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 and Interviews
We view the audition process as an open artistic dialogue rather than an exam. Our panel of distinguished composers is looking for your original creative voice, your curiosity, and your potential for growth. Relax, be proud of the music you have created, and let us get to know you as an artist.
Your Portfolio Requirements
To apply for the Gap Year in Composition, you must submit a digital portfolio via the Acceptd portal containing:
- Four Original Scores: A portfolio of four of your own compositions. These pieces should demonstrate a variety of styles, instrumentations, or creative approaches. We will accept fewer examples if you haven't written four pieces.
- Audio Recordings: Audio recordings of all pieces must be included if available.
- Note: Live or studio recordings of musicians playing your work are highly preferred. However, if live recordings are not available, high-quality MIDI or computer-generated mock-ups are fully acceptable.
- Spoken Video Introduction: Your digital profile must include a short spoken introduction in English. Use this video to introduce yourself, briefly explain the concepts behind the pieces in your portfolio, and share why you want to study composition at the Academy.
Round One: Portfolio Review
The Composition department entry panel reviews all digital portfolios under a strict deadline framework. This serves as the direct equivalent of an instrumentalist's practical first-round audition. Candidates will be notified in early November if they have been shortlisted to advance to the next stage.
Round Two: Interview & Tasks
If you are selected to progress, your evaluation will move to a live assessment phase, which can take place either in person in London or via a live online link. This normally lasts30 minutes:
- Composition Exercise: Seven days before your scheduled interview date, you will receive a short composition exercise via email.
- Portfolio Discussion: You will discuss your submitted scores and recordings in depth with the composition panel. Be prepared to talk about your structural choices, notation methods, and creative influences.
- Interview: The panel will talk with you about your musical background, your interest in contemporary music, and your goals for the four-year degree.
Academic Interview & Aural Skills Assessment
In addition to the panel interview, candidates may complete a separate interview with a member of our academic staff. This is an informal conversation to evaluate your broader musical interests and aspirations.
During this session, you will discuss a short extract of music and complete an Aural Skills Assessment to evaluate your foundational musicianship:
- 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 published or distributed in advance.
For more information see auditions.