Music Entrance Requirements

Music Entrance Requirements

The minimum music entrance requirements are the equivalent of McGill Conservatory Collegial I Instrument or Voice (Performance applicants: Collegial II) and Secondary V Theory and Ear Training.

Approximate Equivalents to Entrance Requirements in Practical Subjects (McGill Conservatory Collegial I – Instrument/Voice)
Quebec CEGEPs CEGEP II
Toronto Conservatory Grade 9
Western Board Grade 9
Mount Allison Grade 9
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 7

The above listing is intended only as a general guide. Admissibility to any program is determined by audition and academic record. Students wishing to major in Performance should be approximately two years more advanced, and be able to demonstrate potential as performers at their audition.

All applicants in all jazz instruments who select the on-campus audition option on their application form will be required to submit screening video material for preselection by January 15. Following a review of these recordings, selected applicants will be invited to attend a live audition. No live audition will be scheduled in any jazz instrument until recordings have been received and reviewed. All applicants must perform an audition of approximately 15 minutes in duration. The student should choose material that will represent different musical periods and reveal musicianship and technical proficiency to their best advantage.

Consult the Music Admissions' website at mcgill.ca/music/admissions/undergraduate/auditions for specific information on entrance audition requirements and dates.

All applicants who apply to an undergraduate music research or performance program at McGill must play an instrument (including voice) and audition. Applicants have the option of attending an on-campus audition or submitting a recorded video audition. One does not take priority over the other. All applicants have equal opportunities for admissions.

Applicants for Composition are asked to submit two or three samples of their written work. In addition to the statement of intent, composition applicants are asked to submit a brief written statement (1-page) or recorded video (max 3-minutes), that discusses their musical background and the compositions they have submitted in their portfolio.

Music Education applicants are asked to outline reasons for wishing to enter the Music Education field in their statement of intent, and have a letter of reference sent from someone attesting to their suitability for teaching.

All screening, audition recordings and composition samples should be submitted electronically to the Schulich School of Music. Please consult the Music Admissions' website at mcgill.ca/music/admissions/undergraduate/materials for instructions on how to submit this material.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)
Schulich School of Music—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)
Back to top