Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Where possible, you should attend a live audition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. If you are an interstate or international applicant and cannot attend in person, you may submit a video recorded audition through the application process. The recordings must be no older than six weeks at the time of dispatch. Audio-only recordings will not be accepted.

Accompaniment for Live Auditions

You are required to provide your own accompanist. Under extenuating circumstances only, the Conservatorium may be able to assist you in organising an accompanist. Please contact Student Administration for information.

Undergraduate

Principal study is available in bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe and saxophone. Please refer to the Historical Performance Unit page for audition requirements for recorder and Baroque flute.

Music Skills Test

Since prior music skills development is essential for successful study at the Sydney Conservatorium, the Music Skills Test must be completed. The test is held at the Conservatorium during the audition/interview period and is designed to assess whether you have a sufficient level of music literacy in harmony and aural perception to cope with the demands of the course. As a guide, the minimum level of skills possessed should be at the level of the New South Wales Music 2 syllabus (formerly 2 Unit Music) or AMEB Level 6 Musicianship or equivalent. Results of the Music Skills Test supplement the information provided by other aspects of the audition process. If you are successful, the results also help to determine streaming in aural and harmony subjects.

Bachelor of Music (Performance), Bachelor of Music (Music Education), Diploma of Music, Bachelor of Music Studies and combined degrees

In addition to the Music Skills Test, you will have an audition of approximately 10-15 minutes. The panel will be looking for you to demonstrate a refinement of tone, technique and musicality. Audition material should include at least two or more contrasting pieces, or excerpts of pieces, of around 10 minutes duration. At least one piece must be with accompaniment. If you are applying for saxophone, clarinet, flute or oboe, you should also be prepared to present all major and minor scales in whichever format you are accustomed to practising. Bassoon candidates may be required to present major, harmonic and melodic minor scales and arpeggios up to three sharps and flats in whichever format you are accustomed to practising.

Postgraduate

Principal study is available in bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe and saxophone. Please refer to the Historical Performance Unit page for audition requirements for recorder and Baroque flute.

All Postgraduate Degrees

You should prepare a 40-minute recital of advanced and varied works performed to a high level of excellence. Up to 20 minutes of this recital can be unaccompanied. The recital must include one major work from the repertoire.