Keyboard Auditions
Application deadlines
Monday 2 October 2023: BMus, Guildhall Artist Masters and Advanced Certificate.
Tuesday 5 March 2024: Artist Diploma only.
Those applying for an overseas audition, should refer to the Music Auditions Overseas webpage for information about application deadlines.
Piano
We encourage you to attend a live audition where possible, as this offers candidates the opportunity to engage in live music-making, to meet key departmental staff, and to experience our vibrant school environment.
If you are based overseas and elect to submit a recorded audition, the deadline to upload your audition video(s) is Friday 27 October 2023. Details about how to upload your recording(s) will follow after the application deadline.
Live and Recorded Auditions
Three contrasting pieces of your own choice are to be played from memory.
Live Auditions
Please prepare a varied recital programme of 60 minutes, from which the audition panel will choose extracts.
A repertoire list of the works played in the last two years is required. Please bring a printed repertoire list to your audition.
Recorded Auditions
Submit video recording(s) demonstrating a varied recital programme of 60 minutes. The deadline for uploaded audition videos is Friday 27 October 2023.
A repertoire list of the works played in the last two years should be uploaded alongside your audition video(s). Details about how to upload your recording(s) and repertoire list will follow after the application deadline.
Audition requirements are the same as those for the Guildhall Artist Masters programme, but the expected standard of performance at Artist Diploma level is higher.
Applicants who are successful in the initial audition round will be required to submit the below (you will be contacted following your audition):
- an up-to-date artistic CV
- a recent recording (made within the last year).
These items will be reviewed by the Artist Diploma Panel as part of the second round of consideration.
Audition requirements for the Advanced Certificate are the same as those for the Guildhall Artist Masters Performance Pathway.
Piano Accompaniment (PACC)
Live auditions
The audition includes both vocal and instrumental work with soloists engaged by the Guildhall School. Soloists will be provided for London auditions only.
If you are auditioning at one of our overseas venues, please source your own soloists. Candidates who are unable to bring their own vocal and / or instrumental partners to this audition should contact Pamela Lidiard to discuss options.
For entry in September 2024 candidates should prepare the following:
- A short solo piece of your own choice
- Set works (the Guildhall School will provide soloists for the London auditions only):
- Prokofiev: Sonata in D for flute and piano Op 94, 1st mvt: Moderato
- Schumann: Du bist wie eine Blume (high voice, A flat major)
- Fauré: Mandoline (high voice, A flat major)
Candidates can also expect:
- Sight-reading
- A short interview
For further details about the course, contact Pamela Lidiard, Deputy Head of Keyboard Studies.
Recorded Auditions
If pianists are unable to record the set repertoire listed above with vocal and / or instrumental partners, then a recording of the piano part alone is acceptable. Pre-recorded auditions will not include a sight-reading test.
Pre-recorded auditions should be accompanied by a list of collaborative repertoire already studied, and a live interview (e.g. via Zoom) will also be arranged. Please upload your list with your audition video (full instructions supplied following online application submission). The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 27 October 2023.
Live Auditions
Please prepare a varied recital programme of 60 minutes, from which the audition panel will choose extracts. This will generally be collaborative repertoire but some solo (no more than 30 minutes) is also acceptable.
A repertoire list of the works played in the last two years is required. Please bring a printed repertoire list to your audition.
If you are unable to bring your own vocal and / or instrumental partners to this audition, please contact Pamela Lidiard to discuss possible options.
Applicants who are successful in the initial audition round will be required to submit the below (you will be contacted following your audition):
- an up-to-date artistic CV
- a recent recording (made within the last year).
These items will be reviewed by the Artist Diploma Panel as part of the second round of consideration.
Recorded Auditions
Please submit a varied recital programme of 60 minutes. This will generally be collaborative repertoire but some solo (no more than 30 minutes) is also acceptable. The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 27 October 2023.
A repertoire list of the works played in the last two years should be uploaded alongside your audition video(s). Details about how to upload your recording(s) and repertoire list will follow after the application deadline.
Applicants who are successful in the initial audition round will be required to submit the below (you will be contacted following your audition):
- an up-to-date artistic CV
- a recent recording (made within the last year).
These items will be reviewed by the Artist Diploma Panel as part of the second round of consideration.
Audition requirements for the Advanced Certificate are the same as those for the Guildhall Artist Masters pathway.
