Interviews / Auditions

There is no audition or interview for ages 4-7. For ages 8-12, there is an informal interview to determine the child’s ability to match pitch (sing back a given note). Ages 12-18 are placed into the approprate choir based on vocal skills and experience, which is determined by an audition and a simple written music theory test.

For the majority of children, their age group and school grade will determine the most appropriate choir. However, there are certain “cusp” ages that could belong to two different choir levels. These are frequently ages 7, 9 and 12, which can be placed in the appropriate choir determined by an interview or audition.

In an interview (for ages 8-12), the director will meet with the student and parent(s) to explain Cantabile’s teaching approach and to verify that the student is able to match pitch (sing back a given note). The student is also welcome to give a brief performance, although this is not required for this age group. For ages 12-18, the student is expected to give a private performance in front of the director and Cantabile's accompanist.  They can allow their parents to listen as well. Students can perform an art song, a folk song (in any language), a pop song, or a musical theatre show tune. The student must provide a copy of the sheet music for the piece or song being performed. The student is asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to his/her appointment in order to complete a very brief and simple music theory test, demonstrating their ability to recognize notes, time signatures, durations, accidentals, key signatures, dynamic and tempo markings and intervals. All interviews and auditions are designed to be a positive experience. The student will receive encouragement and be placed in the choir that is the best match for his or her musical skills. Cantabile’s goal is always to place the student in the most advanced choir based on his or her proficiency level.

Auditions & Demonstration Classes:
Next Intermediate, Prep 3, Ensemble and Vocalise Choir Auditions
Saturday, August 24 (by appointment only) at Foothills Congregational Church, Los Altos
Preparatory 1 & 2 - no audition necessary, but families are invited for a demo class on Saturday, August 24 at 11 am for Prep 1, and 12 pm for Prep 2.

Audition Requirements:
Prep 3 and Intermediate Choirs, ages 8 - 12
Prior music experience is not required for singers in junior training choirs and the audition will consist of an evaluation of each singer’s skill and maturity through vocalization, pitch matching and responsive singing. Singers will be recommended for the appropriate level choir upon completion of the audition evaluation.

Ensemble Choir, ages 12-18 and Vocalise Choir, ages 14-18
Prospective singers for Cantabile’s senior choirs are asked to sing an unaccompanied or accompanied song of their choosing as well as take a written theory test. The Artistic Director will evaluate the singer’s overall musicianship, pitch-matching ability, melodic memory, rhythmic ability and sight reading skills in order to place the student in the appropriate choir level. The senior performing choirs have a high level of skill and achievement with many performances throughout the year that requires dedication and prioritization.

Please contact the office at (650) 424-1410 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get more information about the next audition and demonstration classes.