How do I audition?

Applicants may perform a live audition in St. John's or submit an audition video. .

What is included in the audition?

All applicants (Bachelor of Music, Joint Degrees Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Commerce, and Master of Music) must play an audition on the instrument that they intend to study as their principal applied instrument. The main purpose of the audition is to assess your potential and your capacity to successfully complete the applied requirements of the music degree program. The audition panel will assess:

• Your technique. Do you have the technical skills necessary for continued progress at the university level?
• The musicality of your performance
• Your musical skills, including aural perception and sight reading

For audition guidelines for undergraduate applicants, see Audition Guidelines by Instrument. For audition guidelines for Master of Music applicants, see Audition Guidelines by Instrument - MMUS Performance & Performance/Pedagogy.

If you have questions about the suggested audition pieces, please contact the faculty member that matches your instrument.

How much does it cost to apply to the School of Music?

Undergraduate and Master of Music applicants are required to pay the School of Music Application Fee of $40. This fee is in addition to the general admission/readmission fees charged by Memorial University. Fees are non-refundable/non-transferable and will be charged upon submission of your application.

Do I need to play my audition with an accompanist?

Applicants whose repertoire features piano accompaniment are required to perform their auditions with a collaborative pianist. Should health and safety concerns prevent an applicant from performing with a collaborative pianist, that's okay. Contact us to let us know you need an accomodation.

How do I submit my audition video?

You will upload your video to YouTube and categorize it as “unlisted.” Label your video MUN Audition, Your Name, Date. Follow these instructions for recording and submitting your audition video. At the start of your video, say your name, what degree you are applying for, and what pieces you will be playing.

Does the School of Music accept late auditions?

Late auditions are usually held in May if space is still available in the program. Students auditioning late cannot be considered for School of Music scholarships. Admission to the Bachelor of Music program is conditional upon admission or re-admission to Memorial University. You must satisfy the requirements of both Memorial University and the School of Music.

How does the School of Music make admissions decisions?

All applicants must first meet the basic admission requirements for Memorial University.

Admission to the School of Music is competitive and dependent on available positions in the program. Admissions decisions are made with particular emphasis on an applicant’s audition and their academic performance. Additionally, the results of the applicant’s Theory Assessment and their letter of recommendation inform admission decisions.

Admission to the Joint Degrees Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Commerce is determined by the same factors as the Bachelor of Music program, plus a required letter of motivation. All joint degrees applicants must submit a 750-word letter of motivation highlighting the applicant’s relevant past experiences, career plans, and motivation for pursuing the joint degrees program.

Decisions are sent out on a rolling basis. The program for which you have applied and the strength of your application determine when you will receive your admissions results.

Some applicants may be offered Early Provisional Acceptance at the time of their audition. These applicants must still meet the basic admission requirements for Memorial University in order to be accepted into the School of Music.

Do I have to apply for music scholarships?

All applicants who audition before March 7 will be automatically considered for School of Music entrance scholarships. No separate scholarship application is required.

Additionally, Memorial University offers a limited number of university-wide entrance scholarships. For more information, visit Scholarships, Awards and Financial Aid Office.

What is on the Theory Assessment?

For information on what is included in the Theory Assessment, see Audition Process. Applicants to the Master of Music program do not write the Theory Assessment.

Applicants are exempt from writing the Theory Assessment if they have completed RCM Theory Level 8, ABRSM Grade 5 Theory, or the AP Music Theory Exam (with a score of 5) within the last two years. Please email a copy of your certificate to musicauditions@mun.ca.

• Sample Theory Assessment (pdf)

Who is required to take the Piano Proficiency Test and why?

The Piano Proficiency Test is not an entrance requirement. Students whose Principal Applied Study is Piano or Organ are exempt from the Piano Proficiency Test. Applicants to the Master of Music program do not perform the Piano Proficiency Test.

Students enrolled in MUN’s School of Music must pass the Piano Proficiency Test by the end of their first year. The test is administered in September and February of each year. All music students must pass it in order to register for the Keyboard Fundamentals course, a required course for all second year music students. If you are not already a good pianist, you should plan to take private piano lessons during your first year.