Apply to Degree Programs Audition & Interview

Solo Violin Player

An audition and interview (audition/interview) is required for all applicants to assess musical proficiency for all undergraduate programs. 

Distance requirement: Applicants who live within 300 km of Toronto are required to audition/interview in-person. Although we strongly encourage all applicants to audition in-person, if you live further than 300 km you may choose to audition by video recording and complete the interview and skills assessment online.

Repertoire guidelines: Classical

Review the repertoire guidelines carefully as they vary by instrument/voice and by program.

Bachelor of Music programs include: Composition, History Culture & Theory, Interdisciplinary Music Studies, and Music Education.  If you are interested in History, Culture & Theory, or if you would like extra time to decide which program may be right for you, an Exploratory Year is also an option in first year. 

Artist Diploma applicants must follow the guidelines indicated for Bachelor of Music in Performance.

If you are applying to two programs, one of which is performance, your repertoire must be at the higher performance repertoire level as indicated.

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma: minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire

    Prepare one piece from each of the following stylistic periods: 

    1. Renaissance
    2.  Baroque 
    3. Classical 
    4. Romantic

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma: minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire

    Applicants must prepare the following:

    1. Two contrasting movements of a Sonata or Concerto (movements may be from the same piece or two different pieces) 
    2. One Étude demonstrating your highest level of technical development 
    3. A solo work from the 20th or 21st Century (accompanied or unaccompanied) 
    4. Prepare/play two major scales of your own choice, two octaves, eighth notes at mm quarter=60, each with a different style of articulation

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 7 repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/ Artist Diploma: minimum RCM Level 9 repertoire

    Three pieces chosen from the following categories: 

    1. Renaissance or Baroque 
    2. Classical or Romantic 
    3. Spanish or South American 
    4. 20th or 21st Century work

    Note: Memorization of pieces is expected. One piece of the applicant’s choosing may be performed with music but the remaining pieces must be played from memory. 

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma: minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire

    1. Two contrasting movements from a Baroque or Classical Sonata
    2. A French Composition
    3. A 20th or 21st Century work

  • Bachelor of Music programs:

     Minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire is required from the categories below:

    1. A Prelude & Fugue by J.S. Bach or an Allemande & Gigue from a Suite or Partita 
    2. One or two pieces, such as a Toccata by Frescobaldi, or a Pavane & Galliard by Byrd, or two contrasting pieces by F. Couperin 

     

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma: 

    Minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire is required from the categories below:

    1. A Prelude & Fugue by J.S. Bach
    2. Three contrasting movements from a Partita or English Suite
    3. Three contrasting movements from a work of the French School

    Note: Memorization is required for all prepared pieces:

  • Bachelor of Music programs:

     Minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire is required from the categories below:

    1. Any one work or movement in trio form by J.S. Bach 
    2. Two contrasting works/movements (c. 10 minutes total duration)

     

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma: 

    Minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire is required from the categories below:

    1. A work by J.S. Bach
    2. A pre-Bach work
    3. A 20th or 21st Century work
    4. One other contrasting work (if program is less than 20 minutes)

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 8 repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma: minimum RCM Level 10 repertoire

    1. One timpani Étude
    2. Two snare drum solos displaying rudimentary & orchestral techniques as well as:
      • closed roll from piano to forte and back to piano over 20 seconds
      • open roll from slow to fast and back to slow
    3. Marimba:
      • One 2-mallet solo
      • One 4-mallet solo
      • Major and minor (harmonic and chromatic) scales, two octaves
    4. Performance and Artist Diploma applicants only: Glockenspiel excerpt from Mozart’s The Magic Flute

  • Bachelor of Music programs

    Minimum RCM Level 9 repertoire; at least two pieces are required to be memorized.

    1. A Prelude & Fugue or two movements of a Suite by J.S. Bach (a 3-Part Invention may be substituted)
    2. Two contrasting movements of a Classical Sonata
    3. A composition of the Romantic Period
    4. Own choice: To further broaden and diversify your repertoire you are encouraged to perform a work by a 20th, 21st century, and/or female, 2SLGBTQ+, or BIPOC composer or a work from your own culture and traditions.

