These requirements are for students auditioning to start their studies at the Academy in September 2012. Until specified otherwise, these requirements also apply for auditions in future years. Some audition requirements may change: please check back here regularly. You are welcome to contact the Registry or the department administrator if you have any queries. The closing date for receipt of applications is in our ‘Key Dates’ list.

The precise format for auditions will be different according to your Principal Study. In most cases auditions will last from 20 to 30 minutes. As time is limited for some auditions, you may be interrupted before you have performed a complete piece.

Woodwind

• Two contrasting pieces of your own choice.
• You may be asked to play scales, arpeggios, etc to ABRSM Grade 8 standard, except for flute candidates whose scale requirements are detailed below.
• You may be given sight reading or quick study tests.

Flute candidates (undergraduate and postgraduate):

Major, minor (harmonic and melodic) extended scales (i.e. Start on the requested tonic and go up to top A, A sharp, B flat or B and down to D, D flat, C sharp or C and then back to the tonic) and their extended arpeggios, to be played from memory.

If you are auditioning to become an undergraduate:

1. Musicianship and keyboard skills tests may be required.

These normally are a set of tests of increasing difficulty. The Academy regrets that it cannot issue specimen tests. Please bring a short piano piece to demonstrate your level of keyboard skills.

2. Written paper for undergraduates (BMus, Year-In, Organ Foundation)

You will be required to take a 50-minute written paper which comprises harmonisation of a simple melody and a choice of short essay questions of a general musical nature. You will be permitted to use a dictionary. Sorry, we cannot issue specimen papers.

Master of Music (MMus) applications:

There are specific requirements for written work which must be sent to the Registry to support your application.