BMus (Hons) Music Course
Audition Guidance
Audition Dates
Once we have received your application we will email you to
let you know the exact date and time of your audition. We will also
update your track account on the CUKAS website with this
information.
For applications received before 1 October 2010, auditions will
be held from the 15th through to the 24th November 2010
(excluding weekends).
For applications received after the deadline of 1st October
2010, auditions will be held in February 2011. Auditions will only
be held if vacancies still exist.
Further audition guidance will be sent out along with the date
and time of your audition in October.
Your Audition
You will have access to an individual practice room in which to
warm up for 25-30 minutes before your audition starts.
If you wish, we can provide an accompanist at your audition and
during your warm-up. There is no additional cost for this.
There will be two members of the audition panel and the audition
will last between 15-30 minutes in total (45 minutes for piano
candidates - see notes below). The panel will ask you to perform
two contrasting pieces. You should take care to select pieces which
will allow you to demonstrate the full extent of your ability. In
total, your performance should last approximately 10 minutes.
However, the panel might stop you sooner if they feel they have
been able to make an assessment.
As part of your audition, you may also be asked to complete a
short sight-reading exercise and a series of technical tests
including scales and arpeggios.
Notes for Candidates
Piano Candidates
You will need to prepare three
pieces to perform from memory. You should choose pieces in
contrasting styles and from different periods. Your performance
should last between 15 and 20 minutes in total, but the panel might
stop you sooner if they feel they have been able to make an
assessment. We may also ask you to perform a quick study piece
(sight reading) and a series of technical tests including scales
and arpeggios.
Piano Accompaniment Candidates
A week before your
audition, we will send you a song to study. To perform this, we
will provide a singer, who you will rehearse with during your
warm-up time. You will also need to prepare a duo work to perform
with your own soloist, if at all possible. We may also ask you to
perform a quick study piece (sight reading) and a series of
technical tests including scales and arpeggios.
Percussion Candidates
As a minimum requirement, you will need to prepare unaccompanied
items on timpani, snare drum and xylophone. We will provide
instruments for you to use at your audition but you will be asked
to bring your own sticks/beaters/mallets.
Harp and Double Bass Candidates
We will be able to
provide an instrument for you to use during your audition and
warm-up if you require it.
Creative Music Technology and Composition
Candidates
If you apply to study composition, we will ask
you to send us copies of at least three contrasting, fully notated
pieces, preferably with recordings. If you apply to study creative
music technology, we will ask you to send us a CD recording of your
original creative work. You might demonstrate your practical music
technology skills by using multi-track recording, original
vocalization on a synthesizer or evidence of computer work. Your
audition will take the form of a 30-minute interview with staff
from the Creative Music Technology and Composition Teams during
which you will discuss the work you have submitted. Applicants need
to show a musical instinct and creative flair; technical ability on
an instrument at a reasonable level and an awareness of electronic
instruments and information technology. You will also have the
opportunity to talk about your musical interests, activities and
career aspirations.
Information Sessions
Throughout the audition period in November 2010, we will be
holding daily Information Sessions aimed at parents.