Auditions

Marianopolis has a two-stage audition process:

Step 1: Pre-Audition at Marianopolis College

The first stage of the audition process is a pre-audition at the College. Pre-auditions last 20 minutes and typically take place on Thursdays between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There is no application fee and no obligation to apply to Marianopolis after your pre-audition.

• Classical singers and instrumentalists must prepare two contrasting pieces for the pre-audition.
• Jazz singers and instrumentalists must prepare two songs, one of which should be a jazz standard.
• Jazz drummers should prepare two songs, a snare study, and demonstrate the ability to play different styles (swing, Latin, funk, etc.).
• You may perform with a backing track or with live accompaniment, but stay safe! Ability to improvise is an asset, but not required.

SCHEDULE A PRE-AUDITION

Step 2: Formal Audition at McGill University

The second stage is a formal audition at McGill University, which determines whether you are accepted into the Marianopolis Music Program. After you successfully complete your pre-audition we will schedule your audition at McGill. Details will be communicated to you once you have passed the pre-audition and applied to the Music Program.

• Classical requirements are the same as the pre-audition except for pianists, who must prepare three pieces for the McGill audition. Singers and pianists must memorize their pieces.
• Jazz performers must perform two Jazz standards and a Blues piece. They may also be asked to play a short (8-16 measures) transcription.

Theory Requirements

You should have the equivalent of McGill Conservatory Secondary V, RCM Grade 2 Rudiments or Vincent d’Indy 6e année in theory in order to successfully complete the Marianopolis Theory course. Our theory practice test gives you an idea of the skills you should have mastered.

THEORY PRACTICE TEST

Ear Training Requirements

• Identifying major and minor (natural, harmonic and melodic) scales
• Identifying melodies for quality (major or minor) and for type of motion (conjunct or disjunct)
• Identifying scale degrees (1, 2 , 3 … 7) after the scale has been heard
• Identifying intervals and their qualities (major 3rd, perfect octave, etc.) and be able to write them
• Notating short heard melodic fragments (two to three notes)
• Simple melodic dictation
• Identifying the quality of major and minor triads
• Identifying the root notes of simple chord progressions
• Rhythmic dictation from pitched and unpitched examples

Our ear training practice test and ear training audio gives you an idea of the skills you should have mastered.

EAR TRAINING PRACTICE TEST

AUDIO FOR EAR TRAINING PRACTICE TEST

Sight-Singing or Solfège

• Sing back simple melodies which the instructor will play or sing
• Clap back simple rhythms
• Sing from written examples of simple to more complex melodies, using solfège syllables, numbers or note names

Your principal instrument can be:

• Any traditional Jazz instrument such as saxophone, guitar, bass, piano, clarinet, etc.
• Jazz Drums
• Jazz Voice
• Classical Piano
• Classical Voice
• Strings
• Woodwinds
• Brass
• Percussion
• Early Music Instruments
• Harp
• Organ