Prospective students wishing to enter BMus Programs in the Department of Music must meet the criteria in the section of this Calendar on A.2 “Admission Requirements” at the University of Calgary. Annual application deadlines are set in the Applications for Admission Schedule.
Admission requires evidence of successful completion of Grade III Royal Conservatory Theory/Harmony or the departmental music theory diagnostic exam.
Admission to BMus Programs is also contingent on an audition and interview where applicants are assessed not only on actual performance, but also on talent, potential, and musicality.
Audition Dates
Auditions occur in March with late auditions in early May. Applicants are encouraged to audition in March as these are the primary auditions. Auditions in May are only to fill in any leftover spaces. Applicants must audition in March to qualify for Department of Music Scholarships.
Applicants should complete the audition forms available on line at http://www.finearts.ucalgary.ca/music/prospective.
Live Audition application form deadline: February 26 (for March audition); May 1 (for May audition).
Taped Audition application form/recording deadline: February 26.
Audition Requirements
Applicants should be prepared to perform two pieces (except for piano and voice, who should be prepared to perform three pieces), each from a different style period; singers and instrumentalists should provide their own accompanist. Applicants should be prepared to perform for approximately 10 minutes; in addition, they will be asked to sight-read a short piece of music appropriate to their instrument or voice.
Applicants audition on the instrument of their choice or in voice. Those who would like to audition on two instruments may do so. The jury will determine which instrument (or voice) will become the major when the applicant is admitted to a Music program.
Previously accepted students who have not been enrolled in a performance practicum course for a year or more may be required to re-audition in order to determine if the previous level of attainment has been maintained.
Guidelines
As an indication of the level for admission to the Music Department, the following guidelines should be noted:
- Pianists and vocalists should be prepared to perform repertoire at the Grade X level.
- All others should be prepared to perform repertoire at the Grade VIII level. Students who have not reached the Grade VIII level, but who have a serious interest in a career in music, are encouraged to apply and to audition at the level of performance they have reached. Suggested audition repertoire guidelines are available from the website at: http://www.music.ucalgary.ca.
Applicants Who Live Outside a 150 Km Radius of Calgary
BMus applicants who live further than 150 km from Calgary may submit a video or audio recording. If a recording is submitted, the student may be required to perform a live audition upon arrival. The recording should consist of approximately 10 minutes of music and conform to the requirements for auditions given above. The recording should have been made not more than two months prior to submission, should be of good quality and should be solo or solo with accompaniment. Audition tapes must be received by the the Music Advisor by February 26.
Faculty of Arts