Frequently Asked Questions

Any musician entering school grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 in September may audition. Students should ideally have at least two years' playing experience with the ability to read notes comfortably, and should have a strong passion for performing.

Note that the Oscar Peterson Program will prioritize admission of students from communities designated as Equity Priority Groups and/or experiencing socio-economic disadvantage as outlined in the Toronto Arts Council's Equity Framework.

Orchestra

The Orchestra meets on Sundays from October to June for in-person rehearsals, at The Royal Conservatory of Music. Students receive weekly private lessons with RCM faculty members. Activities cover a wide range of topics, including theory, harmony, and like-instrument workshops.

There will be two performances over the course of the season (winter and spring). Additional opportunities in the form of social events, concerts with The Royal Conservatory Orchestra, workshops, and special guest visits are also available. Musicians receive weekly communication and are encouraged to check email regularly.

Orchestra musicians are expected to commit to a weekly practice schedule appropriate to their level of study.

Scholars

Scholars receive weekly 1-hour lessons from September to June, and attend a weekly 1-hour theory or history class.

Special master classes and meetings with guest artists are arranged on evenings or weekends. Students receive weekly communication of all events, and will be encouraged to check email regularly.

Scholars are expected to commit to a weekly practice schedule appropriate to their level of study.

Thanks to the generous support of many donors and sponsors, the Oscar Peterson Program is completely free to participants.

Students without access to an instrument will be provided one for the duration of their time in the program. Scholars will also have access to the practice studios at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Students should ideally have at least two years' playing experience with the ability to read notes comfortably.

Auditions will be submitted by video (no longer than seven minutes) and the video should include:

• A brief introduction telling us about you and why you want to join this program
• Two contrasting pieces (one fast and one slow)
• Two scales - please click here to see specific requirements for your instrument

Before you begin recording, make sure you are in a space that is well-lit and free of interruptions or distractions. Be sure that your music and instrument are ready for use.

The review panel needs to see not only your face but also your hands, so be sure to place your music stand accordingly so there are no visual obstructions. Your video should not exceed seven minutes total length.

• Start your recording device. From this point, you may not stop the recording until you have finished performing all your selections
• Begin by stating your name and the grade you’ll be entering in September
• Tell us why you want to join the Oscar Peterson Program
• Say the titles of the two pieces you plan to perform
• Perform all your selections without pausing the video recorder
• Perform your two scales (see instrument-specific list)
• When you are finished with your audition performance, please announce that you have reached the end of the submission, and re-state your name
• Remember to watch your video after recording it to be sure the sound and video are clear!

Oscar Peterson Program staff will determine program placement for accepted applicants.

For Fall admission, applications close on July 31, 2026.

Please choose two scales, major or minor, up to three sharps or three flats, unless otherwise specified for your instrument.
 
Bass Guitar: 2-octave major or minor scale
Brass (Baritone/Euphonium, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba): 1-octave major or minor scale, or a chromatic scale
Drums: not required
Guitar: 2-octave scale – choose from B major, F major, F# major, G minor, D minor, C# minor
Harp: 2-octave major or minor scale, hands together
Percussion: not required, please provide one snare drum video and one mallet video
Piano: 2-octave scale, hands together – choose from G major, E major, B major, Db major, G minor, E minor, B minor, C# minor
Strings (Cello, Double Bass, Viola, Violin): 2-octave major or minor scale
Voice: not required
Woodwinds (Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Saxophone): 1-octave major or minor scale, or a chromatic scale