Audition Guidelines

Audition Dates

Audition schedule February to March 2026: TBA

On-campus auditions

Before you arrive

  • Save the date for your instrument's assigned audition day.
  • Application portal
    • You will receive a notification with your audition date, time, location and, if applicable, your assigned accompanist and their contact information.
    • Confirm or refuse your audition date and time by clicking “Confirm my audition.” If you choose to refuse, the Admissions Office will contact you to reschedule.
      Note: Your instrument only has one scheduled audition day, so you may be asked to submit a recorded audition.
  • If you are travelling from outside Canada, verify travel document requirements with.
  • Applicants who require accommodations in order to participate in the audition process must notify the admissions.music [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Audition%20Accomodation) (Admissions Office) in advance of their audition date.

Accompanists

  • Unaccompanied auditions: orchestral and early music instruments. Applicants cannot bring their own accompanist.
  • Accompanied auditions: voice, early music voice, jazz (rhythm section).
    • Applicants in the specific categories listed above can bring their own accompanists. If you decide to do so, advise the admissions.music [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Graduate%20Admissions) (Admissions Office) by email or contact us through your application portal.
    • Audition rehearsals for voice only:
      • Rehearsal costs are the responsibility of the applicant and vary depending on the accompanist.
      • Once you receive the name of your accompanist by email, contact them immediately to confirm audition repertoire and arrange rehearsal times.
    • Rehearsal with a jazz rhythm section is not available.

Audition day

If you experience travel delays, or you are unable to attend your audition, email the admissions.music [at] mcgill.ca (Admissions Office) or call 514-398-4546.

Check-in

  • You must check in a minimum of one hour prior to your audition at the Elizabeth Wirth Music Building lobby ().
    *Check-in is mandatory for current students.
  • A practice room will be provided. During check in, directions to your audition location and practice room will be communicated.

Exceptionally, Organ applicants: Check in at your audition location. Practice time will be arranged prior to the audition date.

Where to stay

Discounted room prices are available through the Official Hotel Program to the community: staff, faculty, students, and visitors.

Recorded auditions

  • If you cannot participate in on-campus auditions due to date conflicts or travel constraints, you must upload a video recording to the portfolio checklist item in your application portal.
  • Composition applicants: You must submit both a composition portfolio and complete an audition (live or recorded). If you opt for a recorded audition, upload your composition samples and audition video(s) at the same time.
  • Music Studies applicants: You must provide a video portfolio that includes content appropriate to your area of study. On-campus auditions will not be organized unless an application is concurrently submitted to a performance program.
  • Accompaniment
    • Voice and jazz applicants: include live accompaniment. Back tracks are not permitted for video recorded auditions.
    • All other applicants are not required to submit accompanied auditions.
  • Audition video creation
    • Review your repertoire requirements and ensure your selected pieces match the requirements. If no sample pieces are provided, choose material from your instrument’s standard repertoire that best showcase your musicianship and technical skill.
    • Your recording(s) should be less than 6 months old.
    • Film one long video or multiple shorter videos, meeting the repertoire requirements.
      Note: Classical guitar applicants must record their audition program in one take.
    • Review your recorded material for sound quality, video clarity or any errors. Rerecord if necessary, as glitches, errors, or edits may result in your video audition not being evaluated.
  • Audition video submission
    • Follow the instructions in your application on how to upload your video(s) by January 15.
    • Label your video(s) with your family name, the name of the piece and the composer — separated by underscores (ex.: Smith_ PianoSonata_No14_Beethoven.mp4).
    • In the Application portal, upload your video(s) to the “Portfolio” checklist item. The option will appear after you’ve selected “recorded audition,” submitted your application, and paid the application fee. Once payment is complete, log in to access the upload section.
    • Upload all videos (if applicable) at the same time and click “submit.” This will be considered your final audition, since there is no screening.
Back to top