Opera Studies Auditions

The audition comprises two rounds – if you are successful in the first round, you will be invited to sing again in the second round. You must be available to sing for both rounds. 

First round auditions will take place between 7-14 December and second round auditions will take place on 15/16 December. We aim to schedule students travelling from overseas for first round auditions on 14 December although this cannot be guaranteed. 

We reserve the right to record live auditions for the purpose of internal review only. Footage is not released to candidates or third parties. 

First round: 7-14 December inclusive

Please prepare two contrasting operatic arias, one of which must be in English.

Second round: 15/16 December

Candidates invited to sing in the second audition should prepare two contrasting operatic arias, one of which must be different from those offered in the first round. 

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. 

For Advanced Artist Diploma applicants: please see additional information below about the selection process for this programme.

First round

Please send a recording of three contrasting operatic arias, one of which must be in English. 

Second round 

A second round online workshop will be arranged (via video conferencing). This is scheduled to take place on 15/16 December.

For Advanced Artist Diploma applicants: please see additional information below about the selection process for this programme.

Live auditions are scheduled to take place in London in early 2026, usually in January/February. 

You will be required to:

• play and sing two contrasting operatic excerpts of your own choice. At least one extract must be an ensemble
• sight-read from opera vocal scores
• follow a conductor’s beat
• take pronunciation tests in French, German and Italian

For Advanced Artist Diploma applicants: please see additional information below about the selection process for this programme.

First round

The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Monday 4 January 2027. You will be required to upload a video recording demonstrating the following:

• playing and singing two contrasting operatic excerpts of your own choice. At least one extract must be an ensemble.

Second round

If you are successful in this initial audition, you will be invited to a second round live online audition (via video conferencing). This will take place in early 2026. 

During this audition, you will be required to: 

• sight-read from opera vocal scores (via video/screen-sharing)
• follow a conductor’s beat (via video/screen-sharing)
• take pronunciation tests in French, German and Italian

For Advanced Artist Diploma applicants: please see additional information below about the selection process for this programme.

You should follow the audition requirements listed above. If you are successful in the first stage audition process, you will progress to the second stage.

If you are successful in the first stage, the panel will review your artistic CV and video recorded performances (made within the last year).

CV

All candidates must upload their artistic CV in the ‘supporting information’ section of the application form. 

Video recordings

If you are attending the first stage audition in person you should upload a list of links to your video recorded performances (on a freely available streaming service such as YouTube) on a Word/pdf document in the ‘supporting information’ section of the application form.

If you submit a recorded first stage audition, we will use the first stage audition recordings already provided for this purpose.  

If you are successful at the first two stages, you will be required to submit a ‘Context and Development Plan’ (CDP) as a condition of your offer. Details about the CDP are found below, and you will be reminded of this requirement if you are successful at audition.