Auditions
Auditions are an essential part of the conservatoire application process.
They offer you a chance to excel, express your personality, and get to know us better, so it’s important to feel as prepared as possible.
2027 Entry
Following the application deadline of 1 October, auditions for September 2027 entry will take place in November and December 2026. Our audition processes vary so please ensure you check the specific requirements for your principal study option by clicking on the School of Study you’re applying for below.
We’ve also listed some key information and dates to help you understand the process before you get started:
Important Information
- All applicants must submit an Acceptd application, including those who are not required to submit an audition recording.
- All GRNCM/MusB applicants must submit an audition recording or composition portfolio within their Acceptd application, whether they are applying for an in-person or online audition.
- Applicants invited to attend an audition in person at the RNCM in Manchester will be notified of their time and date via their UCAS Conservatoires application.
- We encourage all applicants to audition in person. Overseas applicants may choose to submit an audition recording via Acceptd if they are unable to travel to any of our audition locations. Online auditionees may be shortlisted to attend a live interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Online interview invitations will be communicated via UCAS Conservatoires.
- Joint principal study applicants must audition for both disciplines and should follow the individual requirements for each of their choices.
- Non-standard courses (such as CPD Studentships and the Hallé Advanced Orchestral Strings Programme) follow a different application procedure and admissions timeline.
Key Dates
- Applications opened on Thursday 9 July and closed on Thursday 1 October 2026. We will continue to accept late applications for most courses (excluding GRNCM/MusB), and you can check whether this applies to your preferred programme by emailing [email protected].
- Some applicants are required to submit an audition recording – you can find more information on the requirements for your specific principal study below. Please note that all GRNCM/MusB applicants are required to submit an audition recording or composition portfolio.
- Our main audition period will take place in November and December and offers will be distributed by Thursday 24 December 2026 for those who applied by the initial application deadline.
- Auditions for all postgraduate Popular Music courses, Conducting, and our International Artist Diploma will take place after the main auditions period, and applicants will be contacted directly with more information.
- Auditions for late applicants will take place until August 2027, subject to availability.
Schools of Study
Instrument-specific audition requirements are outlined with each School of Study.
Advice Auditions
If your performance ability is around ABRSM Grade 8 standard or equivalent and you want to find out if conservatoire study at the RNCM is right for you, you can apply for an Advice Audition.
These are available between January and June each year and cost £80 (a full refund will be issued if you apply for an entry audition within 12 months).
Please contact [email protected] to request an application form.
Overseas Auditions and Agents
Overseas auditions are held in select locations throughout the year. They are conducted in English and replicate the audition process held at the RNCM.
For 2027 Entry, we are excited to be hosting auditions in the following locations:
China and Hong Kong
Open to all applicants across all locations (excluding popular music, percussion and composition).
Beijing
27 – 28 Oct 2026
Steinway Hall
Qingdao
30 Oct 2026
The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao
Shanghai
2 – 3 Nov 2026
Steinway Hall
Shenzhen
4 – 5 Nov 2026
School of Music, Shenzhen Technology University
Hong Kong
6 – 7 Nov 2026
Voce Music Studio
New York City
Open to all applicants (excluding popular music, percussion and composition).
New York City
26 – 28 Jan 2027
The DiMenna Center
Using an Agent
If you’re thinking about studying at the RNCM, you may choose to seek support from one of our authorised education agents or counsellors to help with your application. Please visit our dedicated Using and Agent for full information, including contracted agents.
How to Apply
Before submitting your application, please check that we are accepting applications for your principal study at the audition location you are selecting, as listed above. Popular music applicants, percussionists and composers can opt for an online audition or an in-person audition at the RNCM in Manchester, UK.
Applicants should follow the standard application process, selecting their preferred audition location within their UCAS application. Those opting for an overseas audition are required to submit an audition recording for shortlisting prior to attending an in-person audition. This recording should follow the requirements outlined on the individual School of Study audition pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auditioning for conservatoire study is an important moment so we’ve compiled a list of FAQs to ensure you’re as prepared as possible.