Study

Studio Auditions

Who Auditions?

ProgramRequirements
B.Mus - MusicAudition is required for admission
Pre-B.Mus - Music/B.EducationAudition is required for admission
BA – MusicAudition is not required for admission, but is required to take music studio courses. Talk to an advisor if you have any questions.
BA - Music/B.EducationAudition is not required for admission, but is required to take music studio courses. Talk to an advisor if you have any questions.
Transfer applicantsAudition is required for admission and assessment of the studio level you are qualified to enter.
Post-Diploma applicantsAudition is required for admission and assessment of the studio level you are qualified to enter.

Applicants may choose whether to perform a live, in-person audition at the University of Lethbridge, or submit an online audition. There are benefits to auditioning in-person, such as touring the campus, meeting professors, asking questions, etc. Each process is outlined below.

Live Audition Process

  1. Review your program's application and scholarship deadlines prior to applying.
  2. Submit your University application for admission to the University prior to auditioning.
  3. Submit your Studio Audition application to the Music Department at least 2 weeks before the audition date.
  4. Prepare Accompaniment: Auditions MUST be accompanied, unless the piece was written as a solo without any accompaniment. Applicants must supply their own collaborative pianist for the live audition. If you cannot provide your own, the Music Department has a list of pianists that you may hire (there is a cost associated with this) here. You need to contact them at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled live audition. Contact the Music Department at 403-394-3997 or music@uleth.ca for more information.
  5. Bring Transcripts: Please bring a copy of your transcripts to your audition, whether you are currently a University of Lethbridge student, transferring from another institution or coming directly from high school. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
  6. Audition: See below for your instrument's specific audition requirements. A short interview is held at the time of the live audition to get to know you, though the Music Department reserves the right to request a personal interview/audition for any applicant.

Online Audition Process

  1. Review your program application and scholarship deadlines prior to applying.
  2. Submit your University application for admission to the University prior to submitting the audition email.
  3. Submit your Studio Audition application to the Music Department at least 2 weeks before the audition date.
  4. Organize Accompaniment (if necessary): Online Applicants to music studio may choose to do one of the following, if unable to create video recordings with a pianist:
    • You may perform repertoire without piano accompaniment.
    • You may have a pianist record the accompaniment, then you perform with the piano recording.
  5. Audition videos must show the whole body of the performer, such that the technique and execution (i.e. hands on the instrument, breathing, embouchure, posture, etc.) can be seen by the reviewers.
  6. Upload your repertoire video(s) to YouTube so that the link(s) can be shared via email.
    • If you do not have a YouTube Account, you will have to create one with a current email address.
    • We recommend that these audition videos be saved as "Unlisted". In Step #4 of the upload process, under "Visibility", select " Unlisted".
    • You may submit one complete video with each of the repertoire pieces included, or separate videos for each piece.
    • Copy the video link(s) to submit with your audition email.
  7. Send your Audition Email to music@uleth.ca and the Studio Coordinator.
    • Include repertoire performance link(s) from YouTube.
    • Please attach a copy/scan of your transcripts in PDF format to your audition email, whether you are currently a University of Lethbridge student, transferring from another institution, or coming directly from high school. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
    • Submission deadlines fall at 11:59pm on each audition date.

Audition Dates

2025 Intake (Winter or Fall)

Submit your Studio Audition Application at least 2 weeks prior to one of these audition dates:

  • December 7 (for Studio Re-Entry in January 2025 only)
  • February 1 – scholarship round
  • March 1 – scholarship round
  • March 2 - scholarship round*
    *Auditions will be held in Calgary:
    Michael Lipnicki Fine Pianos
    6035 Centre Street SW, Calgary AB
  • May 3
  • June 15 (online only)

Audition Requirements

Two contrasting pieces (one may be an étude) that demonstrate range, technique, and expressive qualities of the instrument. Royal Conservatory Grade VIII or higher is recommended. Scales and sight reading may be required.

Submit your portfolio, including the essay and examples of your work.

1. Portfolio Content

  • Essay: The essay provides insight to the Music Department about your desire to study composition. In approximately 600 words, explain your reasons for wanting to study composition in the Bachelor of Music, including information about your composition background, experience, inspirations and goals.
  • Examples of your work: Submit examples of one to three current compositions, including audio recordings whenever possible (MIDI realizations are acceptable). Videos and other digital imagery are also acceptable. Advanced theory exercises, which show your compositional skills, are acceptable.

  • Two contrasting pieces (one may be an étude) that demonstrate range, technique, and expressive qualities of the instrument
  • Royal Conservatory Grade VII or higher

  • One contrapuntal work (eg. works by J.S. Bach / Handel / Scarlatti / Rameau / Couperin / Soler / fugues by any composer, etc.)
  • One contrasting piece that represents the applicant's best work. This may be from one of the Baroque / Classical / Romantic / Impressionist / 20th - 21st Centuries / Contemporary eras and can be in jazz style or another popular genre.
  • Selections at the equivalent of RCM or Conservatory Canada Level VIII or higher.
  • Memorization is strongly recommended.

Three solos or études - one on a keyboard (preferably using four mallets), one on snare drum or multiple percussion, and one on timpani

  • Two contrasting pieces (one may be an étude) that demonstrate range, technique, and expressive qualities of the instrument
  • Royal Conservatory Grade VIII or higher
  • Scales may be required

  • Perform three contrasting vocal selections. Repertoire may include: art song, musical theatre, opera arias, operetta, folk songs and popular styles.

  • Two contrasting pieces (one may be an étude) that demonstrate range, technique, and expressive qualities of the instrument
  • Royal Conservatory Grade VIII or higher is recommended
  • Scales and sight reading may be required

Questions?

Music Studio Coordinator
Email: Deanna Oye
Phone: 403-329-2143

Fine Arts Recruitment and Retention Specialist
Email: Nick Sullivan
Phone: 403-380-1864