Cello

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

We focus on cultivating your unique artistic voice while providing immersive training across solo performance, diverse chamber music, and exceptional orchestral playing to prepare you for a global career.

We want you to view your audition as a performance rather than a strict test. Our expert panel is eager to see your musical potential, individual artistry, and stylistic curiosity. The department highly welcomes and encourages innovative programming, including pieces by under-represented composers. Try to relax, enjoy the space, and show us who you are as a musician.

Your Audition Repertoire

For your undergraduate audition, your repertoire requirements are determined by your specific instrument:

For Violin, Viola, and Cello Applicants:

1. Classical Concerto: The first movement (including the cadenza) of a Classical concerto. Suggested composers include Haydn, Mozart, Hoffmeister, and Stamitz. If you choose another composer, the work must be firmly from this historical period.
2. Contrasting Piece: A contrasting piece of your own choice.

For Double Bass Applicants:

1. Solo Work: One solo piece of your own choice.
2. Orchestral Excerpts: Two orchestral excerpts of your own choice.

Performance & Memory Guidelines

• Memorisation: There is no requirement to perform your pieces from memory.
• Music Stand Placement: If you choose to read from sheet music, please ensure your music stand is positioned carefully so it does not block the panel's view of your physical playing and posture.

What to Expect on Audition Day

1. Delivery & Recording Options

• In-Person (London): You will perform your repertoire live for the audition panel. Accompanied works will be performed alongside a professional Academy accompanist.
• Video & International Centres (Australia, China, New York): The performance element of your video submission must ideally be recorded in a single, unedited take with no breaks between items. However, if circumstances beyond your control (such as the availability of an accompanist) prevent this, you may record individual movements or pieces separately.
• Video Accompaniment: All accompanied pieces must include their appropriate accompaniment. You are welcome to use a pre-recorded backing track (e.g., a "minus one" track); you do not need to hire a live accompanist for your video recording.

2. Academic Interview & Aural Skills Assessment

All undergraduate applicants participate in an evaluation with a member of our academic staff. This is a conversational session to discuss your study plans, background, and musical aspirations.

During this interview, you will discuss a short extract of music and complete an Aural Skills Assessment consisting of:

• Sight-singing a short test melody.
• Singing the middle notes in a played chord.
• Identification of musical intervals.
• Sight-reading of rhythms.
• Simultaneous polyrhythms: Sight-reading two different rhythms at the same time (singing one rhythm while clapping the other simultaneously).

Please note: Specimen tests are not issued in advance.

For more information see auditions.