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.

2024 Entry

Following the application deadline of 2 October, auditions for on-time applicants will take place in November and December 2023. Our audition processes vary 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.
• 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.
• Whilst all applicants are encouraged to audition in person, overseas applicants are invited to submit an audition recording via Acceptd if they are unable to travel. Online auditionees may be shortlisted to attend a live interview via Zoom. Any Zoom interview invitations will be communicated via UCAS Conservatoires.
• All BMus applicants must take an online multiple choice theory test as part of their application; details for this, including deadlines and access instructions, will be sent by email following the on-time application deadline.
• Joint principal study applicants must audition for each of their choices and should follow the individual requirements for each of their instrument/discipline choices.
• Non-standard courses (such as CPD Studentships and the Hallé Advanced Orchestral Strings Programme) follow a different application procedure and admissions timeline.

Key Dates

• Applications for 2024 entry opened on Wednesday 12 July and will close on Monday 2 October 2023.
• All audition recordings must be submitted by Monday 2 October 2023. Not all applicants are required to submit an audition recording – you can find more information on the requirements for your specific principal study below.
• Auditions will take place in November and December and offers will be distributed by Friday 22 December 2023.
• Auditions for any of the following courses will take place after the initial audition period, in early 2024, and applicants will be contacted directly with more information.
  • Master of Music in Conducting
  • All postgraduate Popular Music courses
  • International Artist Diploma

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 Zoom links below and someone will be happy to help.

Tuesdays: 15:00 – 16:00 (UK time)

Fridays: 9:00 – 10:00 (UK time)

Alongside our one-to-one sessions, the Admissions Team will be hosting Applicant Guidance Sessions on Zoom over the coming months, including:

Application Advice and Entrance Requirements (Wednesday 13 September, 16:00 UK Time)