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Explore our Music facilities with Guildhall students

Guildhall has prepared me for a career in music therapy from searching for jobs to having brilliant work experience from the placements they chose for me

Emma Barber
MA Music Therapy

Emma Barber
Guildhall had a crucial role in my success. The very high quality orchestral projects and masterclasses prepared me for professional life

Joao Seara
BMus Double Bass

Joao Seara
Studying at the Guildhall School has been a life-changing and unforgettable adventure

Rebekah Carpio
MMus Clarinet (Orchestral Artistry)

Rebekah Carpio
Working in pairs during the MA has helped me developer a deeper understanding of how opera composers work and how to spark their imaginations with a libretto.

Zoe Palmer (writer)
MA Opera Making and Writing

Zoe Palmer (writer)
The relationship between the Barbican, BBC, and Guildhall is absolutely invaluable as it provides opportunities for students that cannot be found elsewhere.

Emiko Edwards
MPerf Piano

Emiko Edwards
Writing music for theatre has been a highlight of my time at Guildhall, as it has allowed me to explore an art form in which I have a great amount of interest and to work towards a professional finished product.

Alexander Hall
BMus Composition

Alexander Hall
Barbican is a key partner of Guildhall, and we can often get artists who perform there to do a masterclass or project with us, and we often do performances at Barbican events.

Ieva Vaitiekunaite
BMus Electronic Music

Ieva Vaitiekunaite
Whether it is in sit-in rehearsals, side-by-side projects or chamber orchestra sessions, the LSO players offer invaluable guidance and provide a glimpse of the exceptional standards we aspire towards.

Rees Webster
MPerf Oboe (Orchestral Artistry)

Rees Webster
I was excited to cover a role in the UK premiere of Andrew Norman's 'A Trip to the Moon' in the Barbican, have a solo recital at LSO St Luke's and also to sing on the stage of Wigmore Hall.

Mirjam Mesak
MPerf Vocal Studies

Mirjam Mesak
I knew about the fantastic tutoring and resources, but the friendly and stimulating environment clinched it for me.

Eden Lonsdale
BMus Composition

Eden Lonsdale
I had the opportunity to play percussion with the Guildhall Studio Orchestra which gave me the chance to learn from, and play alongside, amazing senior players, as well as to perform with the incredible Liane Carroll.

Dave Adsett
BMus Jazz Drums

Dave Adsett
Guildhall is an institution that knows it has to be connected to the outside world - that's the key thing. It's not a bubble. It has roots in the city and in the world.

Jonathan Ferrucci
Artist Diploma Piano

Jonathan Ferrucci
One minute you could be playing in the Guildhall Studio Orchestra with jazz musicians, the next you could be playing in the opera pit, then the next minute you'll b e with actors doing the musical and then playing a symphony in the orchestra.

Millie Ashton
BMus Violin

Millie Ashton
The departmental philosophy of returning opera back to something that is essentially produced as part of a company is a really great thing.

Klara Kofen (writer)
MA Opera Making and Writing

Klara Kofen (writer)
The quality of teaching is amazingly high. With the guidance and help that I've been given, I feel my work has got dramatically better over a short space of time.

Lucy Armstrong (composer)
MA Opera Making and Writing

Lucy Armstrong (composer)
I set up a piano trio when I arrived, and we have weekly coaching with members of the Endellion Quartet and the faculty. It has been very rewarding.

Leo Popplewell
MMus Cello

Leo Popplewell
It seemed like this was a place to go and experience a complete world of art and performance and see what happened - a place that really encouraged you to make things that you want to make.

Vittorio Angelone
BMus Percussion

Vittorio Angelone
Home > Music > Principal study > Composition > Auditions

Composition Auditions

BMus/Guildhall Artist Masters requirements

With your online application

You will be required to upload three contrasting compositions in the Supporting Information section of the online application form. Scores should be provided in PDF format (Sibelius/Finale files are not accepted). Where possible, recordings of the scores submitted should also be included as online links on the score or as a separate document (any freely accessible online service is acceptable). In no circumstances will a recording of a purely instrumental work be accepted without a score, but purely electronic pieces may be accompanied by a short textual commentary.

Please note that only candidates whose scores are of an appropriate standard will be invited to interview. 

Interview

Interviews are scheduled to take place in December 2020.

All interviews for 2021 entry will  take place online (e.g. via Zoom).

BMus applicants only:

  • Written test (about 1 hour)
  • Aural Test (5 minutes, conducted during online interview)

The written test comprises techniques of composition exercises (harmony and counterpoint) of approximately Grade 7 theory standard. We will circulate this test one week prior to your interview. A short aural test will also be conducted during your interview. 

We will supply a sample written paper if you are invited to interview.

MA in Opera-Making and Writing

Composition pathway 

If you apply to the composition pathway, you will be expected to submit a portfolio of three compositions (with recordings) in the same manner as for BMus/Guildhall Artist applicants described above. At least one submitted composition should be for voice and instrument(s) and the portfolio will be expected to evidence a good general level of creative engagement with opera and theatre. 

Writing pathway

Candidates for the writer pathway will be expected to upload a portfolio of writing comprised of 15 poems or 5000 words of prose, or dramatic script (up to 30 pages). The portfolio will be expected to evidence a good general level of creative engagement with opera and theatre. The application process for writing candidates will be managed by Guildhall School’s Professor of Writing in conjunction with the Programme Director. 

If you apply for this pathway you will also need to submit personal statement (500-1000 words), which outlines your creative engagement with contemporary opera and the motivation that informs your application. 

Please note that only candidates whose overall application is of an appropriate standard will be invited to interview. All interviews for 2021 entry will be conducted online (e.g. via Zoom).