Bachelor of Music Audition Information - Contemporary Stream

The Contemporary Keyboard Audition has 2 components: repertoire and technique.  

Technique (all three choices), please prepare the following: 

• Scales: 4 octaves, hands together in straight 8th notes at 120BPM.  
  • G major OR E major  
  • e minor harmonic OR g minor harmonic
  • Bb major OR C# minor harmonic  
  • Six-note blues scale beginning on C (can be swung 8th notes)  

• Arpeggios: 4 octaves ascending and descending (hands together) in eighth notes at 120 BPM  
  • C minor
  • Bb Major

• Chords: Solid or broken, 2 octaves (hands together) in quarter notes, at 96 BPM  
  • A major
  • F minor

Repertoire:  Select one (1) of the following three (3) choices, each of which involves performing three (3) selections: 

CHOICE A: 3 Contrasting Pieces 

• Perform three (3) contrasting pieces, at a performance level similar to the pieces listed below on the list. You may submit any combination of classical, music theatre, jazz, pop, or other style. Your choices should showcase your knowledge of the musical idiom you choose to perform, as well as your technique and musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation). 

CHOICE B: 2 Contrasting Pieces + 1 Improvisation on Jazz Standard 

• Perform two (2) contrasting pieces at a performance level similar to the pieces listed below. You may submit any combination of classical, music theatre, jazz, pop, or other style. Your choices should showcase your knowledge of the musical idiom you choose to perform, your technique (ability to play a variety of patterns in each hand, hand independence/ interdependence), as well as your technique and musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation). 

• Perform the melody, improvisation, and comping on one of the following 3 jazz standards: Autumn Leaves, All The Things You Are, or Blue Bossa. Play the melody in the right hand, with left-hand chordal accompaniment, demonstrating knowledge of chord progressions. 

If using iRealPro backing track, please mute the piano voice in the software. 

CHOICE C: 2 Contrasting Pieces + 1 Original Composition 

• Perform two (2) contrasting pieces, at a performance level similar to the pieces listed below. You may submit any combination of classical, music theatre, jazz, pop, or other style. Your choices should showcase your knowledge of the musical idiom you choose to perform, as well as your technique and musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation). 

• Perform one (1) original composition by yourself. 

Here is a list of sample repertoire that you may use as a guide with respect to level. We are assessing your technical and artistic abilities, so please balance your selections to demonstrate your abilities in both these areas.  

• Bridge Over Troubled Water (Music and lyrics by Paul Simon: solo piano version) 
• Clocks by Coldplay (Hal Leonard: Coldplay for Piano Solo Sheet Music) 
• Defying Gravity from Wicked (Piano Solo)
• Distant Memories by Alexina Louie  
• Laurentide Waltz from the Canadiana Sweet by Oscar Peterson 
• La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin by Claude Debussy 
• Santa Ana Winds from Isla Vista Suite by Martha Hill Duncan  
• The Easy Winners by Scott Joplin
• Moonlight Sonata (1st movement) by Beethoven 

Mallet percussion applicants are expected to focus on jazz and/or pop performance with an emphasis on the vibraphone.   

Mallet Choice A: 

• 3 pieces, contrasting in style to one another, at a level that best shows off your ability level.  Your chosen piece should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically.

• Perform the following scales ascending and descending in two octaves.  Any tempo is accepted: 
  • Bb Major 
  • Ab Melodic Minor
  • C Harmonic Minor 

• Perform the following arpeggios ascending and descending in two octaves. Any tempo is accepted: 
  • F Major
  • Bb Dominant 7th (any extensions are accepted, e.g. Ab7(b9), Ab7(#9,#5), etc.)
  • Ab half-diminished (Ab m7b5) 

Mallet Choice B: 

• Two pieces in any combination of classical, music theatre, pop, jazz, or other style. Your chosen pieces should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Original compositions are welcome. 

• Perform the melody, one chorus of improvisation, and one chorus of comping (chording) on one of the following jazz standards: 
  • Autumn Leaves (1 chorus of improvisation, 1 chorus of comping) 
  • All the Things You Are (1 chorus of improvisation, 1 chorus of comping)
  • Blue Bossa (2 choruses of improvisation, 2 choruses of comping) 

• The melody should be played in your right hand with left-hand chordal accompaniment that demonstrates knowledge of the progression. If using an iReal Pro backing track, please mute the chording instrument in the software unless you are using two mallets. 

