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 want you to view your audition as a recital rather than a rigid test. Our panel is looking for your unique musical personality, your tone quality, 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 undergraduate audition (applying for the Bachelor of Music or Gap Year pathways), you must prepare a short performance programme that displays your stylistic versatility and technical command.
Repertoire Guidelines:
- Duration: A free-choice programme lasting between 10 to 15 minutes in total.
- Original Composition Requirement: At least one of the works in your programme must be an original composition written specifically for your instrument (not an arrangement or transcription).
- Tuba Specifics: Tuba candidates should perform their audition programme using an F tuba or an Eb tuba.
Technical Elements & Sight-Reading
During live auditions, you may also be asked to complete the following:
- Technical Exercises: You may be asked to play scales, arpeggios, and related technical work up to an ABRSM Grade 8 standard.
- Sight-Reading: You may be given a short sight-reading piece or a quick study test to assess your real-time reading and interpretation skills.
What to Expect on Audition Day
1. Delivery Options & Timings
- In-Person (London): Live brass auditions typically last around 20 minutes. Because live audition time is strictly limited, please do not worry if the panel interrupts you before you finish a piece—this is standard procedure to ensure they hear a balance of your repertoire and technical skills within the timeframe.
- Video Auditions: If you are auditioning remotely, you must upload one unedited video containing your complete 10-to-15-minute audition programme to the Acceptd portal. Following the panel's review of your footage, you may be invited to an online interview with the Head of Brass.
2. Academic Interview & Aural Skills Assessment
All undergraduate applicants participate in an interview with a member of our academic staff. This is a relaxed conversation designed to get to know your musical background, tastes, and future study goals.
During this session, 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 published or distributed in advance.
For more information see auditions.