Auditions
Ready to audition? We would love to hear you perform and learn more about what makes you tick musically.
Your audition is your chance to demonstrate your talent and potential.
We are excited to see what you are capable of and to help you decide whether the Academy is the right place for the next stage of your musical journey.
Essential information at a glance
Dates and locations
For 2026 entry, we are offering:
- In-person auditions in London, Australia, China and New York
- Video auditions for candidates unable to travel
Guidance for submitting video applications:
Video auditions and assessments
London auditions: 2026 entry
Travel information:
Application deadlines and audition scheduling can be found on your course in the course finder.
Main audition period:
- Monday 1 December to Friday 12 December 2025
Other key dates:
- Composition interviews: 1 to 5 December 2025
- Conducting (second round): February 2026
- Musical Theatre recalls: April 2026
- MPhil/PhD interviews: March 2026
International auditions
For September 2026 entry:
- Brisbane, Melbourne, Qingdao and New York
- Initial round via video pre-screening
Check your course page in the course finder for availablility.
Before your audition
What you need to do
All candidates must:
- Submit a UCAS Conservatoires application. More information:
Apply - Create an Acceptd profile. More information:
Guide to Acceptd
Your Acceptd profile allows you to:
- Upload audition videos if required
- Share supporting documents
- Provide additional information about yourself
Audition requirements
Requirements vary by department, including repertoire and format. Find out more on your chosen course page in the course finder.
For video submissions:
Video auditions and assessments
On the day
What to expect
- You will be greeted by a student ambassador
- You will be shown to a warm-up space
- Your audition may include performance and a short discussion
- Some candidates may be invited to an academic interview
Most candidates will be at the Academy for up to three hours.
What to bring
- Your instrument
- Any required accessories
- Your music
- Music for your accompanist
Practical tips
- Arrive in good time
- Eat and hydrate beforehand
- Practise performing in unfamiliar settings
- Prepare for small disruptions and stay flexible
Support and access
If you have a disability or access requirement, please tell us during your UCAS application.
Our team will contact you to discuss support before your audition.
Email: admissions@ram.ac.uk
More information:
Access and disability
After your audition
Results are published in your UCAS Conservatoires Hub.
For December auditions, results are usually available before Christmas.
More information:
Understanding your result
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the audition requirements for my area of study?
Requirements vary by department, including repertoire and format. Find out more on your chosen course page in the course finder.
Is there anything I need to do before attending my scheduled in-person audition?
As detailed on our How to Apply page, all candidates have to submit an Acceptd profile ahead of their audition as well as a UCAS conservatoires application. Your Acceptd application is an opportunity to let us know more about you, to upload any supporting documents and, if you are auditioning by video recording or providing pre-screening recordings, to upload your audition videos. Acceptd is the system the panels use to get to know you and to make notes and decisions on all applications.
Do I have to give advance notice of my programme?
You don’t need to let us know your audition programme in advance, unless your department has asked for this to be included in your Acceptd profile. However, if you’re bringing less familiar repertoire, just keep in mind that complex accompaniments can be tricky to prepare in the short rehearsal time with your accompanist before your audition.
Where can I get advice about travel and accommodation ahead of my audition?
For travel: Visiting the Academy
For accommodation: Bed and Breakfast, Cheap Hotel and Guest House Accommodation
Should I prepare something for the interview?
Academic interview questions can differ depending on each candidate. You don’t need to formally prepare anything as the panel are most interested in getting to know more about you.
It’s possible that questions may be based on something you wrote in your personal statement, or about your musical tastes and inspirations.
Is there a written test?
All Jazz candidates take a short jazz theory paper directly after their audition.
Otherwise there is no written assessment.
What pieces do I need to play in my audition?
The requirements for this are different for each department, so we recommend you look at the audition requirements of your chosen course's page.
Do I need to find my own accompanist?
The Academy has a pool of accompanists for auditions in London. There is no charge for using an Academy accompanist, and you will be allocated a rehearsal with them in your warm-up time immediately before your audition.
Academy accompanists will always do their best to provide you with a satisfactory accompaniment to your chosen programme, although rehearsal time is necessarily limited so please consider that complex accompaniments can be tricky to prepare in the available time.
We are unable to allocate accompanists in advance, to receive music in advance, to arrange additional rehearsal time before the audition or to lend you music from our Library.
Ensemble Piano candidates should consult their chosen course's page for guidance.
How long will my audition last?
Audition experiences can vary – you might be asked to stay for a second round, or you might not, and neither necessarily reflects the outcome. So don’t worry if your experience differs from someone else’s.
