods
- Two movements need to be performed from memory
- Major and minor scales
Cello
- Three contrasting movements from at least two works representing contrasting musical periods
- Two movements need to be performed from memory
- Major and minor scales
Double Bass
- One movement from standard double bass solo repertoire with accompaniment.
- One double bass étude or solo Bach (from Cello Suites)
- May be asked to play scales.
Guitar
The classical guitar program at UVic seeks applicants that have previous experience with classical technique and repertoire. Most applicants are playing at the Grade 7 or 8 level and are looking to further extend serious study of the guitar.
- Appropriate audition material would be classical pieces showing an understanding of different styles eg. Bach, renaissance, romantic or contemporary periods.
- For auditions, a nylon strung classical guitar played with nails is required. Original compositions or electric or steel string guitars are not permitted for a UVic audition.
Harp
- 2-3 contrasting pieces and examples of technique at an RCM Grade 8 or higher.
- Note that auditions must be performed on pedal harp.
Flute
- Two contrasting movements from a Baroque sonata of your choice (such as any Sonata for Flute by J. S. Bach or Handel) OR a single movement from a Classical period concerto (such as a movement from a Mozart concerto) AND
- One work from the Flute Music by French Composers collection (edited by Louis Moyse) OR any short unaccompanied work from the 20th or 21st century (such as Hypnosis by Ian Clarke, Density 21.5 by Varèse, Syrinx by Debussy, Icicle by Aitken, etc.) OR a movement of your choice from a 20th century sonata (such as those by Poulenc or Hindemith).
Please note: If necessary, all repertoire may be presented without collaborative piano, in light of the impact of COVID-19. Please contact Dr. Suzanne Snizek directly with any questions or concerns regarding audition repertoire.
Further information about the flute program may be found on the UVic Flute Blog.
Clarinet
- One odd-numbered and one even-numbered selection of your choice from Cyrille Rose, 32 Etudes for Clarinet.
- Two contrasting movements of your choice from the Classical or Romantic period, demonstrating technique and style OR a movement from the Classical or Romantic period and one selection from the 20th century.
- Major, minor, and chromatic scales and arpeggios, up to four sharps and flats.
The clarinet entry level is in the equivalency range of RCM grade 8.
Oboe
- Two contrasting movements of a sonata or concerto that demonstrate an ability to play in a slow, lyrical manner as well as in a fast, articulate style OR 2 contrasting études from the Barret 40 Progressive Melodies.
Please contact Russel Bajer with any questions.
Bassoon
Prepare three contrasting selections by style and/or period. These selections should include:
- Two contrasting movements from a single concerto, sonata or solo work, or two contrasting movements from different works.
- A complete etude from a standard collection such as Weissenborn or Milde
Knowledge of all major, minor, and chromatic scales (2 octaves) is assumed and may be assessed during your audition.
A short repertoire suggestion list is available, but other repertoire is acceptable as long as it conforms to the required selection requirements.
Please contact Katrina Russell with any questions.
Saxophone
- One composition drawn from the standard concert repertoire that demonstrates legato, expressive playing, as well as one contrasting fast composition that demonstrates technical facility and articulation.
- Choose works from the list of recommended audition pieces or works of a similar level (see UVic Saxophone blog spot and/or contact Professor Wendell Clanton at wendell.clanton@gmail.com).
- One musical example that demonstrates legato, expressive playing, as well as contrasting material that demonstrates technical facility and articulation. Examples can be drawn from traditional solo repertoire or études.
- The inclusion of some passages with piano accompaniment is desirable.
Accordion
- 3 contrasting pieces to be played at level equal or higher than Palmer Hughes Book 9
- Stradella bass accepted
- Free bass - welcome, but not necessary
Piano
- At least 15 minutes of music should be prepared from memory, comprised of three works from different stylistic eras which are at the RCM Grade 10 level or higher. A movement from a sonata can count as one work.
Organ
- A work or movement by J. S. Bach
- Two other contrasting works
UVic offers organ instruction and practice facilities in collaboration with Christ Church Cathedral.
- Six contrasting classical selections in several languages (English is required. German, Italian and French are advised. Other foreign language songs may also be considered).
- Works may be drawn from the folk, baroque, classical and 20th century song repertoire.
- Within the six selections, include one opera aria and/or solo from the oratorio repertoire. One selection from Broadway may be included but is optional.
- You will be assessed on quality of voice, musicality, attention to text, knowledge of repertoire and linguistic skills.
1st Year
First year applicants will be required to demonstrate their playing ability in at least two of the following areas of percussion playing: timpani, keyboard percussion, snare drum.
Required works:
- Snare Drum: Goldenberg, Modern School for Snare Drum — pg. 44, quarter note = 116
- Timpani: Goodman, Modern Method for Timpani — Exercise 26, pg. 46
- Keyboard Percussion: Goldenberg, Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba and Vibraphone — pg. 94 (beginning to 5 measures after letter D)
- Technical exercises: Standard rudiments on the snare drum, major and harmonic minor scales (two octaves)
Transfers
Transfer applicants must demonstrate their ability in the following areas of percussion playing: timpani, keyboard percussion and snare drum.
Required works:
- Snare Drum: Delécluse 12 Etudes — No. 1, 6 or 9
- Timpani: Solo of choice (eg. John Beck, Sonata for Timpani, Movement II)
- Keyboard percussion: Solo of choice (eg. Mexican Dances by Stout, Yellow after the Rain by Peters)