Applying for admission to Music Studio

Music Studio auditions

Admission to Music Studio (one-on-one instruction) is by audition. The auditions are meant to ensure the faculty that the student has achieved a certain degree of accomplishment and shows sufficient promise to merit this kind of instruction for credit. Because there are typically more qualified students auditioning than we have places available, the faculty will select the best candidates on a competitive basis. The auditions also provide a basis for faculty to evaluate the progress of a student during subsequent studies.

Scheduling your audition

Those who wish to be considered for admission to Music Studio should contact the music office to schedule an audition. 

Early audition dates for future Waterloo students

Music auditions for future Waterloo students seeking admission to Music Studio course for fall of 2012.

Note: new students already accepted to Waterloo starting in Fall who miss auditioning on the above dates can audition once they are a Waterloo student at the beginning of the term they wish to register for the studio course (see table below).

Audition dates for Waterloo students

Music auditions for current Waterloo students who wish to enroll in Music Studio or declare Music as their major are typically held on the first day of classes. See below for the scheduled audition date for each term. Note the deadline for scheduling your audition with the music office.

Performance standards

Acceptance into Music Studio is by audition. The minimum acceptable level of performance is approximately equivalent to Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 8; the audition process will assess ability to sight-read, musicality, preparedness, and potential for further study. 

Audition requirements

All auditioning should prepare two contrasting pieces (or movements of longer works) by different composers to perform at the audition. Each piece will last 3-5 minutes. Voice and piano students are encouraged to perform their selected works from memory. The audition will include sight-reading and a brief interview by two faculty members.

Required audition materials

Prospective Music Studio students should bring the following with them to the audition:

1.  A copy of their high school transcripts (for prospective students only);

2.  The completed Prospective Music Student Information Form (PDF);

3.  One copy of their voice or instrument part for the faculty listening to their audition;

4.  One copy of the piano part for the accompanist at the audition (except for pianists, at least one piece must be accompanied).

Audition procedure

Please arrive early to your audition, allowing ample time to park, find the Music Office, verify paperwork with the Music Department Administrative Assistant, and warm up your instrument in a practice room. See location for directions to the building and where to park. The Music department is housed on the ground floor in the Conrad Grebel University College academic wing. The music office is located in room 1104. Upon arrival to the music office, the Music Department Administrative Assistant will then direct you to the music practice rooms to warm up. Plan to arrive to your actual audition room 10 minutes early, ready to play. Leave all personal items in the Green Room off the foyer. Bring the required audition materials (see above) with you to the audition room. Auditions are typically 15 minutes in length. 

Audition results

For future Waterloo students

Future Waterloo students will receive a letter in the mail indicating their audition results sometime during the week after their audition. An email may preceed this.

For Waterloo students

Current Waterloo students will be notified by email whether or not they have been accepted into Music Studio. There will also be instructions on the next steps new Music Studio students must take to complete their studio enrolment. 

Piano accompaniment

A professional accompanist will be provided (no charge) for voice and instrumentalists during the audition. At least one of the two audition pieces must be accompanied. Be sure to bring the piano accompaniment part with you to the audition.

Entrance scholarships for future Music students

All prospective students auditioning for Music Studio are automatically considered for entrance scholarships at their spring audition. See financial aid and award web page for more information on these and other available scholarships.