Doctor

Classical Performance (Performance Major)

A: Guitar Classic

In-person live audition is required for all applicants wishing to be admitted into the program with classical guitar as the primary instrument. Applicants are required to perform solo work(s) and/or etude(s) of their choice of at least 3 pieces. The entire performance shall not be less than 25 minutes but shall not exceed 35 minutes. Applicants are required to perform from memory.

The selected works should be in appropriate level of difficulty from 3 different style periods and from the standard repertoire for classical guitar by established composers, such as works by J. Dowland, J.S. Bach, D. Scarlatti, S.L. Weiss, J.K. Mertz, N. Coste,  M. Giuliani, F.Sor, D. Aguado, A. Diabelli, G. Regondi, J. Arcas, F.Tarrega, A. Barrios, J. Rodrigo, I. Albeniz, E. Granados, M. Castelnuovo-Tedesco, H. Villa-Lobos, L. Brouwer, W. Walton, T. Takemitsu, R. Dyens, H.W. Henzeetc.

For non-Thai applicants residing outside Thailand, applicants are allowed to audition by video instead of auditioning in person. However, regarding audition repertoire selection, the same requirements mentioned above apply.

The video must show the applicant in full body throughout the entire performance. Applicants should appear in appropriate outfits. The video must also be in one continuous shot from beginning to end. Video or audio editing is not allowed in any circumstances. Applications are required to upload their video on YouTube website and provide the video link in their application form.

B: Voice Classic

1. Two technical exercises: (sing in a sustained vowel “Ah”)
1.1 Accompanied – Choose one piece from No. 1 – No. 4 from The Art of Singing (Twenty-Four Vocalises), Op. 81 by Heinrich Panofka
1.2 Unaccompanied – J. Lyon, Vocal Studies, No. 12

2. Six Songs:
2.1 One aria from an oratorio or cantata
2.2 One aria from an opera or operetta
2.3 One German Lied by a representative composer
2.4 One French song composed by Delibes, Franck, Berlioz, Debussy, Ravel, Faure, or Duparc
2.5 One song in English composed after 1900
2.6 One song of the applicant’s own choice.

Note: One piece from selection 2.1 or 2.2 above must be in Italian language.

* If you need guidance on the classical selection or for the free choice options, please contact Voice Classic & Musical Theatre Department at the College.

* For online applicants / Video Audition
1. All applicants are required to record the video clips of a performance in order. Previous Video recording are not acceptable.
2. Record a Long Take video end to end in the same clip and video editing is strictly prohibited.  
– Introduce yourself before starting the audition (Including name, applicant ID, department and audition round)
– Typing your name, songs and composers in order to Description on Youtube/ Video clips
– The camera’s perspective must clearly show the whole body. (Drink water are allowed)
3. Recording the video: sound and balance of the instrument’s or backing track should be reasonably. Piano accompanist is recommended.
4. Summit a Public or Unlisted Youtube link of non-edited video

C: Piano

1. Pieces
1. Applicants will perform a 50–60-minute solo program (excluding concerto) that displays high level of technical and musical proficiency. 
2. Works should be chosen from standard repertoire, from different time periods. 
3. Prepared works should include contrasting styles and at least one major work (sonata, etc). 
4. Audition must be memorized. 

2. Essay:  Please provide 1-2 pages double spaced (12 points) Time News Roman font essay in PDF file format, written in English to discuss about “Piano playing in the 21st century” or “Your career goals” **International/overseas candidates and candidates who have a travel difficulty are exempted from LIVE Audition. Candidates must upload a non-edited, continuous playing of required pieces on YouTube/ Google Drive/ etc. Then, send your links with your application. All pieces must be recorded within one day. The recording must not be older than 2 years not older than two years to the submission date.

