AUDITIONS AT THE SA COLLEGE OF MUSIC
INFORMATION for 2016 APPLICANTS: AFRICAN MUSIC
All applicants will be required to write a theory test on the morning of the audition; candidates who do
not meet a suitable standard for first-year theory will be required to register for the one-year Foundation
programme before progressing to either the degree or the diploma.
Auditions by recording will be permitted in special circumstances and must be presented in DVD format,
formatted for South Africa or for AppleMac computers. Please note that applicants who audition by
recording:
a) may be required to audition in person before a final decision can be made.
b) will be required to write the theory test at the start of the academic year if he/she is accepted for
music. Should the theory not meet a suitable standard for first-year theory, the applicant will be
required to register for the one-year Foundation programme before progressing to either the
degree or the diploma.
Undergraduate Applications
1. You will be required to present three pieces of African music of your own choice on at least two
African instruments of your choice. This will help us to establish whether you have an aptitude for
performance and potential as a performer of African Music
2. During the audition you will also be asked to study a short piece written in cipher notation and
perform it on an amadinda xylophone. This will help us to test your ability to absorb new musical
information quickly and efficiently.
3. We will also ask you a series of general questions about your musical background and musical
interests.
On the basis of this audition, a recommendation will be made with regards to your suitability and aptitude
as a performer of African Music and this will be added to your application folder.
Post - graduate applications
A post-graduate audition will consist of a 20-minute programme consisting of works in three contrasting
styles of African music. Your choice of repertoire will need to show your abilities on a number of African
instruments. You will also be required to submit a comprehensive CV of your relevant previous studies
and repertoire you have covered.
Auditions are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; as soon as you have applied to UCT and have a student
number, contact 021 6502631 or music@uct.ac.za - specify you are auditioning for African instruments
and give the course for which you are applying (e.g. BMus DPM))
Auditions for all applicants are scheduled for the following days:
Monday 15th June – Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00
Friday 25th September – Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00
Thursday 26th November – Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00
Friday 4th December - Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00
You are strongly advised to audition as early as possible, particularly if you are applying for university
accommodation and/or financial aid.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS must audition by the end of October at the very latest in order to
obtain VISAs etc that you will need.