Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatory to undertake an audition and interview.
The Audition Panel will normally comprise an instrumental/vocal/conducting specialist, the relevant Head of Department or nominee, the Head of Academic Studies, or nominee and the Programme Chair.
The audition will involve performance (see detailed requirements below) and an interview. The Audition Panel reserves the right to halt a performance when it has heard enough to form a judgment. The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programme. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, performance experience and repertoire, research interests and career plans.
Where relevant, candidates are requested to provide their own form of accompaniment (or supporting musicians) and to provide copies of the music (or outline scores) for the audition panel.
Piano
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles, to include one concert study.
At least one work should be played from memory
Sight-reading test
Organ and Harpsichord
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles, to include one major work from the Baroque period.
Sight-reading test
Classical Accordion
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles.
At least one work should be played from memory
Sight-reading test
Piano Accompaniment
Candidates are expected to prepare a 20-minute programme, representing at least at least two musical styles for piano and instrument/voice. Soloist(s) to be provided by applicant.
Candidates are also required to present one solo piano concert study of own choice.
Sight-reading test
Répetiteur
Candidates should prepare the following:
- Sing and play a secco recitative from a Mozart opera with a minimum of two characters and not shorter than 25 bars
- Sing and play two scenes from two different operas and in two different languages. Each scene should be between ten and 15 minutes in length. A duet may be chosen for one scene only and otherwise, scenes should have a minimum of three characters.
- Play a solo piano piece of appropriate standard.
- Read a short text in a foreign language and to translate the same into English. The text will be provided in advance
- Sight-read from an opera score
Vocal Studies
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme, balanced in style and language, covering all genres, and should sing in at least two different languages. A very high standard of performance is expected.
Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree. A very high standard of performance is expected.
Chamber Music
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles from the classical chamber music repertoire of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree. A very high standard of performance is expected.
Irish Traditional Music
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces from the Irish traditional repertoire of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree, to include a slow air. A very high standard of performance is expected. (Copies of the music or outline scores are not required for the audition panel for Irish traditional music auditions.)
Jazz
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting jazz pieces of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree, to include a ballad. A very high standard of performance is expected.
Audition Assessment Criteria
Applicants will be selected first and foremost on the basis of merit and potential and must convince the audition panel that they have the ability, maturity and potential to cope with the demands of the programme.
MMus (Performance) applicants will be judged competitively based on the following criteria, assessed by means of the audition, interview and application:
• talent and potential
• demonstration of a serious commitment to a career in music
• previous performance experience
• quality of previous training and musicianship
• broad knowledge of music, including historical contexts and contemporary practice
• demonstration of academic writing skills
• interpersonal skills for team building and leadership
Audition results are notified to candidates via email, normally within two weeks of the audition date.
International Applicants
International applicants who are unable to attend an entrance audition in person must supply an authenticated and referenced recording of their performance (see above for specific requirements). The recording should be in video DVD format with professional quality audio. Recordings submitted on CD, cassette tape or standard magnetic tape will not be accepted. Please note recordings cannot be returned. Applicants whose DVD performances are of a suitable standard will then be contacted for an interview, usually via Skype.
Further Information
Professor Cliona Doris
M.Mus. Programme Chair
E: cliona.doris@tudublin.ie