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 an advanced performance programme that highlights your technical mastery, stylistic breadth, and interpretive capability on the organ.
Repertoire Guidelines:
- JS Bach Set Piece: You must perform one of the following works:
- Prelude & Fugue in G major, BWV 541 OR
- Prelude & Fugue in G major, BWV 550
- Free Choice Selection: Your own free choice of piece or pieces, which must not exceed 20 minutes in total.
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
1. Delivery Options & Practical Assessment
- In-Person (London): Live postgraduate organ auditions last for 45 minutes and are held on one of the Academy's prominent instruments. You will be assigned 60 minutes of rehearsal time at the console earlier on your audition date. As live audition time is strictly limited, the panel may choose to hear selected sections of your pieces rather than the full works.
- Video Auditions: If you are auditioning remotely, you must upload one unedited video containing your complete performance programme to the Acceptd portal. Please point the camera at your side so the assessment panel can see you play at the console, and (if possible) place the microphone some distance away from the instrument.
2. Postgraduate Interview
Candidates may participate in a structured conversation with senior faculty members from the Organ department and a postgraduate programme tutor. This interview is designed to explore your musical background, liturgical or concert experience, artistic philosophies, and your immediate study plans.
In addition to your practical repertoire, your digital application profile must contain:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your education, masterclasses, church or concert appointments, and solo performances.
- Spoken English Introduction: A short recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself and your professional goals to the faculty panel.
For more information see auditions.