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, you must prepare a comprehensive and diverse solo programme that showcases your stylistic versatility, technical facility, and dynamic range on the instrument.
1. Repertoire Guidelines:
You must prepare two contrasting pieces of your own choice, adhering to the following guidelines:
- One piece must have been written after 1950, preferably in a contemporary style.
- The repertoire presented must be of an advanced postgraduate standard, displaying clear evidence of technical accomplishment, expressive control, and varied tonal colour.
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
Harps will be available for any auditions held at the Academy in London. A Lyon & Healy harp will be available in the audition room and a similar model in the warm-up room, though you are welcome to bring your own instrument if you prefer. For auditions outside the UK you will be asked to bring your own instrument.
1. Delivery Options & Practical Assessment
- In-Person (London): Live harp auditions typically last around 30 minutes. As live audition time is strictly limited, the panel may choose to hear selected sections or movements of your pieces rather than the full programme. This is standard procedure to ensure they experience a balanced overview of your technical skills and repertoire.
- Instrument Provision: Harps will be available for any auditions held at the Academy in London. A Lyon & Healy harp will be available in the audition room and a similar model in the warm-up room, though you are welcome to bring your own instrument if you prefer.
- Extended warm-up time: Because preparing a harp takes care and focus, harp candidates are scheduled for an extended warm-up and practice time (allotted 45 minutes) immediately before entering the audition room. A Lyon & Healy harp will be available in the audition room, and a similar model will be provided in your warm-up room. You are also welcome to bring your own instrument if you prefer.
- Sight-reading: All in-person harp auditions include a mandatory sight-reading test in the audition room. This is designed to assess your quick-study capabilities, harmonic awareness, and spontaneous coordination of complex harp layouts under time constraints.
- Video recordings (video application, or international centres): You must upload one unedited video containing your complete audition performance programme to the Acceptd portal by the designated deadline. Your recording must be captured under clear audio and visual conditions.
2. Technical Skills (Scales & Apreggios)
You must be prepared to perform scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys up to a Grade 8 Pedal Harp standard (following the ABRSM syllabus guidelines) at the live audition or video recall.
- Scales: Four octaves. To be played hands separately, or hands together an octave apart, a sixth apart (right hand begins on tonic), or a tenth apart (left hand begins on tonic).
- Arpeggios: Four octaves. To be played hands separately, hands together, or divided between the hands. Required in root position, first inversion, and second inversion. Dominant sevenths and diminished sevenths are also required.
3. The Prepared Study (Étude)
- Live Audition Candidates (London, international centres): You will be sent an étude (study) separately exactly seven days before your interview to prepare.
- Video Audition Candidates: If you pass the initial video round and progress to the live online interview, you will be emailed a piece of sight-reading the day before your interview. Please ensure you have a harp available to play during your digital meeting.
4. Postgraduate Interview
You may participate in a structured conversation with a postgraduate programme tutor, which may take place in person on audition day or via a subsequent live online meeting. This interview is an opportunity to discuss your specific study plans, your artistic philosophies, and your professional aims.
In addition to your practical repertoire, your digital application profile must contain:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your musical education, masterclasses, solo and chamber performance history, and competitions.
- Spoken English Introduction (video application, or international centres): A short recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself, your musical background, and your professional goals to the faculty panel.
- Performance video (video application, or international centres)
- Written Material / Project Proposal (MMus only): candidates must submit examples of written work or a research proposal to demonstrate that they possess the critical writing and analytical skills required to undertake postgraduate academic research.
For more information see auditions.