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 showcase performance rather than a rigid test. Our expert panel is looking for your rhythmic integrity, sound production, technical foundation, and musical potential. Try to relax, enjoy the acoustics of the room, and show us your passion for percussion.
Your Audition Repertoire
For your undergraduate audition, you must prepare a balanced selection of pieces across three core areas: Snare Drum, Marimba/Xylophone, and Timpani.
1. Snare Drum
- One substantial solo piece or study of your own choice.
- A selection of standard orchestral excerpts.
2. Tuned Percussion (Marimba or Xylophone)
- One substantial solo piece or study of your own choice.
- Note: You may choose to perform your solo piece on either a two-mallet or a four-mallet instrument.
3. Timpani
- One solo piece or study of your own choice.
- A selection of standard orchestral excerpts.
Instrument Availability (Live Auditions in London)
The Academy provides all necessary heavy instruments and hardware for your audition. You do not need to bring your own large gear, but you must bring your own sticks and mallets suited to your chosen repertoire.
What to Expect on Audition Day
1. Delivery Options & Process
- In-Person (London): You will perform your prepared repertoire live for our audition panel. Live auditions also include a sight-reading component on snare drum, tuned percussion, and timpani to assess your real-time reading and adaptability.
- Video Auditions: If you are auditioning remotely, you must upload your performance videos to the Acceptd portal. For the digital submission, you may record individual pieces as separate video files, but each piece must be a single, unedited take.
2. Academic Interview & Aural Skills Assessment
All undergraduate candidates participate in a subsequent evaluation with a member of our academic staff. This is a relaxed, conversational session to discuss your future study plans, musical influences, and career goals.
During this session, you will explore 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.