Strings, Harp & Guitar Auditions
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.
Bowed Strings - Undergraduate Requirements
Violin/Viola/Cello
- The 1st movement from a concerto in the standard repertory with cadenza where appropriate
- One contrasting piece of your own choice
Double Bass
- Two contrasting pieces
Please upload a pre-recorded video following the live audition requirements above. Instructions about how to upload your video will be sent to you after the application closing date.
Successful candidates will be invited to an online interview (via Zoom) with the Head of Strings and a member of the chamber music department at a later date.
Bowed Strings – Postgraduate Requirements
Advanced Instrumental Studies (violin, viola and cello)
You will need to prepare the following:
- The first movement of a concerto from the standard repertoire with cadenza where appropriate
- The first movement of a duo sonata (with piano) written after 1800 (all Beethoven Sonatas can be accepted)
The audition panel will select portions of the prepared works.
Advanced Instrumental Studies (double bass)
- The first movement of a concerto from the standard repertoire with cadenza where appropriate
- The first movement of a duo sonata (with piano).
The audition panel will select portions of the prepared works.
Orchestral Artistry in association with the London Symphony Orchestra
You will be required to play two contrasting pieces of your choice, and orchestral excerpts as prescribed. Full details can be found here:
Orchestral Artistry Pathway.pdf
No sight-reading is required. You will also have the opportunity to discuss different postgraduate pathways with us at the audition.
Advanced Certificate
Audition requirements are the same as those for the Guildhall Artist Masters performance pathway.
Artist Diploma
You should prepare a varied recital programme of 60 minutes, from which the audition panel will choose extracts. For recorded auditions, you should submit a varied recital programme of 60 minutes.
A repertoire list of the works played in the last two years is required, along with a musical CV. Please bring a hard copy repertoire list and CV to your live audition, or upload these documents with your audition video (full instructions supplied following online application submission).
Please upload a pre-recorded video following the live audition requirements above. Instructions about how to upload your video will be sent to you after the application closing date.
Successful candidates will be invited to an online interview (via Zoom) with the Head of Strings and a member of the chamber music department at a later date.
Harp
We strongly encourage harp applicants to audition in person if they are able and it is safe to do so within the current restrictions.
BMus
Please be prepared to present the following at audition:
- Two contrasting pieces of the your own choice.
- Scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys.
- Sight reading.
- Quick study – sent three weeks prior to audition date.
You are welcome to bring your own harp, but if you require use of a school harp, please email Imogen Barford (Head of Harp).
Guildhall Artist Masters
You should prepare three substantial works from which the panel will choose portions.
You are welcome to bring your own harp, but if you require use of a school harp, please email Imogen Barford (Head of Harp).
We strongly encourage harp applicants to audition in person if they are able to travel for a live audition at the school.
Instructions about how to upload your audition video will be sent to you after the application closing date. The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 28 October 2022.
BMus
- You should submit a pre-recorded video online of two contrasting pieces (recorded on the same day).
- A quick study will be sent shortly after closing date. You will have three weeks to prepare and upload your recording of the quick study.
- Candidates whose playing meets the required standard will be invited to an online interview (via Zoom) in November. Please be prepared to demonstrate scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys, and to sight-read a piece that will be screen-shared during the interview.
Guildhall Artist Masters
- Please submit a pre-recorded video of three substantial works (recorded on the same day).
- Candidates whose playing meets the required standard will be invited to an online interview (via Zoom) in November.
Guitar (Classical)
BMus
You should present two contrasting pieces from the classical repertoire.
Guildhall Artist Masters
For the Guildhall Artist Masters, please prepare three substantial and contrasting pieces from three different musical eras, from which the panel will choose portions.
BMus and Guildhall Artist Masters
Instructions about how to upload your audition video will be sent to you after the application closing date. The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 28 October 2022.
Please upload a pre-recorded video following the live audition requirements above.
Successful candidates may be invited to an online interview (via Zoom) with the Head of Guitar post-offer.
