Music Arts video audition

Applying to the Music Arts program? This program’s admission requirements include a self-recorded audition which helps NSCC evaluate your abilities to ensure you have a reasonable probability of success in this program.

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.

Submit your audition

Once you have recorded your 2 videos, you may submit them using 1 of the following methods. Note that you may not alter your videos once they have been submitted (your submission will be screen captured to ensure it has not been modified in any way).

File-sharing service

You may use a file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. to submit your videos for assessment. If using this method:

• Create a folder using the following name structure: “[Your first and last name] Music Arts audition video 1” and “[Your first and last name] Music Arts audition video 2", e.g., John Smith Music Arts audition video 1, John Smith Music Arts audition video 2
• Place your 2 audition videos in this folder.
• Ensure folder permissions are set up to allow anybody with the link to view and download the folder contents and that access to the link will not expire.
• Send the link in an email to . Add “Music Arts portfolio” in the subject line. Please include your name, "W" number, the program you are applying to and the link to the folder in the body of your email.
• If you’re capable of playing more than 1 instrument, we encourage you to let us know in your email.

YouTube or Vimeo

You may upload your videos to YouTube or Vimeo and share the links for assessment. If using this method:

• Upload each video as a separate file and title each one “[Your first and last name] Music Arts audition video 1” and “[Your first and last name] Music Arts audition video 2, e.g., John Smith Music Arts audition video 1, John Smith Music Arts audition video 2
• Ensure your video privacy settings are “unlisted” or “public” – not “private”.
• Send the links in an email to . Add “Music Arts portfolio” in the subject line. Please include your name, "W" number, the program you are applying to and the link in the body of the email.
• If you’re capable of playing more than 1 instrument, we encourage you to let us know in your email.

	5 points	4 points	3 points	2 points
Pitch accuracy (intonation)	Pitch accuracy is well developed. (5 points)	Pitch accuracy is overall good with a few areas needing development.	Pitch accuracy needs development in several areas.	Pitch accuracy needs development in most areas.
Rhythmic accuracy (rhythmic feel)	Rhythmic accuracy is clear and well- presented. Strong rhythm, good timing.	Rhythmic accuracy is overall good with some areas needing development.	Rhythmic accuracy needs development in several areas.	Rhythmic accuracy needs development in most areas.
Musical piece level of difficulty	Selection chosen demonstrates a high skill level.	Selection chosen demonstrates a moderate skill level.	Selection chosen demonstrates a developing skill level.	Selection chosen does not demonstrate an adequate skill level.
Dynamics and overall musicality	Clear and well-presented. Demonstrates strong preparation, interpretation and feel.	Demonstrates moderate preparation, interpretation and feel.	Demonstrates need for work on preparation, interpretation and feel.	Does not demonstrate adequate preparation, interpretation and feel.
Technical proficiency	Demonstrates strong technical proficiency and musical training.	Demonstrates moderate technical proficiency and musical training.	Demonstrates limited technical proficiency and musical training.	Does not demonstrate adequate technical proficiency or musical training.
Total /25

Contact us

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