Capilano University

Fall 2016 Music diploma Auditions: June 7, 8, 14, 15 & August 23, 24, 30
All prospective students wishing to enter the Music Diploma Program are required to
audition on their primary instrument. Those students unable to attend a live audition
may submit a tape/CD or video recording for assessment. Due to enrolment demands
and to be eligible for entrance scholarships, applicants are strongly advised to audition
as early as possible.
When filling out the application form please include which instrument(s) you will
be auditioning on in the comments section of the form.
Students will be notified of their audition date in early spring.
The audition process consists of the following four parts:

1. Repertoire
Applicants must perform two contrasting selections, preferably by memory and not to
exceed 15 minutes. One copy of each selection must be provided for the audition
committee. A list of repertoire studied within the last two years and a letter of
reference from the applicant's current teacher should be presented at the audition, if
possible. Where an accompanist is needed, it is suggested the applicant provide his or
her own pianist or perform without accompaniment (an accompanist provided by
the university may be available on certain audition dates).
Sight-Reading may be required at the discretion of the audition committee.
Performance Level Required:
Piano: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Ten or equivalent.
Applicants below this level may enrol in a preparatory year.
Voice: There is no specific grade level required. An ability to perform in a
language other than English is an advantage, but not required.
Wind/Brass/Strings/Guitar/Percussion: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Six or
equivalent.
The above grade levels are approximate guidelines and those applicants who are below
the indicated level and demonstrate good potential for future growth and development
will be given consideration.

2. Musicianship Skills Assessment

Tap or clap a short rhythmic excerpt

Identify intervals within an octave (ascending and descending)
Identify chords (major, minor, dominant and diminished sevenths in root position)
Pitch Matching (match one to three pitches with the voice after being heard on
the piano)

3. Interview
Applicants will be asked about their musical background and future music, career and
personal goals.

4. Theory Exam
Applicants must demonstrate a thorough and fluent knowledge of the fundamentals of
music (pitch, key signatures, scales, rhythm, intervals, chords, transposition and
musical terms).
Applicants who have successfully completed the Royal Conservatory of Music
Advanced Rudiments (Grade Two Rudiments) Exam will be granted exemption however
are required to bring a copy of their RCM certificate to the audition.
A sample theory exam is available from the music office or by downloading the
following PDF files:
Sample theory exam (pdf)
Recommended Texts for Preparation:
Berlin, Boris, Molly Sclater and Kathryn Sinclair. Keys to Music Rudiments.
Toronto: Gordon V. Thompson (Warner Bros. Publications), 1968-1969.
Lawless, James. The New Theory Workbook. 3 vols. Waterloo, Ontario: Waterloo
Music, 1991.
Sarnecki, Mark. The Complete Elementary Music Rudiments. Mississauga,
Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.
Vandendool, Grace. Keyboard Theory. 3 vols. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick
Harris Music, 2001.
Wharram, Barbara. Elementary Rudiments of Music. Mississauga, Ontario:
Frederick Harris Music, 1969.
Go to www.musictheory.net for additional music theory and ear training resources.
Or Music Fundamentals worksheets and answer sheets

5. Distance Audition Information

1. What format should I use to record my audition?You can use any format that will
allow us to clearly hear and see your performance. Typically applicants either send a
DVD or use a website such as You Tube to post their performance online. If you send a
DVD, please ensure that the file name is a standard one i.e. Mp4, which is usable by
most computers or DVD players. Recordings should be in one uninterrupted take for
each piece performed. Generally, two pieces in contrasting styles are sufficient.
Submit DVDs to (please note DVDs will not be returned):
Music Office
Capilano University
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H5
Submit You Tube auditions to: music@capilanou.ca quoting the exact URL link for your
audition
2. How will I write the theory placement test?Please provide the name and contact
information of the music educator who will oversee your writing of the theory
placement test. We will email or fax them the test and they will be required to return
the test to us for marking. You must write the test with the following guide lines: one
hour time limit, no help from the overseeing teacher, and no outside resources in the
room.
3. How will my interview and musicianship testing be done?
This part of the audition is typically done by telephone or Skype. If you are able to
assure us of your proficiency in musicianship skills, the test can be postponed until
after you have received a letter of admittance - the musicianship test is really just a
placement test. It does not normally prevent an applicant from being admitted to the
program unless they have some kind of hearing disability. The telephone or Skype
sessions will be arranged.