Graduate Admissions
Audition Guidelines
Applicants applying for the MCert, TCEP or Undergraduate programs will be required to audition.
Repertoire
Perform two pieces that demonstrate contrast of tempo and style.
Audition Options
- In-Person
- Online via VanderCook’s online application platform Acceptd
Online (Video) Audition Guidelines
- Why do you want a career in music education?
- Who inspired you to be a music teacher and why?
- What are the qualities you look for in an outstanding teacher?
Videos Two & Three: Perform two selections of contrasting styles or one longer selection that demonstrates contrasting styles.
Video Four: Perform major scales that demonstrate your technique and range. One sharp key and one flat key (2 scales minimum; please perform at least one sharp key and one flat key). Minor scales are optional but encouraged.
What to wear: Professional attire expected
In-Person Audition Guidelines
- Two selections of contrasting styles, or one longer selection that demonstrates contrasting styles.
- Major scales that demonstrate your technique and range. Please be prepared to have scales selected for you. Minor scales are encouraged but optional.
- Sight-reading exercise
- Interview with panelists
Please note: All in-person auditions must be scheduled two weeks in advance.
What to wear: Professional attire expected.
Percussion Guidelines
- Snare drum solo or étude in an orchestral/concert style
- Snare drum solo or etude in a rudimental style
- One 2-mallet and one 4-mallet keyboard selection
- A timpani solo or étude
- Demonstrate styles on drum set (optional)
Instrumental Guidelines
- Play two or more selections/movements on your primary instrument that demonstrate contrast of tempo and style.
- Major scales that demonstrate your technique and range. Please be prepared to have scales selected for you. Minor scales encouraged but optional.
- Sight-read a few short exercises.
Choral Guidelines
You may bring your own accompanist, or you may request an accompanist two weeks prior to your audition. Audition music should be sent immediately following a request for an accompanist.
- Perform two contrasting selections that demonstrate your abilities. This may be something in a foreign language and something in English, an art song and a musical theatre piece, something that demonstrates your ability to sing phrases and something that demonstrates your flexibility. Most importantly, choose music that shows us who you are as a musician.
- Demonstrate that you can sing scales in tune. Singing scales - You may use solfege syllables, numbers, or a neutral syllable. Please prepare to sing one octave followed by the arpeggio in a comfortable range. Perform as many of the following scales: major, natural minor, melodic minor, harmonic minor. For the minor scales, they may be la-based or do-based minor.
- Here are some scale suggestions to perform: Sop/Tenor F major and D minor; Alto and Bass: D or D-flat major and B or B-flat minor, for example.
- Sight-read a few short exercises.
