BACHELOR OF MUSIC - Guitar Performance
This program requires a background in the study of the classical guitar and its repertoire. The audition should consist of three (3) pieces of contrasting styles from the classical guitar repertoire. Auditions are to be performed on a classical (nylon string) guitar and memorized. The items below are only suggestions for types of works to be represented in your audition.
- Standard études as those of Aguado, Carcassi, Giuliani, Brouwer, Sor
- Works by such composers as Milan, Bach, Holland, Tarrega, Casseus, E. Giuliani, Ponce, Dyens, York, Mertz
- A piece or a movement by a composer who is from a group that is typically underrepresented in the classical music field
Additionally, a knowledge of the entire fingerboard is required, and there will be a sight -reading assessment administered at the audition.
The audition requirements listed below are for the following non performance options ONLY:
- BACHELOR OF ARTS - Music Education
- BACHELOR OF ARTS - Music Industry Studies
- BACHELOR OF ARTS - Music Therapy
- BACHELOR OF MUSIC - Composition
- BACHELOR OF MUSIC - Commercial & Media Writing
Nylon string guitar, basic classical technique utilizing flesh/nail combination, familiarity with the classical guitar repertoire.
Applicants are to perform two (2) pieces of contrasting styles and all scales from the Segovia edition. Auditions are to be performed on a classical (nylon string) guitar and memorized. The items below are only suggestions for types of works to be represented in your audition:
- any one of Etudes 1 & 2 - Mateo Carcassi
- any one of Etudes Simples 1-10 - Leo Brouwer
- Pavanas - Luis Milan
- any one of the Studies (Segovia edition) - Fernando Sor
- any piece commensurate or above the level of the above selections (we encourage performance of works by composers from a group that is typically underrepresented in the classical music field)
As mentioned above, applicants are required to have learned and memorized all scales from the Segovia edition. There will be an assessment of this requirement at the audition
Additionally, a knowledge of the entire fingerboard is required, and there will be a sight -reading assessment administered at the audition. Sight-reading will be comprised of single note position reading of simple chordal pieces.
MASTER OF MUSIC - Guitar Performance
This program requires an extensive background in study of the instrument. Masters students can study either on Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, or both. Please note that the Electric Guitar option is only available for the Master of Music Degree. The audition for the program should represent your artistic goals. Auditions are to be played from memory.
Classical Guitar
The items below are only suggestions for types of works to be represented in your audition:
- Movement or movements from a major work by J.S. Bach: Cello Suites, Lute Suites, Violin sonatas and Partitas.
- A piece or a movement by a composer who is from a group that is typically underrepresented in the classical music field
- A piece or movement of a major guitar composer – Ponce, Rodrigo, Tedesco, de Leon, Brouwer, etc. or modern works – Britten, Takemitsu, Henze, Tower, etc.
Electric Guitar
The study of Electric Guitar in the context of classical and experimental music is relatively new, and will often incorporate concepts of composition, arrangement and improvisation. You will need to contact the Head of Guitar, Professor Steve Thachuk, to discuss your artistic goals, experience, and audition repertoire. It will be necessary to arrange with the Guitar area what equipment will be needed for the audition if performed in person. The audition will consist of a minimum of 15 minutes of music. The following are suggestions for repertoire:
- A classical or experimental work composed for the electric guitar (with or without electronics or signal processing), such as Reich's "Electric Counterpoint", Murail's "Vampyr", Lentz's "Ingwe".
- A classical or experimental work arranged for electric guitar (with or without signal processing).
- Works you have composed in a classical or experimental idiom for electric guitar (with or without signal processing)
- A work by a composer who is from a group that is typically underrepresented in the classical or experimental music field