Auditions & Entrance Tests
Applicants may complete the audition and entrance tests either in person at the Tenth Street campus in Nelson, or remotely online.
Online auditions and entrance tests open on October 1 for the following year's fall intake. The recommended deadline for completion of audition and entrance tests is May 31 prior to the commencement of the program.
In-Person Audition and Entrance Test Dates for Fall 2025 Intake:
- January 24
- February 28
- March 21
- April 25
- May 9
- May 23
Auditions
Applicants must audition on their chosen instrument or voice. Accepted instruments include guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, voice, saxophone, trumpet, mandolin, violin/fiddle, cello, and vibraphone.
Applicants may audition either in person or by submitting a pre-recorded video.
For remote auditions, applicants may submit a link to a pre-recorded video.
Please note: Vocalists must have accompaniment for their audition. Accepted forms include a live accompanist or a backing track.
Find detailed information for each instrument:
Music Entrance Tests
In addition to your audition, you will be tested on your knowledge of music theory and ear training. Applicants must pass the entrance tests with a grade of 70% or higher to be accepted into the program.
For music theory, you will need to know the following:
- Musical staff and notation
- Major key signatures
- Intervals
- Triads (major, minor, sus4, augmented, diminished)
To prepare for the music theory portion of the entrance tests, please refer to our series of music theory tutorials.
For ear training, you will be tested on the following:
- Melodic dictation
- Rhythmic dictation
- Intervals
- Triads (major, minor, sus4, augmented, diminished)
Tutorial Videos
For assistance with preparing for the music theory test, please watch our tutorial videos.
Domestic Applicants: Music Theory and Ear Training Online Preparatory Course
Domestic applicants who do not pass their entrance tests with a grade of 70% or higher will be required to take a two-week online preparatory class. To gain full acceptance to the program, students must attend and pass this course with a minimum of 70%.
Domestic applicants without a background in music theory and ear training may opt out of the entrance tests and register directly for the preparatory course.
Please note these options are not available to international students. International applicants must pass the entrance tests.
Students who passed their entrance tests but would still like to attend the preparatory course may inquire with Tenth Street Admissions.