Changes to audition availability
We have been closely monitoring the ongoing situation with coronavirus in the UK, as the safety of our applicants is paramount. As a result, the majority of our auditions that would normally take place in November and December 2020 in London will now be conducted via submission of a video recording. This affects applicants auditioning for courses that begin in September 2021.
For the latest information on audition options, please refer to our Choosing where to audition page.
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. Typical questions asked may include:
- Why do you want to study at the RCM?
- What are your musical interests?
- What do you think you need most to do to improve your playing?
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.
Warm-up time
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.