     

    Bachelor of Music Performance/Artist Diploma

    Minimum RCM ARCT repertoire; all pieces (with the exception of the Quick Study) are required to be memorized.


    1. A work by J.S. Bach: a Prelude and Fugue, a Toccata, or 3 movements from a Partita or Suite
    2. Two contrasting movements of a Classical Sonata
    3. A composition of the Romantic Period
    4. A 20th or 21st Century work; we welcome works by a Canadian, female, under-represented BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ composer, or a composer from your own culture and traditions
    5. A fast tempo Étude
    6. Prepare the provided Quick Study piece*

    *Quick Study


    When applying to performance-focused piano programs, an additional ‘Quick Study’ piece will be provided for preparation during the audition process. Two weeks before the recorded audition deadline or the scheduled in-person audition/interview, you will receive an untitled piece to learn to the best of your ability. This Quick Study piece is factored into your audition similarly to ear-testing and sight-reading.

    An email will be sent with a website URL and password to access the Quick Study. For video auditions, include a recording of yourself performing the Quick Study by the deadline of February 1. For in-person auditions, the Quick Study will be part of the audition/interview.

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma programs: minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire

    Double Bass

    Applicants should prepare two contrasting movements and a study as indicated below: 

    1. One movement from a Concerto 
    2. One movement from a Sonata 
    3. A study from Simandl (30 Études) or Bille (ER 263 or 304)

     

    Cello, Viola and Violin

    Applicants should prepare three contrasting movements/short pieces: 

    1. One movement of a Concerto 
    2. One or two movements of solo Bach 
    3. One work of your choice that adequately represents both your technical and musical abilities, chosen from the standard string repertoire. Selections from musicals and/or popular music are not acceptable. 

    Note: Memorization is required for at least two pieces.

  • Bachelor of Music 

    Minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire is required from the categories below. Applicants to these programs should perform five (5) pieces representing at least two (2) languages.  All repertoire should be memorized.  

    If you are a transfer student, please include a complete list of previously studied repertoire organized by language with your Music Questionnaire as part of your Additional Information. 

    1. An Italian song or Italian aria from before 1750 
    2. An aria from an opera or oratorio (may substitute a folk song)
    3. Two (2) art songs (at least one must be in English)
    4. A 20th or 21st Century song (songs from musicals and popular music are unacceptable)

    Note: Applicants are welcome to include one additional selection, in any language or style, which is relevant to their heritage or musical background.

    Bachelor of Music in Performance and Artist Diploma

    Minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire is required from the categories below. Applicants to these programs should perform six (6) pieces representing at least three (3) languages.  All repertoire should be memorized.  If you are a transfer student, please include a complete list of previously studied repertoire organized by language with your Music Questionnaire as part of your Additional Information. 

    1. An Italian song or Italian aria from before 1750
    2. An aria from an opera or oratorio
    3. Three (3) art songs (at least one must be in English)
    4. A 20th or 21st Century song (songs from musicals and popular music are unacceptable) 

    Note: Applicants are welcome to include one additional selection, in any language or style, which is relevant to their heritage or musical background.

  • Bachelor of Music programs: minimum RCM Level 8 Repertoire

    Bachelor of Music in Performance/Artist Diploma programs: minimum RCM Level 10 Repertoire

    Prepare the following:

    1. Two contrasting movements of a Sonata or Concerto (may be two movements from the same piece or two different pieces) 
    2. One Étude demonstrating your highest level of technical development 
    3. A solo work from the 20th or 21st century (accompanied of unaccompanied)

Repertoire guidelines: Jazz

Jazz applicants follow a two-step audition process.

  1. Submit a pre-screening video to be submitted with the Music Questionnaire.
  2. Based on the pre-screening video submission, select applicants will be invited to an official audition using pre-approved tunes. 

