Music

Profile Video

This is a brief introduction (approximately 1-2 minutes) to assist the audition panel to get to know the applicant.

Please refer to the following questions as ideas but not restricted to:

• Tell us a little about yourself
• What previous training/experience have you had in your artform?
• What it is that you love about your artform?
• Why do you want to come to Newtown High School of the Performing Arts?

Video Recording

Record your video in a room with neutral acoustics (not a large hall or outdoors) and in neutral clear lighting.

Applicants should be dressed in appropriate performance attire i.e. smart casual

Applicant’s full body must be always framed in the video.

• Be mindful of the placement of music stands.
• Strings, Percussion and Piano/Keyboard: clear view of both hands is necessary
• Woodwind, Brass: clear view of both hands and the mouth embouchure is necessary
• Drum kits, mallet percussion, auxilliary percussion, Vibraphone and Harp: as much of the applicant’s body as is possible is to be included, including clear view of the hands. View of pedals and feet is optimal but not always possible in private residential spaces.

Video Preparation

Record a 2 minute video of a live performance for fluency/or instrument

• Applicants are to identify themselves at the beginning of the video.
• The video may include one excerpt of a piece of music, or two excerpts performed of contrasting styles or techniques.
• The video should be recorded in a single live take (no cutting together of separate clips unless changing pieces or instruments)
• Applicants may include a second instrument in addition to the one registered, but the total recording time must not exceed 2 minutes and be combined within the one video.
• All performances must be unaccompanied except where the applicant is accompanying themselves (eg a vocal performance where an applicant sings and plays the guitar or piano at the same time in a single live take). It should be understood that in such a performance, the whole performance package will be assessed together (the vocals and piano equally)
• Absolutely NO BACKING TRACKS OR ACCOMPANISTS for any vocal or instrument. We listen to applicants' solo or a cappella to hear applicants clearly with as few distractions as possible.
• Absolutely NO HEADPHONES OR EARPHONES to be worn or used by the applicant. The only exception is in the case of a drummer using an electronic kit, where the earphones/headphones must only be giving the applicant the neutral audio output of the electronic kit, and no backing tracks at all.

Video Processing

We need to hear the applicant with as little audio editing as possible. A mic through a system that has the opportunity for EQ adjustment will lead us to conclude that the EQ is a positive or negative factor (if we assume a negative EQ sound adjustment there will not be time or information to verify either way). If the applicant is successful in the video round and proceeds to the live workshop, and there is a discrepancy between the video and live sound, this will not be a helpful event for the applicant. It is much fairer for the applicant to eliminate opportunities for EQ from the process.

If there are concerns about the vocalist being heard in a self-accompanied item eg on the piano, the recording mic should be placed as closely as possible to the vocalist’s mouth. Alternatively, provide one minute of vocals and one minute of piano.

At the end of recording, please review the video before uploading to the Application Form and ensure that the technical quality and content is appropriate for audition.

Assessment Criteria

Applicants will be assessed on:

• Technique, including intonation, rhythmic accuracy, and general technical ability
• Dynamics and expressive techniques including phrasing and articulation
• Stylistic understanding appropriate to the piece performed
• Creative ability and musical potential

Instrumental Applicants

Perform a piece of music (2 minutes long demonstrating technical ability and personal expression – no backing tracks).

Vocal Applicants

Perform a short, prepared song (maximum 2 mins long demonstrating technical ability and personal expression - no backing tracks)

Video Performance Requirements

Remember to review the video before uploading to the Application Form and ensure that it is appropriate for audition.