Your Audition

Auditions are an integral part of the conservatoire application process. They’re a chance for you to excel, share your personality and get to know us a little better too, so it’s important that you’re as prepared as possible.

2026 Entry

Following the application deadline of 2 October, most of our auditions for September 2026 entry took place in November and December 2025. We are still accepting late applications for most courses (excluding GRNCM/MusB, IAD and Conducting courses), and you can check whether we can consider a late application for your preferred programme by emailing [email protected].

2027 Entry

Following the UCAS Conservatoires and Acceptd application deadline of 1 October, our main auditions period will take place place in November and December 2026.

Audition processes vary between courses and instruments, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your principal study option by clicking on the School of Study you’re applying for below.

We’ve also listed some key information and dates to help you understand the process before you get started:

Important Information

• All applicants must submit an Acceptd application, including those who are not required to submit an audition recording.
• All GRNCM/MusB applicants must submit an audition recording or composition portfolio within their Acceptd application, whether they are applying for an in-person or online audition.
• Applicants invited to attend an audition in person at the RNCM in Manchester will be notified of their time and date via their UCAS Conservatoires application.
• We encourage all applicants to audition in person. Overseas applicants may choose to submit an audition recording via Acceptd if they are unable to travel to any of our audition locations. Online auditionees may be shortlisted to attend a live interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Online interview invitations will be communicated via UCAS Conservatoires.
• Joint principal study applicants must audition for both disciplines and should follow the individual requirements for each of their choices.
• Non-standard courses (such as CPD Studentships and the Hallé Advanced Orchestral Strings Programme) follow a different application procedure and admissions timeline. Full details are published on individual course pages.

Key Dates

2027 Entry

• Applications open on Thursday 9 July and close on Thursday 1 October 2026. We will continue to accept late applications for most courses (excluding GRNCM/MusB), and you can check whether this applies to your preferred programme by emailing [email protected].
• Some applicants are required to submit an audition recording – you can find more information on the requirements for your specific principal study below. Please note that all GRNCM/MusB applicants are required to submit an audition recording or composition portfolio.
• Our main audition period will take place in November and December and offers will be distributed by Tuesday 24 December 2026 for those who apply by the initial application deadline.
• Auditions for all Postgraduate Popular Music courses, Conducting and our International Artist Diploma will take place after the main auditions period, and applicants will be contacted directly with more information.
• Auditions for late applicants will take place until August 2027, subject to availability.

Any Questions?

Every Tuesday and Friday during term time, our Admissions Team host informal one-to-one sessions to give applicants the chance to ask any questions about studying at the RNCM. They’ll cover everything from Student Visas and English Language Requirements to fees and finance, living in Manchester and accommodation.

There’s no need to book, simply click on one of the Teams links below and someone will be happy to help.

Tuesdays: 15:00 – 16:00 (UK time)

Fridays: 9:00 – 10:00 (UK time)