Master of Music (Orchestral Performance)

Important! Please make sure you have read the How to Apply information for this course prior to reading the audition requirements below.

Audition dates

2027 Start Year Intake

International applicants:

Main round - Submit a video-recorded audition via the supplementary application form, due 18 May.

Late round - Applicants can choose to either:

  • Attend a live, face-to-face audition at the Southbank campus. Auditions will be held in November.

OR

  • Submit a video-recorded audition via the supplementary application, due 31 October.

Domestic applicants:

Main round - Applicants can choose to either:

  • Attend a live, face-to-face audition at the Southbank campus. Auditions will be held in November.

OR

  • Submit a video-recorded audition via the supplementary application, due 31 October.

Please note that applicants will not be advantaged, nor disadvantaged, in selection by attending either an on-campus or submitting a video-recorded audition.

Audition requirements

Applicants should prepare:

  • a 20-minute audition using prescribed repertoire for their instrument including:
    • orchestral excerpts; and
    • a movement of a standard concerto (or equivalent)

Prescribed audition repertoire:

Bass Trombone

Bassoon Contrabassoon

Cello

Clarinet

Double Bass

Flute Piccolo

French Horn

Harp

Oboe CorAnglais

Saxophone

Tenor Trombone

Timpani and Percussion

Trumpet

Tuba

Viola

Violin

Please ensure that:

  • You and your instrument are clearly visible in the video.
  • Solo work is recorded in one single unedited take with piano accompaniment, it may be recorded separately to the excerpts.
  • All excerpts are recorded in one single take; the recording must be unedited.
  • Excerpts must be performed in the order listed.
  • You upload a queue sheet identifying the order and time each excerpt begins in your recording.

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. You will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements for the live audition during the booking stage.

Interview requirements

Applicants should prepare to:

  • Sight-read a set excerpt (30 to 60 seconds); and
  • Discuss intentions and goals in undertaking the course; and
  • Professional and/or academic history in relation to the field; and
  • Demonstrate an understanding of instrumental performance as a multifaceted art form

How will I be assessed?

Applicants' audition will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Excellence in performance on the applicant's instrument

Applicants' interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Accuracy of sight reading
  • Clarity of communication and presentation
  • Artistic curiosity and engagement with the field
  • Demonstrated potential to work constructively and collegially in a professional orchestral setting
  • Reflections on own practice, its context and histories