Auditions for Future students

University applicants - Entrance Scholarship Auditions

Several Entrance Scholarships are available only for UWaterloo applicants who intend to do a Music Major. 

Value:

$2500 per year, renewable for total of 4 years.

Criteria:

  • Performance in an audition. Auditions are held in February/March (see dates below).
  • Academic performance.

Note: An audition is not required for entrance application for Honours Arts (regular or co-op) nor Honours Arts and Business (regular or co-op).

In addition to scholarship consideration, this audition also serves as pre-approval in the Music Studio performance course (Music 226: Studio). Those who do not audition in February/March, can audition as a current student, but might not be eligible for the entrance scholarship.

View "How to Audition for Music at Grebel" on YouTube

Scheduling My Audition

After carefully reading the information below, fill out this on-line form. 

Dates & Details

Audition dates* - 2025 Fill out online form by
Friday, February 7 January 24
Saturday, March 1 February 15

Saturday, March 22

This day is for those who also plan to attend UWaterloo's campus-wide open house event on the same day

 March 14

(*alternate dates may be available upon request)

All participants auditioning that already have a University of Waterloo offer of admission by the last audition date will be automatically considered for a scholarship (either the Jean Caya or The Rudolf and Hedwig Rempel Music Awards). These are awarded based on high school grades and the audition performance.  Scholarships of $2500 for 4 years are given. So, don't miss out, come and audition.

Audition date events include (whether in person or virtual):

  • your 15-min audition,
  • short sight-reading portion,
  • an interview to get to know you and your goals and to answer your questions, and
  • a private Q&A session (parent's welcome) with our undergraduate advisor.

Optional, but recommended events include:

  • "insider info" meet (an informal meeting with current music students),
  • a tour of our music facilities & the rest of Conrad Grebel, including our Residence),
  • a tour of the UWaterloo campus (can include UWaterloo Residence tour) - in-person or virtual.

Requirements

Performance standards

Acceptance into Music Studio is by audition. The minimum acceptable level of performance is approximately equivalent to Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Grade 8 or The Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade 7; the audition process will assess ability to sight-read, musicality, preparedness, and potential for further study. 

Audition requirements

Prepare two contrasting pieces (or movements of longer works) by different classical composers (voice may swap one for a different genre). Each piece will last 3-5 minutes. Voice and piano students are encouraged to perform their selected works from memory. At least one of your pieces must be with piano accompaniment (except piano, guitar, harp and percussion).
Percussion should choose one mallet solo demonstrating 2 and/or 4 mallet technique, and one or two contrasting snare drum solos or one timpani etude or solo. 
Short sight-reading (approximately Grade 6 RCM level) will take place right after the audition.

For remote auditions only: this can include an accompaniment track or a pre-recorded piano accompaniment and will include a live, remote sight-reading (approximately Grade 6 RCM level) and a brief interview by a faculty member. Further instructions will be sent once an audition date is booked.

No theory test is required to be written. No keyboard skills are tested.

Piano accompaniment

We provide a professional accompanist (or recording) at no cost.

Audition materials required

The following must be submitted before your live, remote sight-reading takes place.

1.  A pdf of your high school transcript. (A copy from your OUAC application is acceptable as well.)

2.  Completed Prospective Music Student Information Form. PDF Fillable | PDF

3.  A separate copy of each complete score, including accompaniment part, where applicable.

Audition procedure

Your audition will set to be scheduled once the on-line form above is filled out and further details will be emailed.

No theory test is required to be written. No keyboard skills are tested.

Results

A letter will be sent in the mail indicating audition results sometime during the week after your audition. An e-mail may proceed this.  Scholarship offers will be offered separately a week after the last audition date, or earlier.

If you do not pass the audition at this time, you may re-audition as a current student, but the entrance scholarship offer will not apply at that time.  However, other financial aid is available for current students.

Questions?