  • The list below includes standard tunes that have been pre-approved for auditions by the Jazz Department. If you wish to perform tunes that are not on this list, please check in by email at undergrad.music@utoronto.ca 

    BalladSwingStraight/LatinWaltz 3/4
    Polka Dots and MoonbeamsAutumn LeavesBlue BossaSomeday My Prince Will Come
    The Nearness of YouBeatrice CaravanAlice in Wonderland
    (In My) SolitudeBernie's TuneI'll Remember AprilBlue Daniel
    Angel Eyes But Not For Me RecordameEmily
    Willow Weep for MeBye Bye BlackbirdSt. Thomas 
    You Don't Know What Love IsDays of Wine and Roses  
    My Foolish HeartDoxy  
    TenderlyGroovin' High  
    In a Sentimental MoodHave You Met Miss Jones?  
    But BeautifulI Remember You  
    SkylarkI've Got Rhythm (Various Heads)  
    Lover ManIn a Mellow Tone  
     Just Friends  
     Killer Joe  
     Ladybird  

  • Pre-screening Video:

    Two versions of Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker: 

    VERSION ONE:  Accompanied by a rhythm section (live, or play-along recording), play Billie’s Bounce in F Major; quarter note = approx. 174.  Include melody and 2-3 choruses of improvised solo. Bassists should walk. 

    VERSION TWO: Play Billie’s Bounce, unaccompanied in any key at any tempo.  Include melody and one chorus improvised solo.

    Official Audition Requirements:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows

    • Replace one improvised with one chorus of walking/accompaniment 
    • Should demonstrate their ability to improvise bass lines in the appropriate style for each piece 

  • Pre-screening Video:

    Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham and Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker: 

    Blue Bossa:  Accompanied by live (bass, piano, and/or guitar), or play-along recording accompaniment, play Blue Bossa quarter note = approx. 160.  Include at least one solo chorus

    Billie’s Bounce: Accompanied by live (bass, piano, and/or guitar), or play-along recording accompaniment, play Billie’s Bounce, quarter note = approx. 174. Include at least one solo chorus.

    Official Audition Repertoire:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows:

    • Demonstrate various styles (e.g. swing, shuffle, Afro-Cuban, funk, bossa nova & samba) at various tempos 
    • Should include trading 4’s and/or 8’s and/or solo on the form of the piece 
    • Use brushes as well as sticks

  • Pre-screening video:

    Two versions of Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker: 

    VERSION ONE:  Accompanied by a rhythm section (live, or play-along recording), play Billie’s Bounce in F Major; quarter note = approx. 174.  Include melody and 2-3 choruses of improvised solo. Guitar should also comp chords. 

    VERSION TWO: Play Billie’s Bounce, unaccompanied in any key at any tempo.  Include melody and one chorus improvised solo.

    Official audition repertoire:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows

    • Replace one improvised with one chorus of comping.
    • Play one of the three required pieces unaccompanied

    Note: you will be assessed on your ability to ‘comp’ on all jazz pieces

  • Pre-screening Video:

    Two versions of Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker: 

    VERSION ONE:  Accompanied by a rhythm section (live, or play-along recording), play Billie’s Bounce in F Major; quarter note = approx. 174.  Include melody and 2-3 choruses of improvised solo. Piano should also comp chords.

    VERSION TWO: Play Billie’s Bounce, unaccompanied in any key at any tempo.  Include melody and one chorus improvised solo.

    Official Audition Repertoire:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows

    1. Should replace one improvised chorus with one chorus of comping.
    2. Should play one of the three required pieces unaccompanied
    3. Will be assessed on their ability to ‘comp’ on all jazz pieces

  • Pre-screening Video:

    Two versions of Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker: 

    VERSION ONE:  Accompanied by a rhythm section (live, or play-along recording), play Billie’s Bounce in F Major; quarter note = approx. 174.  Include melody and 2-3 choruses of improvised solo.

    VERSION TWO: Play Billie’s Bounce, unaccompanied in any key at any tempo.  Include melody and one chorus improvised solo.

    Official Audition Repertoire:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows: 

    • one chorus melody, and two choruses improvising

    You may choose to also demonstrate facility on flute and/or clarinet in the audition.

  • Pre-screening Video:

    Two versions of Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker: 

    VERSION ONE:  Accompanied by a rhythm section (live, or play-along recording), play Billie’s Bounce in F Major; quarter note = approx. 174.  Include melody and 2-3 choruses of improvised solo. 

