Advanced Artist Diploma – Audition Requirements

All applicants are required to submit a composition portfolio via Acceptd, alongside their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications (stage 1). Once reviewed by the panel, shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live interview, either in person or online (stage 2).

Stage 1

Candidates should submit a portfolio of three works, including at least one notated score (where possible with a recording). Electronic music, music without scores, multidisciplinary work, and music with non-traditional or alternative scores are welcome. Scores should be submitted in an easy to open universal format (e.g. PDF) and recordings should be uploaded (e.g. MP3/MP4) or shared as audio/video links. Each score should be sent as a single document (please do not send each page of your score separately).

Stage 2

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to undertake a live interview, which will take place either in person at the RNCM or online. Here you’ll be asked to talk about your background, work and study aims, and to discuss your portfolio.

All applicants are required to submit a video via Acceptd, alongside their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications (stage 1). Once reviewed by the panel, shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live interview, either in person or online (stage 2).

Stage 1

All candidates should supply approximately 20 minutes of 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, i.e. the camera should be positioned in or behind the orchestra/ensemble, and ideally some of the musicians should also be visible.

Stage 2

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live interview, which will take place either in person at the RNCM or online. The panel may request more video evidence or invite you to a live audition to demonstrate your suitability to the programme, depending on their assessment of your Acceptd submission.

In-person applicants are not required to submit a recording prior to their live audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application with their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.

In Person Auditions and Audition Recordings (for applicants applying for an online audition)

Piano (Solo)

Please prepare 40 minutes of repertoire by way of a contrasting programme that is relevant to your project proposal. The panel will choose approximately 15 minutes from this repertoire.

Please note that the programme should be played from memory, except for contemporary repertoire at the candidate’s choosing, and should be recorded in one take if possible.

Piano (Collaborative)

Please prepare a programme of 45 minutes including a complete duo sonata and a complete song cycle or group of songs (no concertos, operatic or oratorio arias, or other orchestral reductions) and one solo piano piece. The solo piano piece should not exceed 5 minutes. The panel will select up to 15 minutes of music in the audition.

Live Interview (Online)

Interviews will give the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and for you to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. For both piano (solo) and piano (collaborative), you will also be given a quick study to perform, which will be given to you prior to the audition via email.

All applicants are required to submit a video/portfolio via Acceptd, alongside their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications (stage 1). Once reviewed by the panel, shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live audition and interview (stage 2).

Stage 1

Candidates should submit a 20-minute performance video, or composition/production portfolio. At least 50% of the content should be original material.

Stage 2

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live audition and interview, which will include 20 minutes of performance (or discussion of composition/production material), and an interview. At least 50% of the performance/composition/production material should be original.

In-person applicants are not required to submit a recording prior to their live audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application with their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.

Audition Recording (for applicants applying for an online audition)

Candidates applying from overseas may apply for an online audition. If applying for an online audition, the Acceptd application must include a video recording presenting 2 contrasting works, one or both of which should be relevant to the candidate’s thesis choice.

Live Audition and Interview

Candidates must present a 20-minute programme of 2 contrasting works, one or both of which should be relevant to the candidate’s thesis choice. This will be followed by an interview with the panel.

In-person applicants are not required to submit a recording prior to their live audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application with their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.

Audition Recording (for applicants applying for an online audition)

Candidates applying from overseas may apply for an online audition. If applying for an online audition, the Acceptd application must include a video recording presenting a programme consisting of three contrasting pieces (songs or arias) at least one of which shows relevance to the candidate’s thesis proposal and a brief presentation giving an overview of the candidate’s thesis proposal (max. 5 min).

Live Audition and Interview

Candidates must present a programme consisting of three contrasting pieces (songs or arias) at least one of which shows relevance to the applicant’s thesis proposal (max 15 mins); a brief presentation giving an overview of the candidate’s thesis proposal (5 min), and an interview.

In-person applicants are not required to submit a recording prior to their live audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application with their project proposal, references and transcript of previous qualifications. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.

Audition Recording (for applicants applying for an online audition)

Candidates applying from overseas may apply for an online audition. If applying for an online audition, the Acceptd application must include a 20-minute video recording of repertoire that is relevant to the thesis proposal. This repertoire can be repeated during the live audition.

Live Audition and Interview

Candidates must present a 20-minute programme of repertoire that is relevant to the thesis proposal. This will be followed by an interview with the panel.