Your experience will depend on your specialism and your chosen audition location. Typical questions you may be asked during your audition include:
Most candidates audition at the RCM in London. We also offer auditions at a number of venues overseas. The audition process differs between venues. You are advised to read the information below carefully.
Every student undertakes principal study in their main specialism, which lies at the heart of their RCM experience. You can audition for the following principal studies. Please note that research degrees have their own set of requirements.
Applicants should prepare from memory a programme of three works of their own choice. This should last at least 15 minutes and show a variety of style, period and character.
The audition panel reserves the right to hear only two pieces overall.
Applicants should show proof of recent public performances in festivals, school concerts, etc.
Applicants should prepare from memory a varied programme of 50 minutes which includes an advanced étude.
The audition panel will choose up to 20 minutes for performance in audition.
Applicants should also provide a list of the repertoire studied in depth in recent years and show proof of recent public performances.
We are looking for a very high level of pianistic skill and ability to collaborate with both singers and instrumentalists. It is essential to be a fluent sight-reader.
All applicants should prepare:
If you wish the RCM to provide soloists, then you need to prepare the following programme:
The audition will include a sight reading test.
All applicants should provide a list of repertoire studied in depth in recent years and show proof of recent public performances.
Please note, we are not able to provide RCM soloists at our overseas audition venues. If you are auditioning for piano accompaniment overseas please ensure you arrange your own soloist.
Applicants should prepare from memory a varied programme of 50 minutes which includes an advanced étude.
The audition panel will choose up to 20 minutes for performance in audition.
Applicants should also provide a list of the repertoire studied in depth in recent years and show proof of recent public performances.
Details of the organ the RCM uses for auditions can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register website. Undergraduate applicants will have 45 minutes to warm up on this instrument and Postgraduate applicants will have 60 minutes.
Applicants should prepare one of the following pieces:
Plus:
Applicants should prepare a varied programme of 15 minutes, to include a fast movement from JS Bach Trio Sonata no 2, 5 or 6 BWV 526, 529, 530.
Related study allows instrumentalists to receive tuition on an instrument closely associated with their principal study. Students can take one of our principal options as their related study, as long as a clear relationship exists. For example, piano and organ.
Related studies are approved by the relevant Head of Faculty once a student has started their course. No audition is required and you do not need to let us know about your interest in related study before you arrive at the RCM.
It is possible to undertake studies in the following specialisms through our Historical Performance Faculty:
Most undergraduates on the BMus course and postgraduates studying for MPerf, MComp or MMus have the option of undertaking a second study specialism. Second study allows students to receive tuition in a second specialism, taught and assessed at a lower intensity than their principal study, in an area that does not qualify for related study.
Second study specialisms are subject to successful audition and the agreement of the relevant Head of Faculty. Auditions take place during the first few weeks of the course, and students will have the opportunity to register for these auditions shortly before the start of the academic year. There is no need to inform the RCM at the point of application.
In most cases you only need to bring music for yourself and, if you are applying for piano accompaniment, music for your soloist.
You cannot bring a page-turner, your teacher or a translator into your audition. The only people in your audition room will be you, your soloist (if applicable) and the audition panel. As our courses are taught in English we expect you to be able to communicate in English at your audition.
The time shown on UCAS Conservatoires is your audition time. You should plan to arrive at the RCM at least 30 minutes before this, to allow time to check in and warm up. We advise allowing plenty of extra time for travelling into or across London.
If you are caught in an unavoidable delay, please telephone the Admissions team on +44 (0)20 7591 4362 immediately so that, wherever possible, alternative arrangements can be made.
When you arrive at the RCM, you should find out from the steward in the entrance hall where your audition will take place.
Keyboard auditions last approximately 20 minutes. Candidates will be directed by the panel to perform their audition pieces or particular extracts. We cannot say in advance which extracts you might be asked to perform, so you should prepare all of the materials in full. You will be required to take a sight-reading test and there will be a short interview. In some cases you may also be asked to perform scales, arpeggios or other technical exercises.
