The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in the Performing Arts is an course of study for talented students aspiring to a career in the performing arts or arts education. There are five specialisation paths within the BFA programme: Acting, Dance, Music, Theatre Design & Production (TDP), and a General pathway for those who wish to chart a path across multiple disciplines.

BFA students enjoy:

• An innovative programme of full time intensive study
• Excellent teaching and mentorship by active professionals in their field of study
• Diverse exposure within a stimulating multidisciplinary environment
• Regular high-level performance opportunities

The programme is taught over three terms, the majority of courses occupying Terms One and Two, with a Production and Performance period in Term Three.

MUSIC SPECIALISATION

The BFA Music specialisation pathway offers offers a four-year course of study as a preparation for entry into the profession. Studying music at APA is a transformative process, combining intensive one-on-one instrumental or vocal instruction with group classes under the guidance of a diverse and inspiring faculty. Students enjoy regular performance opportunities, and also take inspiration from visiting guest artists and artists-in-residence.

General enquiries:
Ms. Roxanne Frost
roxanne.frost@utt.edu.tt
+1 868 642-8888
Ext. 27122

APPLICATION & AUDITION

Admission to The Academy for the Performing Arts is a two-step process:

Audition at APA

AND

Application to UTT

Although candidates may register for audition and/or interview at any time during the year, candidates auditioning in the September - November period are at an advantage for acceptance the following September. Those successful at audition will be advised on how to apply to the university itself.

Minimum UTT Application Requirements:

EITHER 

Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CXC (CSEC), General Proficiency level in Grades I or II and, from 1998, Grade III or equivalent GCE O' Levels including Grades A, B or C in Mathematics and English Language. In addition, a science subject at CSEC (CXC) is advised for those who may wish to become classroom teachers.

OR

A diploma in a relevant subject area from a recognized institution

N.B. In some instances, it may also be possible to gain entry as a Mature Student replacing these requirements with a combination of other relevant qualifications and experience. The candidate would need to possess the critical elements of the stipulated qualification and would be assessed by the APA Faculty as possessing a combination of qualification and educational or experiential maturity to enable him/her to successfully participate in the programme.

APA Bachelor of Fine Arts Music Audition

The in-person assessment comprises:

• A diagnostic music theory test
• A diagnostic aural test
• A written statement of purpose.
• An interview
• A practical audition

ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Candidates are generally admitted to APA based on the practical audition, while the written tests serve to establish the current level of theoretical knowledge, aural training and written English.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare solo repertoire with an accompanist, but none will be provided at audition. Candidates wishing to audition with accompaniment should either bring pre-recorded backing tracks or engage the services of an accompanist.

Material should be selected to showcase the current skill level of the candidate. If necessary, choices may be vetted ahead of time by the instrument/voice instructor who will form part of the audition panel.

A warm up space will be provided. Candidates should be sure to arrive well ahead of the scheduled audition time to make use of this opportunity.

International applicants may audition by means of a high-quality video or audio recording. A web-based transfer service such as WeTransfer may be used to send large video or audio files. These recordings should be emailed to the address provided at the foot of each audition protocol.

Click on your instrument/instrument group for further details:

Steelpan

Percussion

Voice

Guitar

Brass

Strings

Woodwind

Keyboard

Composition

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Programme GATE funded?
A: Yes, the Programme is funded by GATE. Click here for further details.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Application is first made to UTT itself which refers successful applicants to APA for audition.

Q: What are the application requirements?
A: Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CXC (CSEC) General Proficiency level in Grades I or II and from 1998, Grade III or equivalent GCE O' Levels including Grades A, B or C in Mathematics and English Language; OR a Diploma in a relevant subject area from a recognised institution. In some instances, it may also be possible to gain entry as a Mature Student replacing these requirements with a combination of other relevant qualifications and experience.

Q: Can I study part time?
A: The BFA Music programme is only available full time.

Q: At which campuses is the BFA Music Programme offered?
A: The programme is currently offered only at the UTT campus at NAPA, Port of Spain.

Q: What kind of classes will I take when I first join APA?
A: The first two years prescribe the following:

• Specialised tuition in Music to include one-on-one instrumental/vocal lessons, ensemble training, music history and theory/ear-training;
• Cross-disciplinary Common and Foundation courses
• Stagecraft Courses - introduction to production techniques and backstage process.

Q: Do I need to be able to read music before applying to enter the BFA Music programme at APA?
A: Yes. A foundation in music literacy is required, and can be acquired at APA in other programmes.

Q: Which instruments are offered?
A: Instruments offered for study include: voice, piano, guitar, steel pan, violin, viola, double bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone, tuba, clarinet, saxophone, flute and French horn. Students are typically only allowed to concentrate on one instrument during their course of study, although lessons on other instruments may be taken depending on faculty availability.

Q: Is APA's BFA Music Programme only for students who plan to be professional performers?
A: No. Three years into the four-year programme the following options become available:

• The Music Performance track offers regular solo and ensemble performance opportunities;
• The Ethnomusicology track offers a more research oriented approach to the study of music;
• The Composition and Arranging track offers a technical and contextual framework to aspiring creatives;
• The General Pathway offers an introduction to all aspects of the music industry, both on the stage and behind the scenes.

Q: Am I good enough to get in?
A: The best way to answer this question is to register for an audition. Beyond a minimum level of proficiency, it is most important that potential students demonstrate eagerness to learn and a capacity for continued growth.

GO TO ONLINE APPLICATION FORM