Music Theory and Aural Skills Assessment Information
Pertains to all programs except Music Technology Diploma and Advanced Certificate in Applied Audio.
Entrance into the Basic Musicianship, Diploma and Foundations for Music Therapy Studies programs is based on varied requirements. Please refer to the table below:
| Program | Interview Required | Audition Required | Assessments Required |
| Basic Musicianship | Yes | No | Theory and Aural Skills placement review, taken as part of the program interview |
| Foundation for Music Therapy Studies (FMTS) | Yes | Yes | Theory and Aural Skills Assessments |
| Music Diploma | Yes, as part of audition | Yes | Theory and Aural Skills Assessments |
Audition & Assessment Dates
Upcoming in-person audition and assessment dates for 2024 are on the following Saturdays:
03 February, 02 March, 06 April, 11 May, and 08 June
Applications to the college are now open. Applicants will be invited to audition once they have completed the general requirements.
Theory and Aural Skills Assessments
The Music Theory Assessment gauges applicants’ knowledge of and fluency with theory rudiments and is designed to determine whether placement into MUSC 1110 (Music Diploma level theory) is possible. This online assessment is completed after you apply. Applicants will be allowed a maximum of two attempts for each Fall intake. For more information, sample questions and links to free online practice options, view/download this PDF:
Music Theory Assessment Information
The Aural Assessment determines whether placement into MUSC 1115 (Music Diploma level aural skills) is possible. Successful applicants will demonstrate reliable pitch matching ability, accurate melodic memory, sight singing and sight rhythm performances during a short, individual appointment. Applicants will be allowed a maximum of two attempts for each Fall intake.
Music Diploma applicants who are unsuccessful at placing into MUSC 1110 and 1115 after two attempts will be advised to enter the Basic Musicianship program.
Foundation for Music Therapy Studies applicants who place into MUSC 1102 Basic Theory and/or MUSC 1103 Basic Aural and Sight Singing Skills after two attempts will be advised to enter the Basic Musicianship program.
Aural Skills Assessments are booked for you upon completion of your applicant questionnaire.
Please note
Royal Conservatory of Music Theory certificates or AP Music credits do NOT exempt applicants from writing the theory assessment. Candidates who have passed the RCM Advanced Rudiments exam should bring documentation to their assessment. A strong theory background is an asset and theory faculty will consider the possibility for advanced placement.
Audition Requirements
The following guidelines represent the expected level to be considered for the Performance-level Studio Instruction course (private lessons). Students who do not meet these minimum practical requirements but pass the theory and aural skills assessments will be placed in the General-level Studio Instruction for private lessons.
All applicants must bring one extra copy of the music they are performing to their audition. References to the Royal Conservatory of Music levels are only intended as a guideline for choosing appropriate pieces. Please note: For all instruments and voice, sight reading ability may be assessed during the audition.
Please note: If your ability to demonstrate your skills or knowledge is impacted by a disability, impairment or chronic illness, please contact Accessibility Services at Douglas College by calling 604 527 5486 or emailing stuserv@douglascollege.ca. The Music Department relies on Accessibility Services to advise us regarding appropriate accommodation strategies and it is important to meet with a member of their team prior to booking an audition or assessment with the Music Department.
Pieces
- 2 pieces or studies in contrasting styles
- Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 5 or higher
- Must be played on a classical guitar
Technique
- Scales (major and minor) F#, G, Ab, A, C, D, Eb (2 octaves)
- Cadences I-IV-V-I chords (major and minor)
Pieces
- Two pieces: one pop and one jazz tune
- Create a simple improvisation over one of them. Melodies and chord changes should be memorized. Be prepared to play both the chords (as an accompaniment) and the melody.
- A recorded rhythm section to play along with is acceptable.
- Please bring two copies of the lead sheets
Technique
- all major and minor (harmonic and melodic) scales two octaves, ascending and descending, in one position
- the blues scale in all twelve keys
- one classical etude that demonstrates your basic technique
Snare Drum, drum set & Mallet instruments provided. Applicants must bring their own sticks.
Pieces
- One piece on snare drum (page 24 from Morris Goldenberg’s book Modern School of Snare Drum) and one piece on mallet keyboard instrument (page 28 from Morris Goldenberg’s book Modern School for Xylophone)
- No band parts accepted
Technique
- Snare: rudiments (rolls, flams, drags, paradiddles, etc.)
- Mallet: scales and arpeggios (major and minor)
Snare Drum, drum set & Mallet instruments provided. Applicants must bring their own sticks.
Pieces
- Drum set and/or hand percussion. Demonstrate various styles (latin, jazz swing, world music or rock) on drum set, congas, or other types of hand drums
Technique
- Snare: rudiments (rolls, flams, drags, paradiddles, etc.)
Pieces
- 2 pieces in contrasting styles played from memory
- Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10 or higher
Technique
- Scales (major and minor)
- Formula patterns
- Octave scales
- Chords (solid and broken)
- Major, minor, dominant 7th, diminished 7th arpeggios
- Major, minor, dominant 7th, diminished 7th chords – all inversions
Pieces
- 2 pieces or studies in contrasting styles
- Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 6 or higher (violin: Gr.8)
- No orchestral parts accepted.
Technique
- Violin: Major and minor scales and arpeggi in 3 octaves for the keys of G, A flat, A, B flat, B, C, D flat and D. Major and minor scales and arpeggi in 2 octaves for the keys of E flat, E, F and F#. Ascending and descending. Scales bowings can be one octave per bow when holding the octave note OR 12 notes per bow when doing Galamian style scales. Arpeggi should be 9 notes per bow for 3 octaves, 6 notes per bow for 2 octaves.
- Viola and cello: All major and minor scales, two octaves, ascending and descending.
- Double Bass: All major and minor scales and arpeggios: in 2 octaves for the keys of E, F, and G. 1 octave for all other keys.
Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to bring their own accompanist to the audition.
Pieces
- Two contrasting pieces: eg. one pop and one jazz tune
- Create a simple improvisation over one of them. Be prepared to play both the melody and a bass line.
- Please bring two copies of the sheet music
Technique
- All major and natural minor scales one octave, ascending and descending
- The blues scale in all twelve keys, one octave.
Pieces
- 2 songs, preferably in contrasting styles, to be sung from memory.
- Students wishing to be considered for performance lessons on classical vocal repertoire should choose audition pieces at RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) grade six level (or higher) if possible. If you are not familiar with RCM, we encourage you to select repertoire that best allows you to demonstrate your performance skill.
- Audition repertoire may be Classical (lieder, art song, folksong, oratorio, operetta, opera, etc.), Musical Theatre and/or Jazz. Pop/contemporary genres will be considered upon request
Technique
- Vocalization (scales, triads, arpeggios)
Voice applicants are required to bring their own accompanists to the audition.
If this is not possible, please inform the Administrative Associate at least five days before the audition date to obtain contact information of local accompanists-for-hire.
Pieces
- 2 pieces or studies in contrasting styles
- Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 6 or higher
- No band parts or jazz band parts accepted.
- Two contrasting movements of a single work are acceptable.
Technique
- All major and minor scales and arpeggios
(Brass: 1 Octave, Woodwinds: 2 Octaves)
Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to bring their own accompanists to the audition.
Pieces
- Prepare two contrasting pop or jazz tunes and create a simple improvisation on one.
- Memorization is not required but please bring your lead sheet with chord changes included.
- Accompaniment is optional. Recorded rhythm section is acceptable.
- All major and minor scales up to the ninth and down
- The blues scale in all keys
- One classical etude that demonstrates your basic technique
- Sight reading
- No band music please