How To Apply

Admission to the Faculty of Fine Arts at York University is based on both academic and artistic criteria. The University sets academic admission standards, while artistic admissibility is assessed locally in each Fine Arts department. Check out the audition FAQ document for more information on the audition process for music.

Applying to the Department of Music at York is a three-step process:

1. Application to York University

Students currently enrolled full-time in an Ontario secondary school apply through their guidance office.

All other candidates, including international applicants, may get an application from the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

International applicants are also encouraged to visit York University's website for international students.

2. Supplemental Application

Once you have received your York ID number, you must complete and submit an online supplemental application and $50 evaluation fee (payable by VISA, American Express or MasterCard).

Following submission of your supplemental application, you may book a departmental evaluation (audition) time online. A list of proposed audition dates will be announced at a later date.

Download a list of proposed audition dates (subject to change).

3. Departmental Evaluation

In addition to the regular academic requirements for admission to York University, Music applicants must satisfy the program’s departmental evaluation.

It is expected that all evaluation materials submitted will be the independent work of the applicant.

The departmental evaluation has two components:

1. Audition

All applicants are required to complete an audition/evaluation to determine their acceptance into the Music Department as a music major or minor.

Applicants are expected to do a live audition. If you are unable to come for a live audition because of distance (if you reside further than 400 km from the University), you may submit a recorded audition.

Applicants must submit their supplemental application and evaluation fee three weeks prior to the audition appointment.

    • For live auditions: Please prepare two contrasting selections which reflect your current interests and ability.

      You must provide your own accompanist if your performance requires one. The choice of accompanist is up to you. A list of some professional accompanists is available here.

    If you have submitted your application through OUAC you may book your audition online. Please allow a few days for OUAC to process and forward your application to York.

    If you are having difficulty finding a convenient day or time for your audition, please call the Department of Music at 416-736-5186.

    • For recorded auditions: Please submit two contrasting selections which reflect your current interest and ability. You may submit your recording in either CD or DVD format.

      We do not require a professional recording. A basic ”home” recording will suffice provided the recording quality does not detract from hearing the performance clearly.

      If you wish you may submit scores and/or tapes of arrangements or compositions you have created and essays you have written on music.

2. Theory Exercise

    • You will be asked to complete a Theory Evaluation immediately following your live audition. To view some of the types of questions you may expect in the evaluation you may download the sample Theory Evaluation PDF.

    • If you are submitting a recorded audition, you may request the Theory Evaluation in hard copy format via musicprg@yorku.ca

    • If you have formal training, you are invited to provide copies of documentation eg. RCM grades,.showing the level of theory, performance and history studies you have attained.

Please mark all submitted material clearly with your name and address.

If you wish to have scores, recorded material and essays you have submitted in support of your application returned to you, you must provide a stamped self-addressed mailer. Alternatively, you may claim your materials from the Department of Music office once the fall term is in session.

 

What's Next?

Come and Meet Us

Apply for Scholarships
York University and the Faculty of Fine Arts offer an array of scholarships for incoming students. In addition to 15 Fine Arts Talent Awards of $1000, scholarships are available based on academic performance or by application. For further information, visit York's Admissions website.

Think ahead
Wondering what you can do with a degree in Fine Arts? Find out more about your career options.

Do you have more questions about the undergraduate application/audition procedure? Need to know more about your next steps? Ask insidefa@yorku.ca or check out our audition FAQs.

You can also contact us directly at:

Department of Music
371 Accolade East Building
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario Canada M3J 1P3
Tel: 416-736-5186
musicprg@yorku.ca