Music auditions

• Audition recordings must be in a standard format with worldwide access. 

• The recording must be of good audio and visual quality, ensuring that both your performance and any spoken introductions are clearly audible. 

• The camera should be placed on a tripod, capturing a clear view of you and your hands/fingers while playing. 

• Avoid zooming or camera movements—select a good angle and keep it steady for the entire performance. 

• The audition recording must be from within the last year and may include a qualifying degree final recital if appropriate. 

Please provide a Word document with a link to your video performance on a platform of your choice (e.g., Google Drive, YouTube, etc.). 

Audition Requirements by Instrument 

Piano 

• One work from the Baroque period (e.g., Bach, Handel, Scarlatti) 

• One movement from a Classical sonata (e.g., Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven) 

• A work of your choice 

At least one of the above must be played from memory 

String and Wind 

Two contrasting pieces and an unaccompanied study (totaling approximately 15 minutes of music) 

Harpsichord and Organ 

Two contrasting pieces: one by J.S. Bach and one by another composer 

Voice 

Two contrasting pieces: one must be a classical art song or aria, or two contrasting musical theatre selections 

A short sight-reading exercise and a short aural test (intervals, chords, cadences, melodic memory, etc.) 

Submission of a video audition recording (live auditions will only be required in special circumstances) 

Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of original works instead of a performance audition.

Applicants must submit a video audition recording featuring three contrasting pieces (or movements) from at least two different musical periods. 

• The audition recording must be from within the last year and may include a qualifying degree final recital if appropriate. 

• Performances should be from memory when applicable. 

• The admissions panel may request additional repertoire to be submitted via a further online file. 

Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of original works instead of a performance audition. 

• Applications for the MMus in Opera close on the 15th of September. 

• Auditions are on the 14th and 15th of October. 

• Entry to the programme is by audition only. 

A BMus or academic equivalent is required along with a proven ability as a singer of promise with evidence provided at the time of application consisting of: 

Curricula Vitae 

Audition requirements 

Applicants will be required to present three contrasting opera arias from memory to a select audition panel. The panel may also engage in a discussion with the applicant during the audition. 

For further enquiries regarding entry auditions, please contact arts_admin@waikato.ac.nz.