Conducting Studies audition requirements

Undergraduate

The College does not have a Principal Study in conducting at Undergraduate level. However, a conducting option is available in the Undergraduate Professional Studies scheme. The College also offers a range of external conducting courses which many undergraduates participate in.

Postgraduate

The audition consists of a preliminary video selection round followed by a day of live auditions which will be a two-stage process.

First round:

All candidates should supply 20 minutes of uninterrupted and unedited footage of their conducting. Ideally, this should be a fairly equal mixture of rehearsal and performance. The camera should be positioned so that the candidate’s face and upper body is clearly visible. The recording (DVD-R preferred) should arrive at Admissions by 15 October. (Please see below for Admissions' postal address.)

Second round:

Selected candidates will be invited for an audition and interview in person.

Candidates will be required to conduct a small ensemble (wind or string) in a rehearsal situation for 10 minutes.

These auditions will be followed by an interview with a panel led by Clark Rundell.

Final round:

A number of the candidates will be invited to rehearse a soloist and accompanist in a standard concerto on the same day after the interviews.

Repertoire for 2nd and 3rd rounds: 

The repertoire for both second and third rounds will be notified to you in advance.  For 2010 entry, the pieces chosen are:

Mozart Serenade 10, Gran Partita
Bruch Violin Concerto in G Minor
Gorb Symphony No1 in C Major.

The scores for the Gorb excerpt will be provided with the invitation.

Audition reply 

Applicants who are selected for a second round audition must also read the notes attached to the reply sheet below.  It is essential that you send the reply sheet to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it as soon as possible.

RNCM Audition Notes & Reply Sheet

Auditions by recording

Attendance at the live auditions is very much recommended but international students who are unable to attend a live audition can send a recording only (DVD-R preferred) for our consideration. In this case, you will need to record a 20 minute rehearsal and a 20 minute performance each consisting of two contrasting pieces. These footages should not be edited and should clearly show your face and upper body.

All recordings should be posted to: Admissions, RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9RD.