Composition Auditions
Application deadlines
Thursday 1 October 2026: BMus, MMus/MComp, and Advanced Certificate in Composition.
Thursday 18 February 2027: MA in Opera Making and Writing. Late applications for this programme are usually possible.
General application information
- Please ensure you carefully follow details about how to upload your scores/recordings under the relevant programme information below.
- Scores must be provided in PDF format (Sibelius/Finale files are not accepted)
- The PDF score should also include a link to a recording or an audio export of a midi file (e.g. a Sibelius midi file) where a recording cannot be provided. This can be uploaded to any freely available streaming platform (e.g. YouTube, Soundcloud, etc.)*
- In no circumstances will a recording of conventional/classical instrumental work be accepted without a score, but purely electronic pieces should be accompanied by a short textual commentary.
*Please ensure that these are provided as accessible hyperlinks (i.e. that the panel can access the audio by clicking the link). You may provide a separate Word document with a list of audio links for all three scores if you prefer. Please note that it is your responsibility to thoroughly check links/documents before submitting. Broken links and inaccessible files may result in applicants not being selected for interview.
Application requirements
With your online application
You will be required to upload three contrasting compositions in the Supporting Information section of the online application form.
Please refer to the detailed information above for guidance on how to submit your scores and recordings.
Please note that only candidates whose scores are of an appropriate standard will be invited to interview.
Interview – London (in-person)
Interviews are scheduled to take place in December 2026, during which shortlisted applicants will meet with a specialist panel to discuss their portfolio and experience. Interviews take place at Guildhall School, London and candidates should bring their scores in printed or PDF form on a suitable laptop/tablet for discussion in interview.
Interview – Remote via Zoom (for overseas candidates)
If you live outside the UK and cannot attend in person, please select ‘Remote’ in the venue field of the application form, and we will offer you an interview via video conferencing.
Written Test – BMus candidates only
BMus applicants will also be required to complete a written paper. The test comprises techniques of composition exercises (harmony and counterpoint) of approximately Grade 7 theory standard. The written paper will be emailed to you around 1 week before your interview date and you will have one week to complete and return it to us (electronically). If you are selected for interview, we will supply a sample written paper as an example of what to expect.
Composition pathway
Portfolio
You should submit a portfolio of three compositions (with recordings). 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.
Please refer to the detailed information above for guidance on how to submit your scores and recordings.
Interview
Please note that only candidates whose overall application is of an appropriate standard will be invited to interview.
Creative Task
If you are selected for interview, you will be sent a short, creative task to complete. This will be sent to you around 5-7 days before your interview date. You will have 48 hours to complete and return it to us.
You can choose how long you spend on this exercise, but we expect most candidates will take around 3-5 hours as a guide. The panel is interested in your approach to a time-defined task, not solely the finished result. You will have the opportunity to discuss your approach to the task in your interview.
Writing pathway
Portfolio
Candidates for the writer pathway will be expected to upload a portfolio of writing comprising 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.
Please ensure that your personal statement (500-1000 words) outlines your creative engagement with contemporary opera and the motivation that informs your application.
Interview
Please note that only candidates whose overall application is of an appropriate standard will be invited to interview.
Creative Task
If you are selected for interview, you will be sent a short, creative task to complete. This will be sent to you around 5-7 days before your interview date. You will have 48 hours to complete and return it to us.
You can choose how long you spend on this exercise, but we expect most candidates will take around 3-5 hours as a guide. The panel is interested in your approach to a time-defined task, not solely the finished result. You will have the opportunity to discuss your approach to the task in your interview.