Overall, you should expect to be in the Academy for up to 3 hours, to allow for extra assessments. Please do not leave the building until you have received a message on Acceptd to say it’s okay to do so.
What does the audition entail?
When you arrive at the Academy, you will be greeted by one of our student ambassadors who will take you to your warm-up room.
The length of your audition may vary, depending on the course you are applying for. The audition itself may include an opportunity for you to speak to the audition panel. There will usually be two or three examiners on the audition panel, and they are eager for you to perform well and in as relaxed an atmosphere as possible. We recommend that you think of your audition as a performance.
Candidates who reach a certain level of achievement in their Principal Study audition will be called to an academic interview (Programme Assessment) on the same day. The interviewer, usually a member of the academic studies or tutorial team, will use this opportunity to find out more about you. You will be contacted by the Admissions team through Acceptd if the panel has recommended this.
Jazz undergraduate candidates are interviewed during their practical audition.
Will there be a space for me to prepare when I arrive?
Yes, there will be a room for you to warm up and rehearse with your accompanist.
How long will I have to warm up?
You will normally have a practice time immediately before the audition, unless your audition is for organ (see below). This warm-up will usually be for 15 to 20 minutes (a longer warm-up is scheduled for Guitar, Accordion, Ensemble Piano, Harp, and Timpani & Percussion candidates).
Organ candidates - you will have a designated warm-up time on the Rieger organ, which is specified as the earlier time detailed in your audition notification. Typically, this time is scheduled for the morning, while your audition will occur in the afternoon. Undergraduate candidates are allotted 45 minutes for warm-up, and postgraduate candidates receive 1 hour. If you require the Academy to arrange for a page-turner, please inform the Admissions Manager at admissions@ram.ac.uk.
Can I arrange for additional time and space to practice ahead of my audition?
If you would like more practice time beforehand, here is a list of commercial practice facilities in London:
- Jaques Samuel Pianos Ltd
142 Edgware Road, Marble Arch, London W2 2DZ
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7723 8818 - Peregrine’s Pianos
137A Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8TU
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7242 9865 - Kafri Studios
Arch 357 Laburnum Street, London E2 8BB
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8616 0233 or mobile +44 (0)7828 254458
info@kafristudios.co.uk - Craxton Studios
14 Kidderpore Avenue, London NW3 7SU
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7435 2965 - The Music Studios
29 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2NQ
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7486 0025
info@themusicstudios.co.uk
Also see London Rehearsal Studios for other suggestions.
Rehearsal and performance spaces are available to rent at tutti.space, mushRoom and PianoMe.
Do I have to play from memory?
In many cases, playing from memory is not essential. However, it’s best to check your principle study's audition requirements, as some departments do ask for this. If it is not a requirement for you to play from memory, we advise that you try not to rely heavily on a score.
Is there somewhere at the Academy to get refreshments?
Yes, we have a canteen which is open throughout the audition period, which sells hot and cold food, as well as snacks and hot drinks.
Who is allowed to attend with me?
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you to your audition. However, on arrival, we will kindly ask your guest to wait in our canteen until the audition is finished.
Please note that space is limited and the Academy can become crowded during the audition period - There are plenty of shops and cafes on Marylebone High St and Baker St that your guest can choose to wait in instead.
Candidates with accessibility requirements - You are welcome to bring someone with you to assist you with your access needs. (Please also see 'Access and Auditions' section above).
Is there a dress code?
There’s no formal dress code and concert dress is not required. Wear whatever you feel most comfortable and confident in.
What does it mean if I’m stopped halfway through my audition or asked to come back for a second round?
It can mean several things. Do not panic if the panel ask you stop during a performance. It’s very normal for this to happen and they could have several reasons for doing so. Every audition experience is unique, so do not worry if yours differs from someone else’s.
What do I do if I can’t attend in-person auditions at the Academy?
We offer video auditions and some international auditions. Read this information before you apply, to help you decide which option is best for you.
Who should I contact if I have an emergency on the day and cannot come or I’m running late?
In case of any emergencies on the day please email admissions@ram.ac.uk and we’ll do our best to help.
When will I find out the outcome?
Audition results will be displayed in your UCAS Conservatoires Hub as soon as possible at the end of the audition session. For our main auditions in December, results are usually available before Christmas.
Is there a separate audition process for scholarships?
No. All applicants for degree and diploma courses will be considered for a scholarship award as part of the audition, irrespective of whether they choose a video or live audition.
Will I receive feedback on my audition?
Our audition/interview process is a diagnostic one. We are therefore unable to provide detailed feedback to applicants.