A question to LaSalle music students/people going for this year's audition

[skyflux]

Hi guys,

I just looked at this page http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/index.php/admissions/entry-requirements/diploma ,
and I'm getting kind of confused at the essay part..

If I'm applying for the music , do I have to write those 2 essays to submit to them? Essays as in , I write from home , then submit to them.

And also , when I scrolled to the music part , it says that I must "Complete a theory, written essay and aural test set by the School of Contemporary Music" , so I assume those would be given to me at the day of audition right? (and is the essay mentioned here same as the one I was talking before? :0)

Lastly , they want a original composition by us , but must it be written down? Or can I play from memory?

Thanks in advance ..

 

[DoubleBlade]

Hi,

You do the 2 x essays you do at home and submit on the day of the audition itself.

You will be given a 1 x theory, 1 x aural, 1 x music appreciation test on the day of the audition itself. Don't worry about the music appreciation test, it's basically just write what you feel and think of the music they play for you.

As for the original composition, you can write it down or use softwares like Finale to score your arrangements. Basically if you can, just play via memory and pass them the scores for their reference. At the end of the day it boils down to how much are you willing to present yourself at the audition.

For me, during my audition I just throw everything I got at them. My resume, composition recordings, portfolio details etc. Call me kiasu but I think that's the way one should do if you want to really die die want to get selected during the auditions.

 

[skyflux]

Hi DoubleBlade ,

Thanks for the info man xD . Saved my life!!
So I need to do 2 essays.. But I don't know the questions?? Is it the waffles better than pancake and the musical thingy? They never told me anything about essays when I went to the open house.. Argh.
And for original composition , 100% compulsory to write down on paper? Is it possible to just play according to memory? The song that I made quite long.. Very hard to write down on paper.. And my audi is on this sat!! Argh..

 

[DoubleBlade]

One of the essay question is the "Are Waffles Better Than Pancakes". The 2nd essay question I got was write an essay on your favourite band/musician and how he/she has influenced you and why. I don't know if it's still the same for this year.

As for your original composition, not 100% to write it down. You can just play by memory but like I said, if you can just be a bit kiasu and throw whatever you got at them. Even documents not directly related to the audition, just throw only! If you have testimonials from your previous employer, music teacher or during NS, just throw at them only etc.

By the way, you're applying for the Diploma in Music right?

 

[skyflux]

Ya I'm applying for Diploma in Music.
So if it's not 100% compulsory , I suppose I can write it down and improvise along the way right.. Cuz most of my stuff are improvised and writing them down is just.. Weird.

I only gave them my secondary school testimonial.. Lol.

So is the second question

i. Write a critique about a play or musical that you have seen recently. In your opinion was it successful? Why? In your opinion, what elements were not so successful? Why? Be specific in your answers. (200-250 words)?

 

[DoubleBlade]

Yup that was the exact same essay question I got for last year.

All the best for your audition.

 

[Myxxe]

Hey! Kind of interested as well, for the bachelor course. I just finished my A levels.
But do I need to know theory in depth? Because I don't, but I'm very willing to learn.
I heard that there is a foundation course for students like myself not versed in music theory.

The audition seems daunting cause I think I'll flunk the theory and aural portions.
Is it possible to enter with my circumstances? Thanks.

 

[DoubleBlade]

I know of people who flunk both theory and aural and yet still get in.

If you flunk theory and aural, you would be required to attend a summer school in June. Summer school is once every week for the entire month of June. You need to have 100% attendance otherwise they will revoke your admission.

But having said that, yes chances are you will still get admitted even if you flunk theory and aural but still work on your theory and aural. You will definitely lag behind during lessons if you don't build up on your theory and aural.

 

[DoubleBlade]

I know of people who flunk both theory and aural and yet still get in.

If you flunk theory and aural, you would be required to attend a summer school in June. Summer school is once every week for the entire month of June. You need to have 100% attendance otherwise they will revoke your admission.

But having said that, yes chances are you will still get admitted even if you flunk theory and aural but still work on your theory and aural. You will definitely lag behind during lessons if you don't build up on your theory and aural.