Instructions for audition video
Please record a one-minute introduction video with these following information:

  • Your name
  • Your degree and your major
  • Your current school and teacher as well as your level in piano playing
  • others

—————————————————–
Recording Requirements:

  • Recordings must be labeled with the name of the composer and work or movement 
  • Recordings must be in these file format: avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv
  • Recordings must not be edited, and genuinely performed by a candidate 
  • Recordings must be recorded within one day
  • Recordings must be up to date (not older than two years to the submission date)

D: Woodwind (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone)

1.  Scales and Arpeggios
Play scales and arpeggios by referring to the assignments for each instrument in the appendix (Go to: Log in Application no. >> Menu: Apply an application >> Sample Music).
2.  Pieces: 
1) Prepare a performance of at least 30 (thirty) minutes of music that displays a high level of musical and technical proficiency. 
● The works chosen should be three contrasting movements from three different pieces from the standard repertoire, and from different time periods. 
● At least 1 (one) work from your audition repertoire must be with piano accompaniment.
● Prepared works should include contrasting styles. 
● Performing with accompaniment is required if necessary for the chosen repertoire
2) Perform 5 (five) orchestral excerpts in a variety of tempos and styles
3. Sight Reading: May also be asked to sight-read a short passage*.
*If the audition is performed online this step can be skipped.

For inquiries about audition repertoire, visit our website https://www.music.mahidol.ac.th/people , type woodwindin the search box, and email one of our faculty members.

Audition Video Recording Guidelines for Applicants Outside Thailand
1. Video Freshness: Your submitted video must not be older than three months.
2. Purpose-Built Recording: Record your performance video specifically for this entrance exam.
3. Introduction: Begin the video by introducing yourself and stating the recording date.
4. Uninterrupted Take: Record in one continuous take, starting from your introduction until you’ve played the entire repertoire. Avoid stopping between songs.
5. Camera Angle and Clarity: Maintain a fixed, wide camera angle that clearly shows your face and hands. If memorization is required, ensure it’s evident that you’re not reading sheet music.
6. No Editing: Do not edit the video—no audio, visual, or subtitle alterations. Combining simultaneous video and audio recordings is acceptable.
7. Sound Quality: Aim for high-quality sound. Adjust volume levels appropriately, minimize background noise, and record at the best possible quality. Your video will be rejected if there is too much reverberation or if your performance cannot be heard clearly due to noise.
8. Platform and Link: Upload the video to an online platform like YouTube or BiliBili. Share the unlisted link with the admission office.
9. Clear Information: Include your full name, instrument, and course of study (Pre-College, BM, MM, or DM) in the video description.
10. Compliance: Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disqualification.

E: String (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double bass)

1. Perform one major and one minor scale and arpeggios of your choice, in 3 or 4 octaves. Perform them separate and slurred (legato). It is required you also play scale in double stops: 3rds, 6ths and 8ths.
2. Perform one etude/ caprice from the standard repertoire* (see chart below)
3. Perform one movement of your choice from Bach’s solo sonatas/partitas/suites for your instrument     
4. Perform two contrasting in style selections from the standard solo repertoire that demonstrate your musical and technical strengths. (For example, one movement of a concerto or a sonata and a piece of your choice) Performing with accompaniment is recommended but not obligatory.
5. The candidate may also be asked to sight-read a short passage* (If the audition is performed online this step can be skipped)

F: String (Harp)

1. Perform one major scale hands together in similar motion. Hands starting one octave apart, a sixth apart and a tenth apart. Range: 4 octaves each.
2. Perform one major scale hands together in contrary-motion. Hands starting one octave, a sixth or a tenth apart. Range: 2 octaves each.
3. Perform one major arpeggio hands together in root position, first inversion, and second inversion. Range: 4 octaves each.  
4. Perform three contrasting style selections of your choice from the standard solo and etude repertoire that demonstrate your musical and technical strengths. (For example, one etude and a one-movement of a concerto or a sonata, and one other piece.) Total performance time of the three selections should not exceed 30 minutes. 
5. The candidate may also be asked to sight-read a short passage. *
*If the audition is performed online this step can be skipped.

