New York Auditions

We are excited to host in-person auditions for 2025 Entry in New York City.

Taking place at OPERA AMERCIA: National Opera Center on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 April, auditions are free of charge and open to all prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students who are interested in applying to study at the RNCM for entry in September 2025.

Auditions will be run by Professor Lynne Dawson, RNCM Head of Vocal Studies and Opera, and Kevin Thraves, RNCM Deputy Head of Opera, but all disciplines are welcome to apply.

Attendees should prepare 2 contrasting pieces of ABRSM Grade 8 standard, with a total duration of 10-15 minutes.

Vocal Studies and Opera auditionees should also prepare a short spoken passage in English which can be either prose, poetry, or even an extract from a newspaper article. This will be used to assess spoken voice, and to gauge awareness of pitch, pace, energy, and resonance. Reciting from memory is not required and accompanists are available on request.

Following audition performance, the panel will conduct an informal interview to learn more about your interest in music and future aspirations. This part of the process will also provide an opportunity for you to learn more about the RNCM – one of the world’s most progressive conservatoires, ranked in the top 5 for Music in this year’s QS World University Subject Rankings – and what it’s like to live and study in Manchester, the UK’s most innovative city.

To secure your audition slot, please complete an application form via Acceptd by selecting Autumn 2025 under ‘Entry Term’, Free Interest Form under ‘Level’ and New York Auditions under ‘Select a Program’.

RNCM Vocal Masterclass

Professor Lynne Dawson and Kevin Thraves will be returning to New York on Friday 16 May to present a vocal masterclass at the PianoPiano Rehearsal Studios.

The masterclass is suitable for participants interested in professional conservatoire training in the UK, giving you a gateway to career opportunities across Europe. Observers are very welcome to attend.

Singers should prepare two contrasting songs or arias. An accompanist will be provided and there is no charge for observation or participation.

Introductory Talk and Q&A

Following the masterclass, Lynne and Kevin will be happy to provide information about studying in the UK and Europe and will be available to answer any questions you may have.

If you are interested in attending, either as a participant, or as an observer, please contact Huabing Lu at [email protected]. If you are contacting us as a participant, please include details of your proposed repertoire.