Due to the volume of applicants, there is a two-phase process for piano and contemporary piano candidates auditioning in London during the main November–December audition period. The panel will inform you whether you need to perform again for a second panel. Candidates who are referred to the second panel should not assume they are definitely being offered a place. Similarly, if you are not referred, please do not assume you have been unsuccessful.
Second panel auditions take place on the same day, normally within an hour or two of the first audition, although you may have to wait a little longer if there is a high number of referrals.
Auditions for collaborative piano and organ consist of a single panel.
Pianists have 20 minutes of warm-up time. We are not able to provide practice rooms for you to use before this.
Organists have 40 minutes of warm-up time and will be notified of their warm-up timeslot via UCAS Conservatoires. An RCM steward will be available to page turn and assist with regisistration for organists.
If you are auditioning for collaborative piano we recommend bringing your own soloist and that you work closely with them in preparation for your audition. The RCM can provide a soloist for you on the day of your audition, but not beforehand. If you require an RCM soloist you must ensure you prepare the specified repertoire (see above).
You do not need to tell us what you are performing in your audition and please do not send copies of the music in advance.
You should plan to arrive at the audition venue at least 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time.
We advise allowing plenty of extra time for travelling into or across the city where your audition is being held.
You will be sent detailed instructions about what to do at your chosen venue in your invitation email. When you arrive at the audition venue check for signage. Please note that there will not be a front desk run by an RCM steward, although some venues have a public reception desk manned by their own staff.
Keyboard auditions last approximately 20 minutes. Candidates will be directed by the panel to perform their audition pieces or particular extracts. We cannot say in advance which extracts you might be asked to perform, so you should prepare all of the materials in full. You will be required to take a sight-reading test and there will be a short interview. In some cases you may also be asked to perform scales, arpeggios or other technical exercises.
Please note, we are not able to provide RCM soloists at our overseas audition venues. If you are auditioning for piano accompaniment overseas please ensure you arrange your own soloist.
You will have 20 minutes of warm-up time. We are not able to provide practice rooms for you to use before this.
You do not need to tell us what you are performing in your audition and please do not send copies of the music in advance.
Wherever possible, we recommend that candidates attend a live audition. However, candidates who are resident outside Europe and who are unable to attend one of our live venues may choose to audition by video recording. This option is only available to instrumentalists and vocalists.
The application deadline for entry in September 2020 was 1 October 2019.
Late applications may be considered for some courses and principal studies. Please contact our Admissions team to check before submitting a late application.
Auditioning by recording is only available to candidates resident outside Europe.
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition by recording:
Candidates for the following performance courses cannot audition by recording:
Different application processes apply for the following courses (please see the relevant course information page for details):
You will not be eligible for consideration for scholarships using this application method.
Your recorded audition should consist of a video recording lasting approximately 20 minutes. Audio only recordings will not be accepted.
Candidates should prepare the same repertoire as candidates auditioning in person. Please refer to the audition requirements stipulated by the relevant faculty.
You should submit your recording online via the RCM submission portal by 1 October 2019. The information you upload to the portal does not constitute your entire application, but does form an integral part of it. You should ensure you have provided everything that is required. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Every student who auditions in person for a place on one of the RCM's performance or composition courses will be considered for a scholarship or study award. Composers who audition by video interview will also be considered.
There is no separate application process.
Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition or the strength of portfolio and interview for composers. Unfortunately, the following applicants cannot be considered for scholarships or study awards:
If you are offered a scholarship or study award you will receive a letter, normally sent by email, confirming this and the conditions of your award.
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be offered a scholarship on the day of their audition.
You will be informed of the result of your audition as soon as possible. The RCM cannot enter into correspondence over the results of auditions.
Please double-check that you are available at the time and date of your audition. If there are any special circumstances the RCM needs to be aware of before your audition, please let us know in advance.
If you have any questions about auditions or the application process please contact our Admissions team.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