String Guidelines for recording your audition video (In case resident abroad)
Equipment
1. You may use your mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Set your camera resolution to at least 720p. File format acceptable: MP4, WMV, MOV, MPG. Do not edit the recording in any way.
2. Your phone or tablet should be set horizontally – put it in Airplane mode or Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruptions – and tap the screen to focus.
3. Use a tripod or stand.
4. Be sure the device is at the right distance from you to frame the shot. Do not use the zoom function as this makes the image grainy or fuzzy.
Room
1. Be sure the light is good. Try to minimize shadows on your face.
2. Be sure the room is quiet. No background noise (television noise, other people practicing, dancing, cooking, etc.)
3. Record in a spacious room to avoid unnecessary reverb.
Recording
1. Be sure you are in the centre of the frame

  • For violin and viola, we need to see at least from the hips up, not just your face.
  • For cello and bass, we need to see your whole body.

2. The angle of the camera should be around the same level with your torso to get the best camera angle.
3. Make sure that your music stand doesn’t block the camera.
Check your work before submitting it.
1.Make sure your videos are right side up.
2.Watch and listen all the way through to check if there is any problem with your recording and check your files’ name.

G: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, French Horn)

1. Five (5) standard orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice that displays a variety of styles.
2. Applicants will perform a 30 minutes recital of music that displays a high level of musical and technical proficiency. The works chosen should be from the standard repertoire, and from different time periods. Prepared works should include contrasting styles and include at least one complete major work (concertos, sonatas, etc.).
*Piano accompaniment is required if necessary for the chosen repertoire.

H: Percussion

1. Snare drum: one solo piece and two orchestra excerpts.
• Choose one etude from 12 Etudes by Delecluse or a solo piece up to 5 minutes, should be recital solo performance level.
• Choose two excerpts.
• Sight-reading may be requested.

2. Mallets: two marimba solo pieces and two orchestra excerpts.
• Two mallets – any piece from J.S. Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin or Suites for solo cello.
• Four Mallets – 20-century original marimba piece or marimba concerto (without accompaniment). Up to 15-20 minutes. Should be recital solo performance level.
• Choose one xylophone excerpt and one glockenspiel excerpt.
• All scales and arpeggios, as well as sight-reading, may be requested.

3. Timpani: one solo piece, two orchestra excerpts. 
• Solo piece up to 5 minutes. Should be recital solo performance level. 
• Choose two excerpts from different period. 

4. Drum Set/ Multiple Percussion: technical demonstration (Drum set) and one solo piece (Multiple Percussion or Drum set).
• Basic Skills and Patterns (Drum set). 
• Solo piece up to 5 minutes (Drum set or Multiple Percussion). The music should be a published solo piece, with no improvisation, and be recital solo performance level. 
More information Contact Email:  wannapha.yan@mahidol.edu

Brass and Percussion
Guideline for making a recording (In case resident abroad)

1. Room setup for recording
–  Camera position must be statically preferable as landscape view only
–  Video should include performers, accompaniment (if any) and instrument 
–  Proper room condition (not too noisy surrounding clear background and good lighting). 

2. Dress 
–   Dress properly 

3. Testing VDO before making the recording 
– Vision must be clear, undistorted sound (this could happen by the environment). 
– Check the memory card and battery before making the recording. 
– Video resolution setting should be at least 1080p 30fps. 
– Recording with good sound quality, please consider external microphone.

4. Submitting a video 
– Name your file as “Performer Name” before send. 
– Please check that your video file(s) can be play without an error
– If you have more than one video, please put it together and submit in one link.

I: Thai Instrument

Thai Strings and instruments, including Saw Duang, Saw Uu, Saw Sam Sai, Jakae, Kim, and Klui Piang Aw

1. Play 1 solo song using the rhythmic pattern “Natapbropgai, 3 chan” with the song being at least 48 measures.   
2. Consideration will come from the auditionee’s overall performance, which includes completeness and correctness of the performed repertoire, including the quality of sound and technique.

Pipaat Instruments, including Ranad Eek, Ranad Tum, Pii Nai, Kong Wong Yai and Kong Wong Lek
1. Play the song Napat Prapirapdem-ong and a solo song of not less than 64 measures and 1 “Tap 1 Tap” song set.
2. Consideration will come from the auditionee’s overall performance, which includes completeness and correctness of the performed repertoire, including the quality of sound and technique.

