Vocal Studies Auditions
Application deadlines
Thursday 2 October 2025: Vocal Studies: BMus, MMus/MPerf, Artist Diploma and Advanced Certificate.
Those applying for an overseas audition, should refer to the Music Auditions Overseas webpage for information about application deadlines. Please note: candidates may not audition for opera, or for joint vocal/opera consideration, in our overseas venues.
Vocal Studies Auditions
We encourage you to attend a live audition where possible. If you are unable to, you have the option to submit a recorded audition.
Vocal Pathways
You may apply for:
- Vocal Studies (undergraduate and postgraduate)
- Opera Studies (postgraduate only)
If you would like to be considered by both the Vocal and Opera Departments, you can make a Joint Vocal/Opera application. Panellists will assess which course – either vocal or opera – would be most appropriate for successful candidates.
Find out more about the Vocal Studies and Opera Studies courses.
If you wish to apply only for Opera Studies, please go to the opera webpage for audition requirements.
Live Auditions – Vocal Studies
For most programmes, there will be two rounds of auditions, both of which will be on the same day. These may be recorded for internal panel review purposes.
Please note: we do not request pre-screening videos. If you elect to attend a live audition, you will not be required to submit a video recording.
You should prepare:
- Three contrasting pieces in a variety of languages and styles (which may include one piece of musical theatre or crossover).
- A short monologue, poem or piece of prose.
Everything should be performed from memory.
Round 1
You may choose the first piece and the panel will choose the second.
Round 2
If you are given a second round audition, you will choose the first piece. The panel may then choose to hear a selection from your other pieces, or your spoken text, and you will be given a short interview.
You should prepare:
- Four pieces in a variety of languages and styles. This must include at least one operatic aria and one art song.
- A short monologue, poem or piece of prose.
Everything should be performed from memory.
Round 1
You may choose the first piece and the panel will choose the second.
Round 2
If you are given a second round audition, you will choose the first piece. The panel may then choose to hear a selection from your other pieces, or your spoken text, and you will be given a short interview.
Audition requirements are the same as those for the MMus/MPerf.
Artist Diploma auditions will consist of a single audition.
You should prepare:
- Five pieces in a variety of languages and styles that reflect your artistic strengths and interests.
Everything should be performed from memory.
You may choose the first piece and the panel will then hear a selection from your other pieces. You will be given an interview and the opportunity to discuss your artistic aspirations, and short and long-term objectives.
Additional Information
Applicants who are successful in their audition will be required to submit the following:
- your up-to-date artistic CV
- a recent recording (made within the last year).
These items will be reviewed by the Artist Diploma Panel for consideration before a firm offer is made. The Artist Diploma Panel is a multi-disciplinary panel that meets after auditions to review and recommend admissions to the programme.
Recorded Audition - Vocal Studies
Please note: we do not request pre-screening videos. If you elect to submit a recorded audition, you must provide recordings as detailed below, and you will not be invited to attend a live audition.
Please submit a video recording of the audition requirements detailed above.
Submission instructions will be sent to you after the application closing date.
We do not require professional recordings, but please record in a space where you are able to capture clear and true audio and visual footage. You should consider the most favourable proximity to the camera/microphone and ensure that the location has sufficient lighting. Please watch your recording back before submitting, to ensure there is good picture quality and that the sound is optimal and well-balanced.
The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 24 October 2025.
Successful candidates who apply by the application deadline will be invited to an online interview in the week commencing 24 November.
Live Auditions – Joint Applications
For candidates applying for consideration by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments.
Please note: we do not request pre-screening videos. If you elect to attend a live audition, you will not be required to submit a video recording.
The audition will comprise two rounds.
If successful in the first round, the panel will decide if you should proceed to the second round for:
- Vocal Studies; or
- Opera Studies; or
- Vocal Studies and Opera Studies
You should prepare:
- Three pieces in a variety of languages and styles. This must include two operatic arias, one of which should be in English, and one art song. Please note: if you proceed to round 2 for Opera studies, you will be required to present a third aria which was not offered in round 1.
- A short monologue, poem or piece of prose.
Everything should be performed from memory.
Round 1
You will be asked to perform two or three of your prepared pieces. You may choose the first piece and the panel will choose the second/third.
Round 2 (Vocal Studies)
If you are given a round 2 Vocal audition, the panel will hear your spoken text, and you will be given a short interview.
Round 2 auditions will take place on the same day as round 1. Please allow sufficient time for a round 2 recall when arranging your travel.
Round 2 (Opera Studies)
If you are given a round 2 Opera audition, you will be asked to perform two contrasting arias, one of which must be different from those offered in the round 1 audition. You will also be required to attend a 30-minute movement and drama workshop; please ensure you arrive wearing comfortable clothing for this session. You may change into audition clothing after the movement session and before your audition. Please note that we do not have designated changing facilities, but you may use the restrooms to change.
Opera Studies round 2 auditions, will take place on 16/17 December 2025.
Recorded Auditions - Joint Opera/Vocal Applicants
For candidates applying for consideration by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments.
Please note: we do not request pre-screening videos. If you elect to submit a recorded audition, you must provide recordings as detailed below, and you will not be invited to attend a live audition.
Please submit a video recording of the audition requirements detailed above.
Submission instructions will be sent to you after the application closing date.
We do not require professional recordings, but please record in a space where you are able to capture clear and true audio and visual footage. You should consider the most favourable proximity to the camera/microphone and ensure that the location has sufficient lighting. Please watch your recording back before submitting, to ensure there is good picture quality and that the sound is optimal and well-balanced. Please add captions to recordings listing the title, opera or song cycle and composer.
The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 24 October 2025.
R2 for Vocal or Opera Studies (if applicable)
Vocal candidates may be invited to an online interview (via video conferencing) in the week commencing 24 November.
Opera candidates may be invited to an online workshop (via video conferencing). This will take place on 16/17 December 2025.