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, highly contrasting selection of pieces that demonstrates your technical capability and stylistic interpretation on your period instrument.
Repertoire Guidelines:
- Selection: You must prepare two or three contrasting pieces of your own choice.
- Duration: The total performance time of your chosen music must be between 8 and 10 minutes.
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. In-Person Auditions (London) & Accompaniment
Live auditions are held at the Academy in London. If your performance requires keyboard accompaniment, the Academy can provide an official accompanist. Around two weeks before your audition date, you will receive a digital link to upload your repertoire scores (PDFs) in the exact musical edition you intend to use.
The audition rooms are equipped to accommodate historical pitch standards:
- A harpsichord tuned to A=415 is standard and readily available.
- A fortepiano tuned to A=430 or a modern piano tuned to A=440 can be provided on request. You must contact the Admissions Team (admissions@ram.ac.uk) at least two weeks before your audition date to arrange this.
2. Video Auditions
If you are auditioning remotely or applying through an international audition centre (such as Australia, China, or New York), you must upload your performance recordings to the Acceptd portal. Your pieces can be recorded as separate video files rather than a single continuous take.
3. Postgraduate Interview & Portfolio Submission
All candidates participate in a structured conversation with a postgraduate programme tutor and historical performance specialist faculty to discuss your study plans and professional directions.
Whether you are auditioning in person or by video, your digital application profile on the Acceptd portal must contain:
- Written Statement: A detailed personal statement outlining your musical background, previous training, your broader musical ambitions, and your specific reasons for choosing this course at the Academy.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your education, ensemble experience, and solo performances.
- Spoken English Introduction (video application, or international centres): A recorded verbal introduction where you must explicitly discuss your choice of audition repertoire, how it matches your playing style and musical tastes, and how your current knowledge of historical performance practice has influenced your interpretation.
For more information see auditions.