Admission Requirements

Admission to Laurier’s Bachelor of Music in Community Music is based on the following:

• Academic grades.
• Theory test: Complete a basic theory test to the best of your ability. As a diagnostic tool, this will reveal what you know about western theory-harmony, but will not be a sole determinant of your admissibility to the program.
• Aural skills test: A series of short tests will assess your ability and potential in aural skills. You may be asked to play or sing back a melody, clap back a rhythm, play or sing at sight a musical score or chord chart, and demonstrate in other ways your ability to hear and identify melodic, rhythmic or harmonic patterns. No specific preparation is necessary for this part of the assessment.
• Interview with a faculty member: This is a chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you have on your audition day.
• Portfolio: You may also submit a portfolio of recordings and/or scores of original material or song covers (optional).
• Audition on instrument or voice.

Audition Requirements (Instrument or Voice)

Prepare three pieces (any genre or genres) that display your musical and stylistic range. You may perform on more than one instrument if you wish.

Pieces may be chosen from one or more of the following categories:

• A solo piece or pieces that demonstrate your level of singing and/or playing.
• A piece or pieces that you will perform with other players and/or singers (e.g., with a jazz combo or vocal ensemble).*
• An improvisation with another musician.*

*Prior arrangements must be made with the auditions coordinator.

Application Process

1. Apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. You can visit our undergraduate admissions toolkit for help if you need it.
2. Once your application is processed, you’ll be emailed your login information for Laurier’s Online Audition Portal (starting Dec. 15).
3. Complete and submit your online audition application, which includes:
   • Your contact information.
   • Your choice of three potential audition dates from set list.
   • Contact information for one reference (reference will be contacted by email to fill out an online reference form).
   • Your current academic information.
   • Your music background and career goals.
   • $50 audition fee.

You should audition in person, but if you live further than 400 km from Laurier, you can audition by video. If you choose this option when completing your online audition application, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare and submit your video.

If you have significant proficiency on a second instrument and would consider enrolling as a major on either, you should consider auditioning on both instruments. An additional fee of $50 will be charged for a second audition.

Audition Process

Your audition day will consist of your audition, interview and theory test.

• If you are auditioning with an orchestral instrument (percussion excepted), you must bring your own instrument.
• Dress for success: our audition dress code is business casual. We suggest that you practice in the clothes you’ll wear for your audition, so you’re comfortable performing in those clothes.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your audition to have time to check in with an audition assistant and warm up in one of our practice rooms.
• Bring one copy of your music for the audition panel.
• Your audition panel will consist of two or three music faculty who will assess your musicianship and technical ability.
• Professional accompanists will be provided by the Faculty of Music. The cost of this is included in your audition fee. You must provide the music for the accompanist. If you prefer, you may bring your own accompanist.
• Your theory test and aural skills assessment will take place on the day of your audition either before or after your instrument audition.
• Once you have completed your audition, our audition assistant will take you to an interview with a faculty member. This is a chance for us to learn more about you and for you to ask questions.
• Cancelling or rescheduling an audition must occur 48 hours before your scheduled audition.

After Your Audition

Most applicants will hear from us once all audition candidates for their instrument have been auditioned. In some cases, this may not be until late April or May.

Recommendation for Admission: The Faculty of Music recommends that you be accepted to Laurier if you meet all academic admission requirements of the university. This is not a guarantee of your acceptance. Your official offer of admission will be determined by Laurier’s Recruitment and Admissions Office and will be sent to you by mail.

If your Faculty of Music audition is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for an alternate offer of admission to another Laurier program.