School of Composition – Audition Requirements

This is your chance to shine, so it’s good to remember that we’ll be looking for candidates who demonstrate a real passion for composition and a determination to develop their compositional craft to the highest level.

Stage 1 (Initial Requirements and Shortlisting):

Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants are required to submit a portfolio of three works, at least one of which should consist of a 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. Your full portfolio must be submitted by Monday 2 October. Each score should be sent as a single document (please do not send each page of your score separately).

These are then assessed by a shortlisting panel.

Stage 2 (Interview and Score Analysis):

If you are successfully shortlisted at Stage 1, you’ll be invited to undertake an in person with the Head of School and one of our Composition Tutors. Here you’ll be asked to talk about your background, work and study aims, as well as to discuss your portfolio. You will also be given a booklet with several short extracts from late 20th and 21st century compositions to consider, select from, and discuss. You will be given 30 minutes before the interview to look at these extracts.

Overseas applicants who are unable to travel may attend their interview online via Zoom. If your interview is online, you will receive the extracts via email 30 minutes before your interview start time.

Undergraduate Online Test

BMus applicants are also required to complete an online test as part of their audition. This is because academic studies are a key component of your degree and we want to ensure that you’re in a position to thrive from the outset. The multiple choice test isn’t pass or fail, but the results do tell us about your knowledge of music theory, general musicianship and contextual awareness.

If you have any queries, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.