UNSW Music Auditions

This test is designed to assess your skills and knowledge in basic music theory, score reading, musical style and general knowledge of music.

To prepare for the test, it's recommended that you review music theory and general musical knowledge to the level of Grade 5 AMEB Theory. There will not be any history component. 

All questions will be multiple choice and cover basics such as all scale constructions, triads, cadences and basic four-part harmony. Simple score reading will also be included. 

Applicants must submit the following:

Performance
If Performance is your intended specialisation, you must provide two contrasting performances. They can be any two short pieces of your choice, as long as they contrast in some way (tempo, technical difficulty, expression, style and so on). Each piece must be between three and five minutes in length. 

Composition
If Composition is your intended specialisation, you must provide two scores of contrasting compositions (along with the two composition scores, we also require accompanying audio files [mp3 is best] – so please also upload audio files that are either MIDI-based recordings or recordings of live performances of your compositions.) We recommend you also submit two contrasting performances on your individual instrument or voice. If not accepted as a composition specialist, you may possibly be accepted as a performer. 

Short song to be sung unaccompanied
The short song can be any song of your choice. It is for the examiner to test your sense of pitch. A traditional song or folk song would be most preferable and must be a minimum of one minute in length. 

500-word essay about yourself
The essay can be about something that you've enjoyed doing, studying or learning about aside from music. The essay is important because it illustrates what you think and how well you express yourself. It also gives you an opportunity to tell us about who you are beyond your musical qualifications and will help us further distinguish you from other applicants. So try to write your essay in a way that lets your voice come through. 

CV/Resume 
We don't expect extensive experience; this is merely to give the examiner an idea of what, if any, extra-curricular activities you may be involved with within the sphere of music. 

Reference 
You will be asked to submit the name and email address of a referee. This will generate an automatic request to your Referee to submit one directly to your application.