Music auditions and entrance exams

Dates

Fall 2026 admission 

By appointment:

• Thursday & Friday, March 5–6, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday, March 7, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

To apply: email [email protected]

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.

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.

Please note that we do not accept beginners on any instrument. Studying with a qualified private teacher greatly improves your chances of being accepted.

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.

Preparatory workshops

The Music department offers free instrumental and vocal workshops with our teachers to help prospective students prepare for their auditions. Workshops are typically held in November. For more information, sign up for our mailing list by completing this questionnaire.