Music auditions and entrance exams

Dates

Winter 2027 admission 

By appointment:

• Monday, November 9, 5 pm to 9 pm
• Tuesday, November 10, 5 pm to 9 pm

Fall 2027 admission

Questions? Contact Music Admissions.

Process

As part of the application process for the Music (501.A0) and Professional Music and Song Techniques (551.A0) programs (as well as double DCS programs), candidates must audition and pass an entrance exam. This process consists of:

• A 10-15 minute audition on your principal instrument or voice*
• A theory test
• An ear training test

*Classical instruments and classical voice are not eligible for the Professional Music and Song Techniques program.

Once they have submitted their SRAM application, candidates are contacted by email and phone to arrange their audition date.

For more information on the CEGEP application process, see this page.

Audition requirements

Candidates may audition on a maximum of two instruments (including voice). If both auditions are passed, one principal instrument must be selected.

During the audition itself, applicants are asked to sing back individual pitches and short patterns of notes played to them on the piano.

While Vanier does not accept beginners, candidates that are new to their instrument or unsure of their level are encouraged to explore our preparatory options and to contact us for personalized guidance. Private lessons, as offered through Continuing Education's Music School, are one of the best ways to prepare for your audition and are highly recommended.

Requirements by instrument:

• Bassoon (classical)
• Cello (classical)
• Clarinet (classical)
• Double Bass (classical)
• Double Bass (jazz)
• Drumset
• Electric Bass (jazz)
• Electric Guitar (jazz)
• Flute (classical)
• Flute (jazz)
• French Horn (classical)
• Guitar (classical)
• Harp (classical) – Vanier College does not own a Harp. A harp student or applicant would have to be willing to bring their harp to lessons and ensembles unless other arrangements could be made.
• Oboe (classical)
• Percussion (classical)
• Piano (classical)
• Piano (jazz)
• Saxophone (classical or jazz)
• Trombone or Euphonium (classical)
• Trombone (jazz)
• Trumpet (classical or jazz)
• Tuba (classical)
• Viola (classical)
• Viola (jazz)
• Violin (classical)
• Violin (jazz)
• Voice (classical and music theatre)
• Voice (jazz)
• Voice (pop)

Entrance exams

Exams in theory and ear training will be given the day of the audition to test your knowledge and competence in these disciplines. 

Your acceptance into the program is based on your performance on your main instrument. However, you must pass the theory and ear training exams to start these courses at the CEGEP level. If you do not pass the exams on audition day, you will have another chance to write them about one month later.

If you cannot write the exams at that time, or if you do not pass them on the second attempt, you will need to attend a 9-day intersession at Vanier about two weeks before the term begins.

Theory test

This portion of your audition is intended to test your theoretical knowledge.

Ear training test

This portion of your audition is intended to test your technical abilities.

Preparing for your audition

Feeling overwhelmed about preparing for college music? We can help.

The Music department offers free instrumental and vocal workshops with our teachers to help prospective students prepare for their auditions. Workshops are typically held over a weekend in November. See below for upcoming dates.

Continuing Education's Music School also offers private lessons and an 8-week theory bootcamp to help you prepare. Learn more→

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