• Perform the following scales ascending and descending in two octaves. Any tempo is accepted: 
  • Bb Major 
  • Ab Melodic Minor 
  • C Harmonic Minor 

• Play three different chord voicings (inversions are accepted) for each of the following chords: 
  • F Major 7 
  • Bb Dominant 7th (any extensions are accepted, e.g. Ab7(b9), Ab7(#9,#5), etc.) 
  • C minor 7 
  • Ab half-diminished (Ab m7b5) 

Mallet Choice C: 

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability. These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both). These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• Perform the following scales ascending and descending in two octaves. Any tempo is accepted: 
  • Bb Major
  • Ab Melodic Minor 
  • C Harmonic Minor 

• Perform the following arpeggios ascending and descending in two octaves. Any tempo is accepted: 
  • F Major
  • Bb Dominant 7th (any extensions are accepted, e.g. Ab7(b9), Ab7(#9,#5), etc.) 
  • Ab half-diminished (Ab m7b5) 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn). An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.  

Drum Set Choice A: 

• One snare drum solo from any of the following books: 
  • Modern Rudimental Swing Solos for the Advanced Drummer, by Charles Wilcoxin 
  • The All-American Drummer: 150 Rudimental Solos, by Charles Wilcoxin 
  • Portraits in Rhythm: 50 Studies for Snare Drum, by Anthony Cirone
  • Twelve Studies for Snare Drum (Douze Études), by Jacques Delecluse 

• Perform the following grooves. Play at least four 8-bar phrases with minimal drum fills: 
  • Medium Swing – 4 on the floor 
  • Up-Tempo Swing
  • Bossa Nova, quarter note = 100 
  • Samba, cut time quarter note = 100 to 132
  • Swing feel, any tempo using brushes 
  • Funk groove, any tempo

For guidance on these styles and grooves, Groove Essentials 1.0 by Tommy Igoe is highly recommended 

Drum Set Choice B: 

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability.  These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both).  These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn).  An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.  

Other percussion instruments are also possible (e.g. tabla, conga, steel pan, etc.).  Please contact the DAN School of Drama and Music regarding the audition requirements if you wish to apply on a percussion instrument not listed here. 

The Contemporary Strings Audition has 2 components: repertoire and technique.  

Technique (all three choices): Please prepare one three-octave scale and arpeggio of your choice. 

Repertoire: Please prepare one of the following options. 

Contemporary Strings Choice A: 3 Contrasting Pieces 

• 3 pieces in any combination of classical, music theatre, pop, jazz, fiddle, or other styles, at a level that best shows off your ability level. Your chosen pieces should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Works that are written with accompaniment should be performed with accompaniment.   

Contemporary Strings Choice B: 2 Contrasting Pieces + Improvisation 

• Two pieces in any combination of styles. Your chosen pieces should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Original compositions are welcome. 

• Perform the melody and improvisation on one of the following: 
  • Autumn Leaves (jazz standard)
  • All the Things You Are (jazz standard) 
  • Minor Swing (Django jazz standard) 

You may use a backing track (e.g. iReal Pro, YouTube accompaniment if you wish), or piano accompaniment can be provided. 

Contemporary Strings Choice C: 3 Contrasting Compositions, including original compositions + Personal Creative Statement 

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability. These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both). These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn). An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.  

Please prepare one of the following options. 

Contemporary Voice Choice A: 3 Contrasting Pieces 

• 3 pieces, contrasting in style to one another, at a level that best shows off your ability level. Your chosen piece should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Works that are written with accompaniment should be performed with accompaniment. 

Candidates will be asked, either in the audition or (if submitting a recorded audition) during the live interview, to sing major and minor scales and arpeggios within their range, to match pitch, and to sing in harmony. 

Contemporary Voice Choice B: 2 Contrasting Pieces + Jazz Improvisation 

• Two pieces in the style of your choice. Your chosen pieces should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Original compositions are welcome. 

• Perform the melody and improvisation on a lead sheet of your choice. Please provide the lead sheet at your audition. You may use a backing track (e.g. iReal Pro, YouTube accompaniment) if you wish. 

Candidates will be asked, either in the audition or (if submitting a recorded audition) during the live interview, to sing major and minor scales and arpeggios within their range, to match pitch, and to sing in harmony.

Contemporary Voice Choice C: 3 Compositions, including original compositions + Personal Creative Statement 

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability. These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both). These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn). An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.  

Candidates will be asked, either in the audition or (if submitting a recorded audition) during the live interview, to sing major and minor scales and arpeggios within their range, to match pitch, and to sing in harmony.

The Contemporary Winds (Woodwinds & Brass) Audition has 2 components: repertoire and technique.  

