Strengthen Ear and Theory
Sing what you hear
- Practice intervals and short melodic patterns by singing before checking an instrument. Relate the notes to tonal context instead of memorizing isolated interval labels.
Hear harmonic function
- Identify tonic, predominant and dominant tendencies in short progressions. Compare the sound of cadences in different keys.
Read and write rhythm
- Clap, count and notate short patterns. Alternate hearing a pattern and producing it from notation.
Match the pathway
- Only prioritize dictation, theory tests or ear-training tasks if they are relevant to the selected program or personally useful for musicianship.
Other chapters: Read the Actual Requirements · Choose and Document Repertoire · Build a Realistic Calendar · Practice for Accuracy · Develop Your Interpretation · Train Sight-Reading · Improvise and Collaborate · Make a Prescreen Recording · Prepare for the Interview · Run a Mock Audition · Plan the Audition Day · Use Feedback Well · Your Instrument or Pathway · Worksheets and Rubrics
These exercises are independent practice, not official audition materials, and they do not guarantee admission. Always follow the institution's current published requirements. Requirements differ between schools and change each year. Check the school's current published list.
Open the Audition Preparation Handbook →