School of Keyboard Studies – Audition Requirements
This is your chance to excel, so it’s good to remember that during this time we’ll be looking for candidates who demonstrate potential and a passion for music.
For 2023 entry, undergraduates and postgraduates are required to submit their Stage 1 recorded audition via Acceptd. If successful at Stage 1, you may be invited to share more of your personality and discuss your current work and future aspirations via an additional performance and/or interview. You can choose to attend Stage 2 in person at the RNCM, but online options are also available for anyone who would prefer not to travel.
BMus applicants are also required to complete an online test as part of the process. This is because academic studies is 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.
Current RNCM students are not required to submit a Stage 1 audition video. Instead, they must submit their most recent Recital Mark Sheet via Acceptd. Current Postgraduate RNCM students can submit a recent recital video if they do not hold an RNCM Recital Mark Sheet.
Audition requirements are outlined below, but if you require further information, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.
Undergraduate (Piano)
Stage 1 (Recorded)
You should prepare THREE contrasting pieces of your choice lasting about 15 – 20 minutes, ONE of which must be played from memory. The panel will then select pieces to assess at their discretion.
Alongside this, the panel would also like you to answer the following questions. These can be submitted as a separate video or included within your main audition recording of around 6 minutes in total.
- What did you like about the way you played in your audition and what sort of things do you think you could do better?
- What other pieces have you worked on previously?
- Is there a composer that you particularly like to play? What is it that attracts you to their compositional style?
- Have you had any experience playing piano duets, accompanying someone or playing chamber music?
- What recordings do you like to listen to?
- What do you take into account when considering music from different periods?
Stage 2 (In Person or Online)
Successful Stage 1 applicants can choose to attend an online interview via Zoom, or undertake a live interview at the RNCM. Applicants attending in person can choose to perform one of their recorded pieces or a new piece live during this stage, but no additional performance is required for online candidates who are unable to travel.
Stage 2 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.
Undergraduate (Harpsichord)
Stage 1 (Recorded)
You should prepare THREE contrasting pieces of your choice lasting about 15 – 20 minutes. One of these pieces may be a continuo part, played from a realised or unrealised bass part, with or without melody line(s). The panel will then select pieces to assess at their discretion.
Alongside this, the panel would also like you to answer the following questions. These can be submitted as a separate video or included within your main audition recording of around 6 minutes in total.
- What did you like about the way you played in your audition and what sort of things do you think you could do better?
- What other pieces have you worked on previously?
- Is there a composer that you particularly like to play? What is it that attracts you to their compositional style?
- Have you had any experience of playing continuo with groups? What kind of a part did you play from?
- What recordings do you like to listen to?
- Do you like playing music ‘by ear’? Are you able to play music that you know well in different keys?
Stage 2 (In Person or Online)
Successful Stage 1 applicants can choose to attend an online interview via Zoom, or undertake a live interview at the RNCM. Applicants attending in person can choose to perform one of their recorded pieces or a new piece live during this stage, but no additional performance is required for online candidates who are unable to travel.
Stage 2 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.
Postgraduate (Piano)
Stage 1 (Recorded)
Solo Piano Performance
Please prepare 40 MINUTES of repertoire by way of a contrasting programme. 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.
Alongside this, the panel would also like you to answer the following questions. These can be submitted as a separate video or included within your main audition recording of around 6 minutes in total.
- What did you like about the way you played in your audition and what sort of things do you think you could do better?
- What other pieces have you worked on previously?
- Is there a composer that you particularly like to play? What is it that attracts you to their compositional style?
- Have you had any experience playing piano duets, accompanying someone or playing chamber music?
- What recordings do you like to listen to?
- What do you take into account when considering music from different periods?
Piano Accompaniment
Please prepare ONE duo sonata movement, ONE song/aria and ONE solo piano piece (approximately 5 minutes)
Alongside this, the panel would also like you to answer the following questions. These can be submitted as a separate video or included within your main audition recording of around 6 minutes in total.
- What did you like about the way you played in your audition and what sort of things do you think you could do better?
- What other pieces have you worked on previously?
- Is there a composer that you particularly like to play? What is it that attracts you to their compositional style?
- Have you had any experience playing piano duets, accompanying someone or playing chamber music?
- What recordings do you like to listen to?
- What do you take into account when considering music from different periods?
Stage 2 (In Person or Online)
Solo Piano Performance and Piano Accompaniment
Successful Stage 1 applicants can choose to attend an online interview via Zoom, or undertake a live interview at the RNCM. Applicants attending in person can choose to perform one of their recorded pieces or a new piece live during this stage, but no additional performance is required for online candidates who are unable to travel.
Stage 2 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.
