Cello

Overview

The Advanced Artist Diploma (AAD) is a one-year course for a select group of instrumentalists at the highest level.

The programme supports development of a range of industry-related skills (as appropriate to your individual profile) with mentoring provided in addition to one-to-one lessons. Successful applicants will be ready to take full advantage of a recording opportunity with world-class production and special release arrangements on major streaming platforms and/or record labels.

AAD students will be required to self-manage critical aspects of the delivery of the recording, and the range of work undertaken during the programme, in line with professional expectations. The programme is at level 8 of the FHEQ, which demands a high level of autonomy and initiative, as well as highly developed artistry.

This course is right for you if you are on the cusp of an international career and aim to develop musical collaborations at a corresponding level. It is designed to enable students to make the most of the artistic and educational opportunities afforded by the Academy and its location in the heart of London.

Entry Requirements

• Performance: You are required to have a performance standard at least equivalent to a Distinction at Master’s level.
• Academic: You are also required to have a Master’s qualification or equivalent (in a relevant subject), but the Academy welcomes applications from students who may not meet the usual academic requirements.

You will also need to include the following three items in your Acceptd profile:

• a repertoire list (repertoire that has been at performance level or that is being prepared for performance, or has been learnt recently, including the titles of the pieces as well as the composers' names).
• recording portfolio (a text list of your professional recordings, with links or details of the CD/DVD where possible)
• your ideas for the year, including a list of professional engagements to which you are already committed

Assessment

The Advanced Artist Diploma is only auditioned by in-person attendance at our London auditions in December.

Advanced Artist Diploma applicants may also take part in a formal Academic Assessment interview.

During this session, you will meet with a member of the postgraduate academic staff to discuss:

• Your individual study plans and artistic ambitions.
• A detailed review of your project proposal, evaluating the scope and academic rigor of your intended creative outcomes.

Please note: Your performance and academic reviews are handled in tandem to determine overall suitability for this highly specialised level of study.

See entry requirements for full information, including English language requirements.

Auditions

We want you to view your audition as a recital rather than a rigid test. Our panel is looking for your unique musical personality, your technical command, and your potential for growth. Try to relax, focus on your storytelling through the instrument, and let us hear who you are as a musician.

Your Audition Repertoire

For your postgraduate audition, the repertoire requirements are specific to your chosen string instrument. You must prepare a balanced performance portfolio that highlights your technical command and interpretive breadth.

Repertoire Guidelines:

• Violin, Viola, and Cello Candidates: You must prepare:
  • The first movement of a major post-1800 concerto.
  • A contrasting piece of your own choice.
• Double Bass Candidates: You must prepare:
  • One solo piece of your own choice.
  • Two orchestral excerpts of your own choice.

Repertoire for International Audition Centres

If you are selected from your video recordings to perform in person at one of our international audition centres, you should take the same repertoire items you uploaded into your Acceptd profile.

What to Expect on Audition Day

1. Delivery Options & Practical Assessment

• In-Person (London): You will perform your prepared selection live for the specialist string faculty panel. London in-person auditions for your Principal Study do not require you to submit pre-screening or video recordings. As live audition time is strictly limited, the panel may choose to hear selected sections or movements of your pieces rather than the full items.
• Video recordings (video application, or international centres): You must upload your performance recordings to the Acceptd portal. Ideally all individual items (pieces or movements) in a single performance ('take') but can be recorded separately if making a single-take recording is affected by circumstances beyond your control, such as the availability of an accompanist. All accompanied works must include the appropriate accompaniment, which can be a 'minus one' backing track. When recording, ensure your music stand does not block the camera's view of your playing.

2. Postgraduate Interview

Video candidates may be invited to an online interview with the Head of Department.

Candidates may participate in a structured conversation with a postgraduate programme tutor, which may take place on your audition day or as a subsequent online interview. This conversation is designed to explore your musical background, study plans, artistic philosophies, and professional goals.

In addition to your practical repertoire, your digital application profile must contain:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your education, masterclasses, orchestral or chamber experience, and solo performances.
• Spoken English Introduction (video application, or international centres): A short recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself and your professional goals to the faculty panel.

For more information see auditions.