School of Strings – Audition Requirements

This is your chance to shine, showing that you’re a communicative performer who has musical understanding and freedom of expression.

2025 Entry

All applicants will be invited to a live audition at the RNCM in November or December 2024. In-person applicants (excluding GRNCM applicants and those opting for an overseas audition) are not required to submit a recording prior to their audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.

To qualify for an online audition, you must select ‘Online’ under ‘Audition Location’ on UCAS Conservatoires and submit an audition recording within your Acceptd application. Following the application deadline (2 October 2024), your recording will be pre-screened and if you are shortlisted for an online interview, you will be notified via UCAS Conservatoires.

GRNCM applicants must have submitted an audition recording via Acceptd by Wednesday 2 October. Following this deadline, shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live audition at the RNCM and an interview at the University of Manchester in November or December 2024. Overseas applicants can opt to take their audition and interview online.

BMus applicants are also required to complete an online test as part of the process. 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.

Audition requirements are outlined below, but if you require further information, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.

Violin

Undergraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

You should choose ONE set piece from:

W A Mozart – movement 1 or 3 from any Violin Concerto
Joseph Haydn – movement 1 or 3 from Concerto in C
J S Bach – two contrasted movements from the solo Sonatas or Partitas or the accompanied Sonatas (BWV 1014 – 9 or BWV 1020 – 5)
Georg Telemann – two contrasted movements from the solo Fantasias

AND

A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first choice.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Postgraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording,  please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Viola

Undergraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

You should choose ONE set piece from:

Franz Anton Hoffmeister  movement 1 from Concerto in D
Franz Anton Hoffmeister  movement 3 from Concerto in D
Franz Anton Hoffmeister  movement 1 from Concerto in Bb
Carl Stamitz  movement 1 from Concerto in D
J S Bach – two contrasted movements from a viola transcription of Bach Cello Suites 2 – 6, to include a Prelude.

AND

A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first choice.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Postgraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording,  please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Cello

Undergraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

You should choose ONE set piece from:

Joseph Haydn – movement 1 or 3 from Concerto in C or D
C P E Bach  Concerto in A (edition Salabert (EMS 5391))
J S Bach – two contrasted movements from Suites  2 – 6, to include a Prelude
Luigi Boccherini – movement 1 from Concerto in B flat or G

AND

A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first choice.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Postgraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording,  please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Double Bass

Undergraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

You should choose ONE from:

Giambattista Cimador – movement 1 from Concerto in G
Giovanni Bottesini – movement 1 from Concerto in A minor
Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf – movement 1 from Concerto No 2

Or TWO contrasted movements from:

Antonio Vivaldi – (trans Zimmermann) Cello Sonatas
Benedetto Marcello  Sonatas Op 2
OR
Willem De Fesch  Sonata in G

AND

A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first piece.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Postgraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording,  please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Harp

Undergraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

Prepare TWO contrasting pieces of your own choice. These do not need to be played from memory but should commensurate with a standard of ABRSM Grade 8 or above.

For those attending in person, your audition will include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You will also be asked about the musical content and style of your audition pieces and you will be given a sight reading exercise.

Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Postgraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, from contrasting periods. The level of difficulty should be comparable to that of the pieces played in a final undergraduate degree recital.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You will also be asked about the musical content and style of your audition pieces and you will be given a sight reading exercise.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording,  please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

Guitar (classical)

Undergraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

Prepare TWO contrasting pieces of your own choice. These do not need to be played from memory but should be commensurate with a standard of ABRSM Grade 8 or above. Suggested composers include J S Bach, Agustin Barrios, Lennox Berkeley, Leo Brouwer, Napoleon Coste, John Dowland, Roland Dyens, Mauro Giuliani, Manuel Ponce, Joaquin Rodrigo, Domenico Scarlatti, Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega, Joaquin Turina and William Walton.

We recommend that you endeavour to choose works that demonstrate your strengths and contain a variety of technical demands and expressive detail.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

For BMus (Hons) Popular Music Guitar audition requirements, please click here.

Postgraduate

In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.

For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.

Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)

If you are submitting an audition recording,  please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)

If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.

This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).

For MMus Popular Music Guitar audition requirements, please click here.