Auditioning for Music at UWA
We’re committed to unlocking your creative potential, whatever your musical interest. Explore our wide range of courses and discover the one that’s right for you— our courses are designed for different interests, musical backgrounds, and experiences. Be sure to review our admission requirements to understand the prerequisites for each course.
Which music courses require an audition?
☑ Bachelor of Music (Music Extended Major)
☑ Contemporary Popular Music Major
☑ Music Theatre Major
☑ Music General Studies Major
☑ Music Studies Minor
☑ Applied Music Minor
☐ Electronic Music and Sound Design Major
☐ Music and Society Major
☐ Musicology Minor
☐ Digital Creativity Minor
☐ Video Game Music and Sound Minor
Music Ensemble Units
No audition is required for 'Ensembles for All' (Ukulele, Broadway Choir, Drums and More) however, Advanced Ensembles require an audition (Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, etc). These auditions happen in week 0 or week 1 of each semester. Email [email protected] for more information about auditions.
Please note that applicants are not required to have completed ATAR Music to study a music major at UWA.
If you're applying for:
You'll need to:
- Come prepared with two contrasting pieces that best show your ability. Chose something that shows your skill, but that you can play well. This may not be your hardest piece.
- Instrumentalists can perform with or without an accompanist. Due to the nature of voice auditions (Classical and Music Theatre), an accompanist is provided for stated audition days.
- During the audition, there will be a short aural test. You may be asked to recall and clap a rhythm or sing a melody.
- Around the time of your audition, you will be sent a link to sit a short online aural test. Students entering majors have varied experience, and the purpose of this short test is to assist in streaming first semester Music Language classes. This test has no bearing on your audition outcome.
- After the audition, you will receive an email advising which music courses you have been accepted for (subject to receiving formal offer from UWA).
- If you are applying for composition, you will attend an informal interview instead of an audition. You will be asked to submit a portfolio of your work prior to the interview. If you also want to be considered for performance, you can undertake an instrumental audition on the same day.
Further audition FAQs are included below.
Booking your audition
- Find the relevant booking link below.
- Select your preferred date or request an ad-hoc booking
- You will receive your audition details approximately 10 days before the scheduled date.
- Come prepared with two contrasting pieces that best show your ability. Chose something that shows your skill, but that you can play well - this may not be your hardest piece.
Top tip: If you're taking ATAR Music, consider auditioning in our September round. This timing allows you to present your pre-prepared ATAR repertoire and use the audition as a valuable run-through for your upcoming practical exam.
If you're applying for:
You'll need to:
- Describe the music you make (instruments you play, genre).
- Upload a link to a video or audio recording of you playing your music (maximum 3 minutes).
- We are assessing your musicianship and creativity
- Audio and production quality is not important. Smartphone recordings are fine
- You should play your own original music or a significantly reworked version of an existing track
- The music can be performed solo or in group
- Clearly describe your creative contribution to the video performance submitted
- What instrument/s did you play?
- How much did you contribute to composing/writing/arranging/producing the track?
After reviewing you application details. you will be invited for an informal interview.
Auditions FAQ
- What happens in the audition?
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An audition is not an exam. The panel will ask for copies of your music and for the titles of your two prepared pieces. You’ll choose which piece to start with. Due to time constraints, you may only play parts of each piece, so feel free to begin mid-piece if there’s a specific section you’d like to showcase. The panel may stop you mid-piece. Being asked to stop is not an indication of unsuitability for admittance.
The panel may listen to your second piece in part or in full. You’ll then complete a brief aural quiz (example quiz HERE) to assess your musicality and have a chance to discuss your goals and experience. - Do I need an accompanist?
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It’s up to you. Due to the nature of Voice auditions (Classical and Music Theatre), an accompanist is provided, or you can provide your own if you prefer. September auditions may align with ATAR exams, so some accompanists might be unavailable. For instrumentalists, performing without an accompanist is perfectly fine.
- I play percussion. Is my audition different?
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You should still prepare two contrasting pieces, ideally one on mallets and another (e.g. snare, timpani, or kit) that demonstrates some percussion rudiments.
- What should I include in my portfolio?
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Please bring samples of your work, such as academic writing, compositions, music certificates, or other achievements. A panel member will review these during the audition. If you don’t have examples, a portfolio is not mandatory.
- I was really nervous. Can I audition again?
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It’s really normal to feel nervous! Our experienced panel understands this and can usually assess your musical ability accurately. If you feel nerves affected your audition significantly, reach out to the Conservatorium of Music to discuss possible options.
- I'm interested in composition - do I need to audition?
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You’ll need to attend an informal interview and submit a composition portfolio (in advance of the audition).
If you are unsure which stream you wish to pursue, or you wish to be considered for both performance and composition, we recommend you audition for performance and attend a composition interview. You can select this option when booking your audition.
- I'm an international applicant - how do I audition?
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You will need to provide a recorded audition either via Dropbox, USB, Youtube, DVD or via any file sharing system, as long as you provide us with access to view it. You should perform two contrasting pieces on your instrument or voice in a single take (do not edit the recording afterwards). You’ll also need to provide a certified letter stating the authenticity and date of the recording. Once you arrive at UWA, you may be asked to do a separate informal audition. If you are interested in composition, please also provide a portfolio.
- Can I defer my place in music?
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If you plan to defer for over six months, you’ll need to re-audition to secure your place. It’s essential to maintain a high standard of performance until you start at the Conservatorium.
Contact us
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