Audition and application guidelines
Auditions for September 2025 entry can be performed live or submitted via video recording.
2025 Live audition dates |
Recorded auditions Recorded auditions are due February 28 |
- Complete the 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
-
Two contrasting movements of a concerto or sonata, (with accompaniment); or unaccompanied bass piece (eg: Dragonetti Waltzes, Bach cello suites, Fryba Suite)
-
Will be asked to play scales and arpeggios in separate legato quarter notes ~60bpm, in any major/minor key up to three sharps/flats. Two octaves minimum, three octaves preferred.
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.
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 .
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 études (Barret or Ferling)
- One movement of a concerto, sonata, or similar.
- Piano accompaniment is not required.
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 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 .
- 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)
For on Campus instrumental auditions, it is advisable to bring at least one rhythm section musician with you (piano, bass, or guitar. For bassists, drummer / for drummers, bassist)
For recorded auditions, please perform with at least one rhythm section musician, preferably more.
For Bass, Electric Bass, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Vibraphone, Voice:
- Select one tune from each of the three categories below. For each selection, prepare the melody and an improvised solo. If you chose a tune that is not a well-known standard, please provide a lead sheet.
Bassists: Please demonstrate walking lines as well as solo ability on all three pieces.
Pianists and guitarists: Please demonstrate comping as well as solo ability on all three pieces.
Jazz Vocalists: Please memorize all audition repertoire.- Blues (from standard repertoire of 12-bar blues)
- Ballads (from standard repertoire)
- Jazz Standards (standard that is not blues or a ballad)
- Instrumentalists: Prepare a short Classical Study/Etude
Vocalists: a vocalise, Art song, or Folk song, not from the Jazz repertoire.
- On-Campus Auditions: Be prepared to perform most common scales, chords and major, minor, diminished and augmented triads.
For recorded auditions: please choose three different keys and play a Major, Harmonic minor scale in each, as well as major, minor, diminished and augmented triads in each.
- Be prepared to sight read.
For Jazz Drums:
On Campus:
- Bring your own cymbals, sticks, brushes, felts, cymbal sleeves, hi-hat clutches.
- Prepare a short study (2-3 minutes) to show rudimental skills.
- Prepare a short transcription (1-2 choruses) of an important jazz drummer to evaluate accuracy, style, time concept, articulation, phrasing and sound.
- Be prepared to demonstrate the following proficiencies
- Slow/Medium/Fast Swing, Jazz Shuffle, Straight-8th styles (“ECM”, Cuban and Brazilian grooves), Afro-Cuban-12/8.
- Trading 4's, 8's or choruses on a blues, 32-bar AABA tune, and tunes of alternating latin, swing, latin, swing sections, while keeping the form of the pieces.
- Ability to play with brushes as well as sticks and to change smoothly from brushes to sticks.
- Sight read a typical drum chart and a rudimental style snare drum solo.
Recorded Drum Audition:
Prepare a 15 min video with the above proficiencies and rudiments study(s) and verbally explain each. Use additional musicians to play 2 standards of contrasting styles (head/once through chart to include any length of drum solo/head.)