Master of Music (Performance Teaching)

Audition requirements

Applicants should prepare an audition program consisting of 20 minutes of repertoire that is contrasting in style and genre. For example, applicants with a classical repertoire are encouraged to prepare a Western art music program consisting of works that reflect different composers, eras, and/or genres.

Instrumentalists and singers must perform at least part of the program with an accompanist, where appropriate*. You must provide your own accompanist. Classical piano, classical guitar or percussion would normally audition unaccompanied.

*During COVID-19 restrictions, performing with an accompanist is encouraged, but not mandatory, and only if you deem there to be no health risk. You may organise an accompanist of your choice for your audition. See the “Preparing your recorded audition” section below for further guidance.

Percussion applicants, if access to all the required percussion instruments is not possible, please contact Brent Miller brent.miller@unimelb.edu.au to discuss alternative arrangements.

Recommended accompanists

Preparing your recorded audition

Please prepare your recorded audition as per the guidelines outlined above.

We understand that in current circumstances, arranging a live accompanist and/or accessing certain recording equipment may be difficult. For applicants requiring accompaniment, you may organise an accompanist to provide backing tracks for your repertoire. Once you have received your backing tracks from an accompanist, you can use them to rehearse and then record your audition.

It is not an expectation that you access or purchase additional recording equipment beyond a basic smartphone, iPad or laptop/desktop device. For smartphones, many recent models already have very good microphones built in.

Please note, your full audition must be video recorded in a single unedited take, and uploaded as one file. Pauses between pieces or movements is expected.

How will I be assessed?

Applicants’ auditions will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Musical Awareness (appropriateness, shape, phrasing, sensitivity)
• Technical Command (accuracy, fluency, rhythm, tempo )
• Quality of Sound (tonal control, expressive range)
• Communication (poise, performance presence, interpretation)
• Control of Instrument (balance, posture, physical coordination)

All applicants will be ranked based on the above criteria, up to the capacity of places within the course