How to apply

Music course

Entry is by competitive audition. The main audition period is during the Spring Term for entry in September but applications for entry at other times of the year will always be considered. Applications are accepted from 5th January for entry the following September and the closing date for applications is 1st March. Please complete the relevant sections on the application form and send it, with the non-returnable audition fee, to Junior Guildhall.  All audition dates are made at the discretion of the Head of Junior Guildhall to allow for the convening of specialist panels.

Panels will be chaired by either the Head of Junior Guildhall or the Head of Junior Music Courses along with the relevant specialist or head of department.

While auditions are highly competitive, it is difficult to offer advice about the required standard beforehand. The panel will be looking for potential as well as achievement and dedication. As a rough guide, candidates will normally have attained a standard of about Grade 5 at the age of 10 and Grade 8 by the age of 16. It is not necessary to have taken any grade examination before the audition.

Candidates are assessed in five basic areas of performance, covering musical awareness, quality of sound, accuracy, communication, and control of instrument.

Audition requirements
1. First-study – two contrasting pieces
2. Second-study (optional) – one piece
3. Some scales and arpeggios
4. Sight-reading
5. Questions may be asked and tests given to ascertain a student’s level of general musicianship.

Exceptions
Singers are not expected to sing scales and arpeggios but will be asked for an additional prepared short prose or poetry reading.

Percussionists, where possible, should present three pieces one on each of the following instruments: tuned percussion, timpani and snare drum. Orchestral repertoire is not considered suitable. The total performing time should not exceed ten minutes. Less-advanced or young players may offer only one or two of these instruments, but this should be agreed with the School in advance of the audition. Parents should indicate on application whether the tuned piece is being played on a marimba, xylophone or glockenspiel and also inform the School if any auxiliary percussion instruments are required.

Composers on application should enclose copies of three of their recent compositions. We will then invite candidates to an interview. At this candidates should be ready to play a prepared piece on an instrument of their choice, do some sight-reading and simple improvisation tests. Questions will be asked and tests given to ascertain a student’s level of general musicianship.

Organists should in the first instance apply to the St Giles International Organ School (Tel. 020 7638 8285, www.organschool.com). If offered a place at the Organ School students can then apply to Junior Guildhall for related class work. The Junior Guildhall audition will consist of some keyboard skill tests (sight-reading and improvisation) and questions will be asked and tests given to ascertain the student’s level of general musicianship.

Consultation Lessons
Consultation lessons with a member of the School’s teaching staff can be arranged for students who have been offered a place on the Music Course. There is a charge to parents for this facility.

ALDEBURGH YOUNG MUSICIANS
Junior Guildhall has recently formed a partnership with Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM) whose courses offer advanced music mentoring and development opportunities in an inspirational landscape. Students enrolled with AYM may also apply for ensemble work at Junior Guildhall. In the first instance contact AYM for details (Tel. 01728 687100, www.aldeburgh.co.uk). 

String Training Programme

Entry in Year 2 following studies on the Kindergarten Course
Most children enter following attendance on the Kindergarten Course. Parents are given details of how to apply via progression route meetings as part of the Kindergarten Course.

External Applications
It is sometimes possible for children, particularly those interested in mini bass, to enter the programme without attendance on the Kindergarten Course. However, these places are limited and dependent on other students leaving the programme. In the first instance parents should contact the Junior Guildhall office to check on availability of places. Parents should then complete the relevant sections on the application form and return it, together with the audition fee, to the Junior Guildhall office. A formal audition will then be arranged. The nature of the audition will depend upon the level of musical experience of the child but generally a child who is already learning an instrument should be prepared to play two contrasting pieces, a few scales, sight-reading and to answer a few general questions to establish level of musicianship. Selection will be based on evidence of musical potential, ability to concentrate and the level of development of motor skills.

Kindergarten Course - Reception & Year 1
There is no audition procedure and no prior musical training is necessary to start the Kindergarten Course. However, there are a limited number of places available for each year group (reception year and Year 1) and there is currently a waiting list for the next few years. Children are selected on a first come first served basis. Parents should complete the relevant sections on the application form and return it to the Junior Guildhall office. Please do not include payment at the time of application. Accounts will be sent out to parents whose children are offered a place on the course.

Drama course

The Drama Course has an informal audition procedure and it is not necessary to prepare material beforehand. Candidates wishing to register for the course should complete the relevant sections on the application form and send it, with the non returnable audition fee, to the Junior Guildhall office.

Candidates are asked to attend the School on a term time Saturday. Successful candidates are then invited to attend either the 9am class or the 10.45am class for a probationary term.

Once audition dates have been allocated, letters inviting candidates to the audition will be issued enclosing further information.

Late applications

We do try to accept late applications wherever possible. However, there may be a delay in arranging an audition date until a specialist panel is formed. We do try to hear all applicants but cannot guarantee a place even if the student is of our entry level. In such cases students may be placed on a reserve list.

Regulations

Parents are required to sign a set of regulations when accepting a Junior Guildhall place. Click here to download a summary of Junior Guildhall regulations (PDF, 50Kb)