    VERSION TWO: Play Billie’s Bounce, unaccompanied in any key at any tempo.  Include melody and one chorus improvised solo.

    Official Audition Repertoire:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows:

    • Perform three choruses total: one chorus melody and two choruses improvising.

  • Pre-screening Video:

    One version of Autumn Leaves, music by Joseph Kosma; English lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

    With a rhythm section (live, or play-along recording), sing Autumn Leaves in the key of your choice; quarter note = approx. 174. The performance should contain two complete choruses of the song:

    • The first chorus should be strictly melody.          
    • The second chorus should incorporate improvisation.

    Official Audition Repertoire:

    Prepare three contrasting pieces from the Jazz idiom; these pieces may be chosen from the list of repertoire provided. Applicants may include other “jazz standard” tunes that are not on the suggested list, if they so choose. 

    Perform three choruses on standard 32-form tune as follows:

    • Sing/interpret the melody twice and improvise one chorus.

Accompaniment guidelines

Classical accordion, guitar, harp, harpsichord, percussion or piano, do not require any accompaniment for their in-person or video audition.

All other instruments:

Applicants applying on any other classical instrument should follow the guidelines below for recommendations regarding accompaniment for their in-person or video audition.

Jazz applicants must use a rhythm section following the guidelines below.

  • Whether you are auditioning in-person, or submitting a video recording, you are asked to perform with a live collaborative pianist as accompaniment. This helps assess your ability to collaborate with another musician.

    You will be responsible for arranging an accompanist and the cost of their service. You will also be responsible for arranging rehearsals.

    If you do not have your own, or if your regular accompanist is not available on your assigned audition date, you may contact the Faculty of Music Admissions Office to have a list of potential accompanists sent to you.

    The Faculty of Music provides all applicants with a space to rehearse and/or warm-up on the day of their audition.

  • Pre-screening accompaniment:

    For the purposes of the Jazz pre-screening recording only, applicants may play with a live accompaniment (rhythm section) or may opt to use a ‘play-along’ recording.

    Official Audition Accompaniment:

    All Jazz applicants who are invited to an official audition  must perform with a live rhythm section and will be responsible for the cost of their accompaniment. 

    At the in-person auditions, the Faculty of Music will provide live rhythm section accompaniment for all of the required pieces at an extra cost. There is no need to pre-arrange the live rhythm section, they will be available on all audition dates.It is highly recommended that all Jazz applicants use this service; however, applicants may arrange their own accompaniment if they wish.  

    Information regarding cost for the use of the Faculty of Music’s rhythm section will be sent out with audition notices.  The Faculty of Music provides all applicants with a space to warm-up on the day of their audition.

Audition schedule

Audition dates for 2025 will be posted later in the fall.

  • DatesInstrument
    To be determined

  • InstrumentDates
    To be determined

Please note that due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to accommodate requests to change audition dates due to the unavailability of your regular accompanist.

Recorded audition guidelines

  • All applicants to a Jazz program must submit an audiovisual Pre-Screening Recording for review. 

    Follow these steps when preparing your recording:

    1. Ensure you follow the pre-screening repertoire requirements for your instrument. 
    2. Clearly identify yourself on your video, by stating your first and last name and the instrument you will be playing before you begin your required repertoire. 
    3. Record yourself performing the required pre-screening repertoire.  For the purposes of the Pre-Screening Recording only, you may play either with live accompaniment (rhythm section) or you may use a ‘play-along’ recording. 
    4. Upload your audiovisual recording to either YouTube (unpublished listing) or Dropbox.  
      • Your recordings must be formatted for streaming, not downloading (the above platforms should do this automatically).  Please note that we do not accept downloadable recording files (e.g. MP3)   
    5. Applicants who are unable to submit their video by either of these methods, must contact the Faculty of Music directly at undergrad.music@utoronto.ca well in advance of the application deadline for alternate instructions. 
    6. Complete the supplementary Music Questionnaire. Copy and paste the URL link from your video into the Music Questionnaire in the Audition section where requested. Submit the completed application online by the posted deadline. 

