Music Performance Audition Advice

Preparing for your music performance audition

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of music courses designed to cater for a wide range of levels and backgrounds.

The purpose of an audition is for you to show us the music that you feel passionate about, to share your aspirations and career objectives, and for us to evaluate your current skills and knowledge. It is through this process that we are then able to place you in the most relevant course to enable you to develop as a musician and achieve your goals.

Equipment

Online: Virtual auditions are conducted online using Zoom. Please ensure you have a computer set up with a reliable internet connection and ability to effectively communicate audio and video.

On campus auditions: If you elect to have an audition on campus, we provide a drum kit, piano, bass/guitar/keyboard amplifier, music stands, and PA with 1/8” stereo audio playback device connector. (USB-C interfacing is not possible.) Depending on your instrument and accompaniment/band you will need to provide everything else (cables, plectrums, drumsticks and other instruments). Post-COVID-19 restrictions safe practice requires that you bring your own vocal microphone and cable, if you feel it is necessary to amplify your voice.

Book your audition here.

Performance

Perform two contrasting pieces on your principal instrument (or voice). Arrange your pieces to be no more than four minutes each (they can be shorter than this). You can perform solo or in a group or use pre-recorded accompaniment or a backing track.

Before your audition you may choose to provide current videos of you performing two contrasting pieces. Links from DropBox, Google Drive, YouTube, etc. can be emailed to auditions@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au

Interview

After you play your pieces, you will be asked some questions about your goals and aspirations to determine which course might suit you best. You are welcome to bring copies of references and a portfolio although there will not be time to listen to CDs or read lengthy biographies.

Theory, Music Reading, Ear Training

We’re dedicated to developing complete musicians, and though you may feel that your skills in theory, musicianship, music reading and ear training might not be sufficient to enter our courses, we’re here to help you develop those skills. After the performance portion of your audition, we’ll make an appraisal of your current skills in these areas so that we can offer you the best advice on a course that matches your level and goals. So, in addition to your performance you’ll be asked to demonstrate:

• Sight-reading skills on your principal instrument. This may include notation in the instrument’s usual clef and chord changes.
• Aural skills through recognition of short examples played on the piano. Intervals, scales and chords will be included.
• Theory knowledge. This will include major and minor scales and key signatures, time signatures and correct groupings of notes and rests, chord recognition and construction, common standards of music notation, basic harmonic cadences and progressions.

Please note that auditions are recorded for archival purposes, enabling you to be considered for any of our music course offerings listed below:

• Bachelor of Music
• Undergraduate Certificate in Music
• Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Performance)
• Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Performance)

Visit the Fairfield Campus page for travel info.

Information sessions

Come to one of our information sessions, we would love to see you there.

Further Information