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Tertiary Music Audtitions

Audition Information For 2012 Mid Year Intake and 2013 Entry

Calling all music students

The University of Newcastle invites all graduating year 12 students to apply to audition for tertiary study with the School of Drama, Fine Art & Music.

Audition Dates

Intake Date of Audition Submit Audition Application by:
Mid year 2012 entry 4th and 5th June 2012 4th May 2012
Early round for 2013 entry 24th September to
28th September 2012
31st August 2012
Main round for 2013 entry 26th November to
14th December 2012
26th October 2012

Applications

Please complete and submit the Audition Application Form (PDF 35KB) by the closing date indicated above depending on which audition period you wish to apply for. Send to:

Auditions Coordinator
The University of Newcastle
Corner Auckland and Laman Streets
Newcastle NSW 2300 Australia

Important Note: You MUST also apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) by the closing date or your audition results cannot be processed. A UAC Guide and application form is available from a newsagent or online at www.uac.edu.au. Your application through UAC is based on the understanding that you will have an ATAR score from HSC studies or an alternative entry pathway.

  • After your application is considered, you will be advised of the date and time of your audition by email.
  • If there are particular dates on which you are unavailable, please advise us under Item 6.0 on the application form.
  • As well as auditioning for entry, applicants will also undertake the aural and theory tests to determine the level of skill prior to commencement in case a short bridging course is to be recommended.

Changing Programs

If you are currently studying a music program at the University of Newcastle and are transferring programs, you should indicate this under Item 5.0 on the application form. Attendance at an audition is not required if you have successfully completed Principal Study courses in your current program. However, it is necessary you ensure that we know about your intended transfer so that we can decide whether an audition will be waived and if so, for us to notify UAC of this decision.

Audition Details

Applicants for admission to tertiary music programs are required to undertake an audition and interview, and aural and theory tests. This assessment together with an ATAR or an equivalent academic score will form the basis for admission to the programs.

Audition Performance:

Performance applicants are required to perform a minimum of three pieces demonstrating contrasting styles and genres. The choice of styles can include contemporary, classical, early music, jazz, world music, other styles, original compositions and/or an improvisation. A demonstrated expertise across any of the styles performed is expected by the audition panel.

Double Instrument Major applicants will be required to undertake an audition for each instrument.

Applicants must arrange their own accompaniment. The accompaniment could be for piano, band, guitar, CD backing, etc. A CD playback system, standard band set up (amplifiers, PA, drum kit, playback) will be available in the audition room. Applicants must supply their own guitar leads. Remember you only have 20 minutes for the audition. This includes set up time. It is suggested to keep your set up simple and quick.

Composition, Creative Production and Song Writing applicants must submit a portfolio of at least 2 - 3 creative works (in advance) with the Audition Application Form. Preferably the creative works should display contrasting forms or diversity.

For Composition: a chamber, orchestral, vocal or solo work, jazz arrangement, a soundscape recording, multi-track recording exploring texture or timbre (If possible, accompany any scored compositions with a recording).

For Creative Production: an audiovisual work, soundscape, creative use of software, an understanding of recording approaches, novel approaches to timbre and sound, etc.

For Song Writing: recordings of different approaches to song writing. This could include an arrangement, different styles, different approaches to production, different approaches to words and music. If recordings are not possible, you can perform your songs at the interview.

Interview:

The interview is conducted at the same time as the audition performance. Applicants may be asked questions regarding their musical background and approach to performance.

Aural/Theory Tests:

Performance applicants are required to perform a minimum of three pieces demonstrating contrasting styles and genres. The choice of styles can include contemporary, classical, early music, jazz, world music, other styles, original compositions and/or an improvisation. A demonstrated expertise across any of the styles performed is expected by the audition panel.

These tests will determine the applicant's skills in:

  • Basic music theory
  • Music notation
  • Listening
  • Rhythmic and pitch perception

The results of these tests will NOT be used in determining your admission to the program. The results are used to indicate your knowledge in these areas and to identify those students who may require a bridging course.

CV

Applicants should bring their Curriculum Vitae to the audition/interview.

Contacts

Should you have any questions regarding programs or auditions please contact the School Office on (02) 4921 8900. Wishing you well in your music studies.

Enquiries about programs, credits, etc, to...

Program Office, Deborah Gane

Telephone: (02) 4921 6535

Facsimile: (02) 4921 6918

Email: Deborah.Gane@newcastle.edu.au

Enquiries about auditions to...

Auditions Coordinator

Telephone: (02) 4921 8900

Facsimile: (02) 4921 8958

Email: conservatorium@newcastle.edu.au

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