Trumpet

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 short, balanced performance selection that highlights your technical mastery, musical breadth, and interpretive capability on your chosen brass instrument.

Repertoire Guidelines:

• Duration: You must prepare a free-choice programme lasting between 10 and 15 minutes.
• Stylistic Contrast & Composition: Your selected programme should showcase contrasting periods and styles. Crucially, at least one of the works in your selection must be an original composition written specifically for your instrument.
• Tuba Candidates: If you are auditioning on the tuba, you should perform your programme using either an F tuba or an Eb tuba.

Performance Note: For the first-round video submissions (video applications and international centres) accompaniment should be included where required (this can be a ‘minus-one’ track if you are unable to get an accompanist). For live, in-person auditions in London, you may bring your own pianist or an Academy accompanist will be assigned on the day.

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 brass auditions typically last around 20 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 items. This is standard procedure to ensure they experience a balanced overview of your technical skills. You will be allocated a warm-up time immediately before your assessment slot.
• Video recordings (video application, or international centres): You must upload one unedited video containing your complete performance programme to the Acceptd portal. Your recording must be captured in a single continuous file under clear audio conditions, ensuring that all working parts of the instrument—specifically your lips and fingers—are clearly visible throughout.

2. Postgraduate Interview

Candidates may participate in a structured conversation with a postgraduate programme tutor, which may take place on your audition day or as a subsequent online interview to discuss your study plans and career directions. For candidates who submit a video audition, you may also be invited to an online interview with the Head of Brass.

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, orchestral or ensemble experience, and solo performances.
• Spoken English Introduction (video application, or international centres): A short recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself and your professional goals to the faculty panel.

For more information see auditions.