    Pre-Screening Recordings will be reviewed and successful applicants will be invited to an official audition. 

  • For applicants who live more than 300km from Toronto and choose to submit a recorded audition.

    • The audio-visual recording must be of good quality (although professional not required).   
    • Please review the audition repertoire guidelines and accompaniment guidelines for your instrument, prior to making the recording.   
    • Identify yourself by clearly stating your first and last name, your instrument, and the program to which you are applying.   
    • The performer must appear in the video frame. For instrumentalists the head and both hands must be clearly visible. For vocalists, the performer must face the camera and the upper body and face must be clearly visible.   
    • Each piece must be performed in one take.   
    • No edits or enhancements are permitted.   
    • Any performance submitted should have been recorded within 6 months of the audition deadline.

    1. Create an online folder (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive) where you can upload performances of all your chosen audition pieces.  
    • Upload your recordings to a streaming service (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud). An individual video link should be created for each piece of repertoire you have listed; this must correspond with what you have listed for your repertoire on the Music Questionnaire.
    • Your recordings must be formatted for streaming, not downloading (the above platforms should do this automatically).  Please note that we do not accept downloadable recording files (e.g. MP3)   
    • Video submissions must be viewable/accessible for at least 6 months.  Do not set viewing of the link to expire. 
    1. Double check that your URL links open to the correct videos and do not contain any error messages prior to submitting them.  E.g. YouTube links must be set to "unpublished" to be viewed by the committee.
    1. Once you have uploaded all your recordings to your online folder, return to your Music Questionnaire and enter the URLs with the corresponding repertoire listings. Recordings are due February 1.

    Applicants who are unable to submit their video by these methods, must contact the Faculty of Music directly at undergrad.music@utoronto.ca well in advance of the application deadline for alternate instructions.      

What to expect at the audition/interview

Classical auditions

You can expect 2-3 faculty members/instructors on your adjudication/interview panel whether you are online or in-person. 

All classical in-person auditions are held in the Edward Johnson Building and you will be provided a warm-up room 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time.

Student looking playing piano with score
1

Performance

In-Person: You will be asked to perform select pieces (or excerpts) from the repertoire list you have prepared based on the audition requirements. Please bring one copy of scores for the audition panel.  

Recorded:  You must submit an audio-visual recording for each of the repertoire pieces required for your instrument/program by February 1, ensuring you follow the recorded audition guidelines. 

2

Skills Assessment

In-Person and Recorded:  You may be asked to identify intervals and chords, and sing or playback a short melody.  As part of the assessment, you may also be asked to sight-read a short piece on your instrument and/or sight-sing a short piece.  

Note: The skills assessment will be completed as part of the online interview for applicants auditioning by recording. 

3

Interview

In-Person and Recorded:  During the interview, you will be asked questions to assess your knowledge of repertoire for your instrument, including composer information and structural features of chosen audition repertoire. The audition panel will also engage you in discussion to learn more about your musical interests and career goals.  

There are no theory assessments on the day of your audition. Review theory prerequisites.

Jazz auditions

You can expect 2-3 faculty members/instructors to be on your adjudication/interview panel whether in-person or online.

All Jazz in-person auditions are held in the Faculty of Music South and you will be provided a warm-up room 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time.

close-up of electric guitar being played
1

Performance

In-Person: You will be asked to perform the pieces (or parts of pieces) that you have prepared.  Please bring lead sheets for the rhythm section

Recorded:  You must submit an audio-visual recording for each of the pieces required for your instrument/program by February 1, ensuring you follow the recorded audition guidelines. 

2

Skills Assessment

In-Person and Recorded:  You may be asked to identify intervals and chords, and sing or playback a short melody.  

Note: The skills assessment will be completed as part of the online interview for applicants auditioning by recording. 

3

Interview

In-Person and Recorded:  During the interview, you will be asked questions to assess your knowledge of repertoire for your instrument, including composer information and structural features of chosen audition repertoire. The audition panel will also engage you in discussion to learn more about your musical interests and career goals.  

Have a repertoire question?

Any questions regarding the appropriateness of your audition repertoire should be sent to undergrad.music@utoronto.ca.

Reviewing sheet music on a stand