Thai Drums
1. Play the song Natap Pleng Drahomrong, Natapsameu and Natap Pleng Chut Homrongyen with a Tapon Thai and Glongtat and also play a Natap to accompany a solo provided by the committee with a Glongkaek and Rammana.  
2. Consideration will come from the auditionee’s overall performance, which includes completeness and correctness of the performed repertoire, including the quality of sound and technique.

Puenbaan Thai Instruments
1. For Pin, Kaen and Ponglang, play an advanced solo in the “Laitangyao” and “Laitangsan” groups.
2. Consideration will come from the auditionee’s overall performance, which includes completeness and correctness of the performed repertoire, including the quality of sound and technique.

English Proficiency Requirement

All incoming students must meet an English language requirement. Applicants can submit a copy of the score report from one of the following exams (or * from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya campus).

TESTMU GRAD PLUS
(MU GRAD Test + Speaking)
Others
IELTSTOEFL-iBTMU ELT
Minimum
(Entrance Requirement)
403.03284
(Except Doctoral Level)
Graduate Diploma/ Masters/
Higher Graduate Diploma 
(Pass)
70
(W=10, S=10)
5.0
(W=5.0, S=5.0)
64
(W=17, S=15)
84
(W=10, S=10)
Doctoral
(Pass)
90
(W=12, S=12)
6.0
(W=6.0, S=6.0)
79
(W=23, S=19)

W = Writing, S = Speaking

• English scores must not exceed 2 years from the date of the test English to the date of application for the entrance examination.
• IELTS Indicator English exam scores are not accepted.
• Applicants must submit their English exam score to the College of Music with their application.
• Applicants who are accepted for admission must submit their exam score to FGS database at https://graduate.mahidol.ac.th/EngPoint/index.php

Music Theory and History Placement Exam

Basic Music Proficiencies
All incoming graduate* students are required to demonstrate general music proficiencies in basic music subjects, such as music theory and music history. For students that are unable to pass the exams, they must take additional review courses during the first year of study.

1. Required Exams

Western Instruments1. Western Music Theory   2. Western Music History
Thai/Eastern Instruments1. Western Music Theory   2. Thai Music Theory and History
Jazz Instruments (M.M. and D.M.)1. Jazz Proficiency Exam

2. General Exam Information
(1) All new graduate students must take the proficiency exams, regardless of the student’s program or major prior to the Entrance Interview, with an exception of applicants in Music Business Major of the Master of Arts program.
(2) Students who do not pass the exam(s) must take the respective basic course(s), which will be assigned by the Admission committee.
(3) Students must take any assigned basic courses the first time they are offered and for zero credit hours

3. Assigned Basic Courses after Music Proficiency Exams
The following table lists the basic courses that students must take if they cannot pass the Basic Music Proficiencies exams

TypeRequired ExamsBasic Courses from Basic Music Proficiencies
M.A./M.M./D.M.Ph.D.
Western Instruments1. Western Music TheoryMSTC 530MSTC 635
2. Western Music HistoryMSCY521MSCY 648
Thai/Eastern Instruments1. Western Music TheoryMSTC 530MSTC 635
2. Thai Music Theory and HistoryMSTH512
MSCY 522MSCY 648
Jazz Instruments (M.M. and D.M.)1. Jazz Proficiency ExamMSJA 511
MSJA 512

Code detail:
MSTC 530 Western Music Theory Review
MSCY 521 Perspective of Western Music History
MSCY 522 Perspective of Thai Music History
MSTH 512 Thai Music Theory Review
MSJA 511 Perspective of Jazz History
MSJA 512 Jazz Theory Review
MSTC 635 Core Concepts in Music Theory
MSCY 648 Core Concepts in Music History

Tuition Fees

Thai students

MajorYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4All Program
Music Performance162,500162,500162,500162,500650,000

International students

MajorYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4All Program
Music Performance171,250171,250171,250171,250685,000

*the tuition fees might be change according to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University’s announcement*