Opera Studies Auditions
Please note that you may apply for Opera Studies, Vocal Studies or make a joint application to be considered by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments.
If you wish to apply for Vocal Studies or as a Joint applicant, please go to the Vocal webpage for audition requirements.
The below audition information is for candidates applying to Opera studies only.
We encourage you to attend a live audition if it is safe to do so. Please refer to the latest Covid-19 travel guidelines from the UK government if you intend to travel from overseas.
If you wish to submit a recorded audition, please note the following:
- Please ensure that you select ‘RECORDED’ in the audition venue field of the application form.
- Instructions about how to upload your video will be sent to you after the application closing date.
- The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 28 October 2022.
Submitting a recorded audition will not impact on the result of your application. However, attending in person means that you will gain the full benefit of a visit to the school.
We reserve the right to record live auditions for the purpose of internal review only. Any such recordings will be deleted following the audition cycle. Footage is not released to candidates or third parties.
Guildhall Artist Masters and Artist Diploma
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 5-12 December 2022 and second round auditions will take place on 13/14 December. We aim to schedule students travelling from overseas for first round auditions on 12 December although this cannot be guaranteed.
First round – 5-12 December inclusive
Please prepare two contrasting operatic arias. If your first language is not English you must offer one aria either originally composed in, or translated into, English.
Second round – 13/14 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.
First round
Please send a recording of three contrasting operatic arias. If your first language is not English you must offer one aria either originally composed in, or translated into, English.
We strongly recommend that you submit recordings with accompaniment. If this is not possible, we will accept an unaccompanied audition.
Second round
A second round online workshop will be arranged (via Zoom). This is scheduled to take place on 13/14 December.
Joint Opera/Vocal applications
You may choose to be considered for the Vocal Studies and Opera Studies courses. In order to audition for both, please select the ‘Joint Application – Opera/Vocal Studies’ option when making an application online.
At the audition, panellists will assess which course would be most appropriate, and successful candidates will be offered a place in either Vocal Studies or Opera Studies. Find out more about audition repertoire for joint vocal/opera applicants.
Repetiteur Studies – Guildhall Artist Masters and Artist Diploma
Live auditions are scheduled to take place in January 2023.
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
If you intend to submit a recorded audition, please note the following:
- Please ensure that you select ‘RECORDED’ in the audition venue field of the application form.
- Instructions about how to upload your video will be sent to you after the application closing date.
- The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 6 January 2023.
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
If you are successful in this initial audition, you will be invited to a second round live online audition (via Zoom). This is scheduled to take place in January 2023.
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
Advanced Certificate
Audition requirements are the same as those for the Guildhall Artist Masters Performance Pathway.