For technique in all three choices, please prepare the following: 

• Perform the following scales, 2 octaves (exceptions to the octave requirement may apply for instruments with a more limited range). These are indicated in concert pitch so please transpose as appropriate for your instrument. 
  • G Major 
  • F harmonic minor  
  • A Chromatic 

• Perform the following arpeggios, 2 octaves (exceptions to the octave requirement may apply for instruments with a more limited range). These are indicated in concert pitch so please transpose as appropriate for your instrument.
  • Ab Major 
  • D Dominant 7th 
  • C minor 

For repertoire, please prepare one of the following options:

Contemporary Winds Choice A: 3 Contrasting Pieces 

• 3 pieces, contrasting in style to one another, at a level that best shows off your ability level. Your chosen piece should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Works that are written with accompaniment should be performed with live accompaniment for both in-person and recorded auditions. 

Contemporary Winds Choice B: 2 Contrasting Pieces + Improvisation 

• Two pieces in any combination of classical, music theatre, pop, jazz, or other style. Your chosen pieces should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. Original compositions are welcome. 

• Perform the melody and improvisation on one of the following jazz standards: 
  • Autumn Leaves
  • All the Things You Are 
  • Blue Bossa 

You may use an iReal Pro backing track if you wish.

Contemporary Winds Choice C: 3 Contrasting Pieces, including original Compositions 

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability. These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both). These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn). An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.  

The Contemporary Guitar Audition has 2 components: technique and repertoire.

Technique: Please prepare the following:

• Perform the following ascending and descending in two octaves.  Any tempo is accepted: 
  • Bb Major 
  • Ab Dorian
  • C Harmonic Minor 

• Play three different chord shapes for each of the following chords in different positions on the neck: 
  • F Major 7 
  • Bb Dominant 7th
  • C minor 7 

Repertoire: Please prepare one of the following 3 options: 

Guitar Choice A: 3 Contrasting Pieces 

• 3 contrasting pieces, in any combination of classical, music theatre, pop, rock, jazz, or other style, at a level that best shows off your ability level. Your chosen piece should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. 

Guitar Choice B:  The Jazz tradition:

• Perform the melody, at least one chorus of improvisation, and one chorus of comping (chording) on one of the following jazz standards. Optional: Arrange the melody statement of the piece in a chord-melody fashion, with the melody on top of the underlying chord.
  • Autumn Leaves
  • Black Orpheus (Manha de Carnaval)
  • Blue Bossa

Backing tracks may be used (commonly available on Youtube, or the app IReal Pro)

Guitar Choice C: 3 Contrasting Pieces, Including Original Compositions + Personal Creative Statement:

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability.  These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both).  These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn).  An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.  

The Contemporary Bass Audition has 2 components: technique and repertoire.  

Technique: Please prepare the following: 

• Perform the following scales ascending and descending in two octaves, in quarter notes at 120 BPM: 
  • Bb Major 
  • F Harmonic Minor 
  • A Dorian

• Play the following arpeggios ascending and descending within one octave in a steady tempo of your choice: 
• F Major 7 
• G Dominant 7th
• C minor 7 

Repertoire: Please prepare one of the following 3 options: 

Contemporary Bass Choice A: 3 Contrasting Pieces 

• 3 contrasting pieces in any combination of classical, music theatre, pop, rock, jazz, or other style at a level that best shows off your ability. Your chosen pieces should showcase your technique, musicality (dynamics, phrasing, interpretation), and knowledge of the musical idiom in which the chosen song resides stylistically. 

Contemporary Bass Choice B: The Jazz Tradition 

• Perform the melody, 2 choruses of a solo (improvisation), and an accompaniment bass line on one of the following jazz standards: 
  • Autumn Leaves 
  • Black Orpheus (Manha de Carnaval)
  • Blue Bossa

Note: If using an iReal Pro backing track, please mute the bass voice in the software. Other backing tracks from Youtube may also be used.

Contemporary Bass Choice C: 3 Contrasting Pieces, Including Original Compositions + Personal Creative Statement 

• Three pieces of your choosing that show off your creative and performance ability. These may be performances or compositions (or a combination of both). These may be live-performed, submitted as a recording, or submitted in an accessible file format (e.g. MusicXML, .mp3, YouTube link). 

• A personal statement that details your inspiration and creation process for each piece, as well as your desired learning structure at Queen’s (i.e. what instrument(s) and genre(s) you are most proficient in as well as other areas you would like to learn).  An online form will be provided for this component which you will fill in before your audition.