Music Arts video audition

The Music Arts program has admission requirements that include a self-recorded audition which helps NSCC evaluate your abilities to ensure you have a reasonable probability of success and demonstrates your potential to build on your skills during your time in the program.

Important: This program uses SlideRoom, a third-party portfolio management software platform, for portfolio submissions. Once you've reviewed the requirements and prepared your materials, you'll need to create a SlideRoom account, upload your portfolio, and complete any required submission forms. An application fee of $15 USD is required for each portfolio submission in SlideRoom.

Audition Components

The audition consists of 2 self-recorded videos to demonstrate your musical ability.

• Prepare 2 separate musical pieces that you feel best showcase your current musical ability and represent you in the best light.
• Any musical genre or style of song is acceptable.
• You may record original or cover songs.
• Any length of song is acceptable – we recommend at least 1 minute per song for us to fully evaluate your musical abilities.
• Rehearse your audition pieces as many times as you can before you record your videos.
• Don't worry if you're not perfect. We are looking for good musicians who have the potential to grow musically and professionally.
• Ensure your instrument is well tuned before recording each video.
• If using a backing track, make sure it is not too loud.
• If performing with a band or other musicians, make sure we are clearly able to hear you playing or singing in your videos.

Film your audition

• Record 2 videos by filming (or having someone else film) your performance of each musical piece.
• You may use any type of camera or phone as long as the video clearly shows that you are performing the pieces, and the performance is clearly audible.
• Make sure you are clearly visible in the video throughout your performance so the adjudicator can clearly see you.

Music Arts - Your Experience with Music Form

• You will also be required to submit a response to the Music Arts – Your Experience with Music Form, where you will be asked to provide a brief overview of your musical experience and background.

Original Work and AI Use

Portfolio submissions must be fully original and created solely by the applicant. This means:

• AI tools must not be used to generate any content (e.g., text, images, audio, or video).
• Work created by others must not be submitted.

The use of standard tools and plug-ins within audio, video, and graphic design software, including those with AI components, is permitted to support your original work. The portfolio is intended to demonstrate your individual creative ability; submissions that do not meet these requirements may not be considered.

Submit your audition

Before you submit your portfolio, review this checklist to ensure your submission is complete:

Completed	Portfolio components
	2 audition videos
	Music Experience and Background Form

Portfolio Submission via SlideRoom

NSCC uses SlideRoom, an online platform, to collect portfolio submissions. There is an application fee of $15USD for each portfolio submission per program.

To submit your portfolio, follow these required steps:

• Step 1: Carefully review the portfolio requirements listed on this page.
• Step 2: Prepare, create, and gather all required files for your submission.
• Step 3: Once your materials are ready, visit the NSCC Music Arts SlideRoom submission page to complete your portfolio submission.

In SlideRoom, you will be required to:

• Create a SlideRoom account.
• Enter your NSCC Student ID number (included in your most recent email from NSCC Admissions after applying on nscc.ca).
• Upload your portfolio according to the program requirements listed on this page.
• Submit your portfolio by the posted deadline (Atlantic Time).

You may begin your submission, save your progress, and return to SlideRoom at any time before submitting. Once submitted, changes cannot be made.

Upon successful submission, a confirmation screen and submission number will be provided for your records.

• For technical support, visit the SlideRoom Applicant Help Centre

• For questions about portfolio requirements, contact NSCC’s School of Access, Business, Creative Industries and Education at

File types and upload requirements

Preferred Formats

• MP4 (.mp4): Recommended video format
• MOV (.mov)

Do Not Upload

• Raw or editing project files
• Unsupported or web-only formats

File Size Limits

• Video: ≤ 500 MB
  
  

	9 to 10 points	7 to 8 points	4 to 6 points	0 to 3 points
Pitch accuracy (intonation)	Pitch accuracy is consistently strong and well controlled throughout. Intonation is accurate and reliable across all areas.	Pitch accuracy is generally consistent, with only a few noticeable errors. Overall intonation is well controlled, with minor areas needing improvement.	Pitch accuracy is somewhat consistent, but there are noticeable errors in several areas. Continued development of intonation is needed.	Pitch accuracy is inconsistent, with frequent errors. There is limited control of intonation, and improvement is needed in most areas.
Rhythmic accuracy (rhythmic feel)	Rhythmic accuracy is consistently strong and clearly presented. Timing is precise, and a confident rhythmic feel is maintained throughout.	Rhythmic accuracy is generally consistent, with some noticeable errors. Timing and rhythmic feel are solid overall, with a few areas needing improvement.	Rhythmic accuracy is somewhat consistent, but there are noticeable errors in several areas. Timing and rhythmic feel are developing but need further improvement.	Rhythmic accuracy is inconsistent, with frequent errors. There is limited control of timing and rhythmic feel, and improvement is needed in most areas.
Musical piece level of difficulty	The selected piece demonstrates a high level of challenge and is well matched to the performer’s abilities. It effectively showcases advanced skill, and control.	The selected piece reflects an appropriate level of challenge and demonstrates a solid skill level. It provides a good opportunity to showcase the performer’s abilities.	The selected piece reflects a developing skill level. It provides some challenge for the performer, but may not fully showcase their abilities.	The selected piece does not demonstrate an appropriate level of challenge for the performer’s current skill level. Limited evidence of skill development is shown.
Dynamics and overall musicality	Dynamics and expression are clear and well controlled throughout. The performance demonstrates strong preparation, thoughtful interpretation, and a confident, consistent musical feel.	Dynamics and expression are generally clear and controlled. The performance demonstrates consistent preparation, with a solid sense of interpretation and musical feel, though some areas could be further developed.	Demonstrates some attention to dynamics, expression, and interpretation, but these elements are inconsistent. The performance shows developing preparation and an emerging sense of musical feel.	Demonstrates limited attention to dynamics, expression, and musical interpretation. The performance shows minimal preparation and a weak sense of musical feel.
Technical proficiency	Technical proficiency is strong and consistent throughout. The performance demonstrates a high level of control, accuracy, and well-developed musical training.	Technical proficiency is generally consistent, with solid control of techniques. The performance reflects a good level of musical training, though some areas may require further refinement.	Technical proficiency is developing, with some control of basic techniques. The performance shows emerging musical training, but consistency and accuracy need further improvement.	Does not demonstrate adequate technical proficiency or musical training.
Adherence to Application Specifications  (Extent to which the applicant follows all application specifications, including completing required components and submitting materials correctly).	Fully adheres to all application specifications; all required components are complete and submitted properly with no errors.	Largely follows all specifications; only minor deviations in details that do not impact overall completeness.	Moderate inconsistencies with specifications; some minor missing elements, but core requirements are mostly met.	Does not follow key application specifications; submission is incomplete, significantly deviates from requirements, or is incorrectly submitted.
Total /60

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