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.
A note on assessments: AAD candidates will be asked within their Acceptd profile to state if they also wish to be considered for alternative postgraduate courses. Your ultimate course placement remains flexible; the panel may discuss and recommend a different postgraduate pathway during your assessment if they feel it better matches your needs.
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 & Assessment
Auditions at this level are evaluated against a high professional benchmark. The panel is looking for artistic maturity, stylistic authority, and a clearly defined vision.
Candidates are assessed through a combination of a digital video portfolio, written submissions, and a practical audition process.
Written Proposal
You must submit a written Proposal in Acceptd covering the points below if you wish to be considered. The guide length is 1,500 words.
- Outline the skills that you wish to develop, drawing on an area of specialism. Include a brief account of how development of these skills supports your career aims.
- Give examples of the repertoire, activities and/or projects that you envisage playing a part in your studies. Include any external commitments currently scheduled or in planning.
- What aspects of your musical studies so far are most relevant to these plans?
- Are there any particular members of Academy staff (in addition to a Principal Study professor) you would be keen to receive guidance from during the programme?
Video Portfolio
You must also submit a performance portfolio as part of your application:
- Video Portfolio Requirement: Your Acceptd profile must include video recordings of a minimum of two works of your own choice from contrasting periods and/or featuring contrasting musical challenges.
- Specialism Focus: At least one of the pieces in your video portfolio should relate in some way to your proposed project specialism.
- Recording Standard: Each item must be an unedited performance, recorded either as a captured live performance or under 'studio' conditions. If your project specialism includes an ensemble focus, you should ensure that ensemble work is included in these recordings.
- Written Proposal: You must submit a comprehensive written project proposal outlining your intended research or performance focus for the diploma course.
Repertoire Guidelines:
- Violin, Viola, and Cello Candidates: You must prepare:
- The first movement of a major post-1800 concerto.
- A contrasting piece of your own choice.
- Double Bass Candidates: You must prepare:
- One solo piece of your own choice.
- Two orchestral excerpts of your own choice.
Your Audition/Assessment Format
For your audition, you must prepare an advanced performance programme that highlights your technical mastery, musical breadth, and interpretive capability.
International Audition Centres
Please note that the Advanced Artist Diploma is not available by video or through our international 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
Delivery Options & Practical Assessment
- In-Person (London): Your video portfolio and written proposal will normally be reviewed by the specialist panel before your live audition date. You will perform your repertoire live for our panel. As live audition time is strictly limited, the panel may choose to hear selected sections or movements of your pieces rather than the full programme. This is standard procedure to ensure they experience a balanced overview of your technical skills and repertoire.
- Video recordings (video application, or international centres): You must upload one unedited video containing your complete audition performance programme to the Acceptd portal by the designated deadline. Your recording must be captured under clear audio and visual conditions.
Postgraduate Interview
You may participate in a structured conversation with a postgraduate programme tutor, which may take place in person or online. This interview is designed to explore your future study plans, your artistic direction, and the specific details of your written project proposal.
Postgraduate Application Profile
Your digital application profile on the Acceptd portal must contain:
- Video portfolio: as detailed above
- Written proposal: as detailed above
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your musical education, masterclasses, solo and chamber performance history, and competitions.
- Spoken English Introduction (video application, or international centres): A short recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself, your musical background, and your professional goals to the faculty panel.
- Audition Performance video (video application, or international centres)
For more information see auditions.
