Auditions for Future students

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*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.  3-4 scholarships of $2000 for 4 years are typically given. So, don't miss out, come and audition.

Audition date events include:

• the 15-min audition (with an accompanist that we provided at no cost),
• an interview to get to know you and your goals and to answer your questions.

Optional, but recommended events include:

• complementary lunch at Grebel (an informal meeting of current students and faculty)
• tour of our music facilities & the rest of Conrad Grebel (30 min),
• tour of the UWaterloo campus (1 hour, or add UWaterloo Residence tour for extra ½ hour).

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; 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. At least one of the pieces must be with an accompanist (except piano, guitar and percussion).  The audition will include sight-reading (approximately Grade 6 RCM) and a brief interview by two faculty members.  Total time is typically 15 minutes in length. No theory test is required to be written. No keyboard skills are tested.

Watch this Youtube video which outlines how to audition.

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.

Audition materials required

Bring the following to the audition:

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

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

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

4.  One copy of the piano part for the accompanist at the audition, if applicable

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 1103. 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. No theory test is required to be written. No keyboard skills are tested.

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 seperately by March 11, 2019, at the latest.

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 this time.  However, other financial aid is available for current students.

• Contact us with this form
• Watch this Youtube video which runs through the audition process.
• Why Music at UWaterloo - Youtube video and application process.
• FAQ's