Welcome to the Music Department! We look forward to your audition for our program. Auditions will take the form of a live audition the week of Dec. 7, 2026.
Pitched instruments: e.g., brass/woodwind/strings/piano/guitar/mallet percussion/steel pan.
Non-pitched percussion: e.g., conga/clave/drum kit.
Part 1 – Performance Task
Perform a solo of your choice
- Perform your solo for at least one minute.
- Any style is welcome.
AND select ONE additional component
- Perform any scale of your choice.
- Drum set: Perform 8 bars in a feel/style of your choice.
- Perform a second solo, or an improvised solo of the first piece, that is different in style to the piece you played. This can also be done on a secondary instrument.
- Declare your additional-component choice at the live session.
Performance Time
Maximum 2 minutes of artistic performance time. Setup and minimal transition time are outside artistic performance time.
All performance components must fit within this allowance. A remaining component may not proceed if the available performance time has already been used.
Instruments and Materials
- Each site will provide a piano and a drum kit.
- Applicants must bring any other instrument they require.
- Sheet music is permitted.
- Prerecorded accompaniment is permitted; live accompaniment is not part of the live demonstration.
- If you use prerecorded accompaniment, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Performance Success Criteria
- I perform my solo and my additional choice.
- I make sure that my intonation and pitch is clear and consistent.
- I use a steady rhythm and pulse.
- I use a proper playing position.
- I perform with a clear sound and expression.
Sources
Identify the music used to prepare or perform your audition. Include the title and composer/creator, if known. If you use sheet music, a recording, backing track, or another musical source, include where you found it.
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Musical choices
- Reflection on yourself as a musician
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I include detail and/or examples in my responses.
- I share insight into myself as a musician.
- I reflect on my musical and performance choices and interests.
- I speak clearly during the live reflection.
Authenticity
Your artistic choices and live reflection must represent your own thinking. Do not use generative AI to create original application material or prepare your live reflection.
More information:
For more information on the Music program at ESA, please email either derek.freeman@tdsb.on.ca or pamela.bettger@tdsb.on.ca