Preparing for auditions
Check the 'how to apply' details for your chosen course to see if you are required to submit a portfolio as part of the application process. Each of the 'study options & audition requirements' sections within our faculties pages gives more detail about what you can expect to happen at audition, including details of multiple-stage auditions where applicable.
For exchange applicants, performers will be auditioned by recording and composers by portfolio submission. We do not specify repertoire for the performance recordings and composers will not be interviewed.
Being properly prepared for your audition means you will be able to present yourself at your best. As well as learning the appropriate repertoire and refining your technique, there are some decisions to make, including where your audition will take place. You should also tell us if there are special circumstances that we need to be aware of.
Auditioning at the RCM
Current students share their tips on how to approach your RCM audition and some friendly insights into the process of auditioning with us.
Video auditions for 2022 entry
We are planning to hold live auditions in London in 2022, although arrangements may be subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus situation. However, applicants who would prefer not to travel because of coronavirus may submit a video audition instead. This option is open to all Principal Study specialisms, with the exception of Conducting, for which we hope to hold final round auditions live in London in Spring 2022.
We are planning on holding auditions for most principal studies at our New York audition venue but the RCM will not be auditioning at any of our other overseas venues for 2022 entry, due to the current situation. The safety of our audition candidates is paramount and the RCM has made this decision in response to the latest guidance from the UK Government and the authorities in the audition locations. Applicants who would have auditioned at our overseas venues are invited to submit a video audition.
Further information on deadlines and submission requirements for auditions by video recording can be found here.
All candidates will automatically be considered for scholarships on the basis of their audition, including those who audition by video.
Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application. Some applicants may be asked to participate in a short video interview after their audition recording is assessed.
Place & time
The Royal College of Music normally holds auditions in London, Asia and the USA. Auditions for all courses and all principal studies can be undertaken in London. Auditions for most courses and principal studies can also be undertaken in Asia and the USA.
Application deadlines, application fees, audition dates and the availability of RCM accompanists varies between locations.
If you declared a disability on your application the RCM will automatically write to you to find out whether you require any particular arrangements.
If you did not declare a disability on your application or if you would like any additional advice on this matter please contact Student Services.
When your audition details are posted you should receive a notification from UCAS Conservatoires to log into your account and check. Make sure that you click on the hyperlink for your application to the RCM to view these. Please note that you will only be able to see your audition details if you have paid the audition fee.
Scheduling auditions is very complex, with some panels only being held on one day. Auditions in London are organised in collaboration with the other UK conservatoires to avoid clashes, making it extremely difficult to reschedule. RCM staff only visit our overseas venues once a year and auditions often only take place on one or two days.
You should make every effort to attend at your allocated time. If you have a compelling reason why you cannot attend, please contact our Admissions team. We will attempt to find you an alternative timeslot if possible, but stress this cannot be guaranteed.
If you are sick on the day of your audition please contact our Admissions team immediately to let us know.
Video auditions for 2022 entry
We are planning to hold live auditions in London in 2022, although arrangements may be subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus situation. However, applicants who would prefer not to travel because of coronavirus may submit a video audition instead. This option is open to all Principal Study specialisms, with the exception of Conducting, for which we hope to hold final round auditions live in London in Spring 2022.
We are planning on holding auditions for most principal studies at our New York audition venue but the RCM will not be auditioning at any of our other overseas venues for 2022 entry, due to the current situation. The safety of our audition candidates is paramount and the RCM has made this decision in response to the latest guidance from the UK Government and the authorities in the audition locations. Applicants who would have auditioned at our overseas venues are invited to submit a video audition.
Further information on deadlines and submission requirements for auditions by video recording can be found here.
All candidates will automatically be considered for scholarships on the basis of their audition, including those who audition by video.
Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application. Some applicants may be asked to participate in a short video interview after their audition recording is assessed.
The February auditions in London are only for a very small number of candidates: mostly those who were prevented from attending the main auditions due to unforeseen circumstances, eg illness. Some late applications may also be considered if places remain.
Some faculties may not hold February auditions if their courses are full, and the majority of scholarship funding will already have been allocated before February.
We strongly recommended auditioning during the main auditions if possible.
Nationals of many countries outside the EEA will need a visa to travel to the UK. You can check whether you need a visa on the UK Government website. Provided you are only coming to the UK for your audition and not for any study or work you can enter the country on a Standard visitor visa. Nationals of countries in the EEA and several other countries do not need to apply for a visa in advance and can be granted leave to enter the UK as a visitor at the border on arrival. Nationals of some other countries need to apply for a visitor visa in advance before travelling. You can check whether you need to apply for a visa in advance on the UK Government website.
We recommend checking the UK Government website and with your local UK visa centre for the latest information.
As soon as the audition schedule is published we will send out invitation letters to all nationals of countries who are required to obtain entry clearance to the UK before departure, which can be used to support a visa application.
If you require assistance you can contact our Admissions team.
Getting ready
Places at the RCM are awarded solely on your performance at audition, whether by video or in person. For composers, places are awarded on the basis of your portfolio and the strength of your interview. The same is true of scholarships, which are intended to support students who demonstrate the highest level of musicianship.
Audition requirements are set by each faculty. Further information can be found by following the links below.
Composition audition requirements
Conducting audition requirements (postgraduate level only)
Historical Performance audition requirements
Keyboard audition requirements
Candidates for the BMus programme who have applied for joint principal study will be auditioned in both specialisms. The two auditions may or may not be on different dates depending on panel availability.
Enquiries
If you have any questions about the audition process please contact our friendly Admissions team who will be happy to offer advice.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
