Overview
Gap year students are considered as fully-enrolled members of the Academy’s student body, and have equal access to the Academy’s resources (library, computers, practice rooms etc).
This course is for you if you are about to complete your secondary school (High School) studies and either wish to spend a year at the Academy before taking up a full-time undergraduate programme of study at another institution, or if you would like to receive Academy training but do not require a full programme of study that leads to a degree.
The course principles are:
- To enable students to benefit from one year of conservatoire education
- To provide a tailor-made course of study according to the strengths and needs of each individual student
- To offer the same performance opportunities provided for degree students (with the approval of the Academic Tutor and Head of Programme)
- To offer appropriate academic subjects in consultation with the Academic Tutor and Head of Programme
- To assess practical and/or academic progress by examination
- To provide a transcript of studies showing completed modules (but no degree or other award)
Entry Requirements
- Performance/Composition: High standard of performing potential or composition, strong musicianship, and good aural skills.
- Music Exams: Formal exams are not required, but successful performers are typically at a Grade 8 Distinction level or higher.
- Music Theory: Grade 6 level knowledge is recommended before starting if you aren't taking school music exams.
- Keyboard Skills: No formal minimum required (unless it's your Principal Study), though Grade 5 piano is desirable to support general musicianship.
See Entry Requirements for full academic and international criteria.
Auditions
Your audition is not an exam - we think of it as a performance.
Our panel of examiners is looking for your individuality, artistry, and future potential. We want you to feel relaxed, be yourself, and show us who you are as a musician.
For your undergraduate audition, you must prepare a performance programme that reflects your musicality and technical capability.
- Programme Content: A selection of contrasting pieces of your own choice. This can consist entirely of original works for the accordion, or it can contain one or two transcriptions.
- Duration: Your performance must be 20 minutes in length.
Audition Delivery Options
- In-Person (London): You will perform your programme live for the audition panel.
- Video & International Centres (Australia, China, New York): You must upload one unedited video of your complete 20-minute programme to the Acceptd portal.
What to Expect on Audition Day
An undergraduate audition involves more than just your performance programme. The day is designed to test your wider musicality and get to know your study goals.
1. Academic Interview
All candidates will have a subsequent interview with a member of our undergraduate academic staff. This is an informal opportunity to discuss your future study plans, musical tastes, and aspirations.
2. Aural Skills Assessment & Sight-Reading
During your academic interview, you will be given a short extract of music to discuss and will be asked to complete a series of practical tests. These assess your fundamental musicianship and include:
- Sight-singing a short test melody.
- Singing the middle notes in a played chord.
- Identification of intervals.
- Sight-reading of rhythms.
- Simultaneous polyrhythms: Sight-reading two different rhythms at the same time (to be sung and clapped simultaneously).
Please note: Specimen tests are not available in advance.
3. Interview with the Head of Department
If you are auditioning via video submission, you may be invited to a separate online interview with the Head of Accordion.
For more information, see auditions.