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
The Royal Academy of Music Harp Department is a tight-knit, thriving community where solo, concerto, chamber, and orchestral repertoire are fully integrated into daily musical life. From Baroque to jazz, our harpists are trained to be versatile, creative, and ready to meet the demands of the modern music profession.
We understand that auditions can be an anxious experience, but our panel views your audition as a recital rather than an exam. We look for individuality, future potential, and artistry. If you make a mistake, stay calm—we are interested in how you recover in the moment. Be yourself, relax, and let your unique musical voice shine.
Your Audition Repertoire & Technical Requirements
For your undergraduate harp audition, you must prepare a comprehensive selection of music that highlights both your technical foundation and your interpretive skills.
1. Performance Pieces
You must prepare two contrasting pieces of your own choice, adhering to the following guideline:
- One piece must have been written after 1950, preferably in a contemporary style.
2. Technical Skills (Scales & Arpeggios)
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).
- 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: 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.
What to Expect on Audition Day
Undergraduate auditions assess your holistic musicianship, consisting of your instrumental performance and a separate academic evaluation.
Extended Warm-Up Time
Because preparing a harp takes care and focus, harp candidates are scheduled for an extended warm-up and practice block (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.
Academic Interview & Aural Skills Assessment
All undergraduate applicants will have a subsequent interview with a member of our academic staff to discuss your study plans, aspirations, and musical interests.
As part of this session, you will be given a short extract of music to discuss and will complete an Aural Skills Assessment. This includes a sight-singing test alongside practical exercises to test your fundamental musicianship:
- Singing the middle notes of a played chord.
- Identification of 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 cannot be issued in advance.
For more information see auditions.