Vocal Studies Auditions
Application deadlines
Monday 2 October 2023: Vocal Studies: BMus, Guildhall Artist Masters and Advanced Certificate, and all Joint Vocal/Opera applications on any programme.
Tuesday 5 March 2024: Vocal Studies: Artist Diploma programme only.
Those applying for an overseas audition, should refer to the Music Auditions Overseas webpage for information about application deadlines.
Vocal Studies Auditions
We encourage you to attend a live audition where possible, as this offers candidates the opportunity to engage in live music-making, to meet key departmental staff, and to experience our vibrant school environment.
If you are based overseas and elect to submit a recorded audition, the deadline to upload your audition video(s) is Friday 27 October 2023. Details about how to upload your recording(s) will follow after the application deadline.
Vocal Pathways
Vocal candidates may choose to apply for:
- Vocal Studies (undergraduate and postgraduate singers, including opera and other vocal music); or
- Opera Studies (advanced postgraduate singers specialising in opera); or
- a joint application to be considered by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments
If you make a joint application, panellists will assess which course - vocal or opera - would be most appropriate and successful candidates will be offered a place in either Vocal Studies or Opera Studies.
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
Candidates should be available for 1 hour 45 minutes from the point of arrival. This timeframe includes a short rehearsal with the staff pianist, your performance (usually up to 10 minutes), call back for interview if required, and waiting time. All vocal auditions may be recorded for internal panel review purposes.
You should prepare:
- Three contrasting pieces of your own choice (which may include one piece of musical theatre). All pieces must be sung from memory.
- A short poem or piece of prose.
A short piece of sight-singing may also be given, and the audition may include a short interview.
You may decide which piece to start with. The panel will then choose which other pieces to hear from your selection.
NOTE: The training emphasises Western classical music and opera, and a passion for these art forms is necessary, while we also encourage you to extend the conventional scope of these areas in line with your particular interests and professional ambitions.
You should prepare:
- Four items in at least three different languages. These must include at least one opera/operetta/oratorio aria and one art song. You may also include one piece of musical theatre. All pieces must be sung from memory.
- A short poem or piece of prose.
A short piece of sight-singing may also be given, and the audition may include a short interview.
You may decide which piece to start with. The panel will then choose which other pieces to hear from your selection.
NOTE: The training emphasises Western classical music and opera, and a passion for these art forms is necessary, while we also encourage you to extend the conventional scope of these areas in line with your particular interests and professional ambitions.
You should prepare:
- Four items in at least three different languages. All items must be sung from memory.
- A short poem or piece of prose.
Please also bring a printed list of the repertoire you have studied in the past five years.
A short piece of sight-singing may also be given, and the audition may include a short interview.
You may decide which piece to start with. The panel will then choose which other pieces to hear from your selection.
At Artist Diploma level we expect the repertoire you perform at audition to show your particular strengths, interests and focus: if your aim is for your Artist Diploma studies to concentrate on a specific style or genre, your audition choices should reflect this; if your aim is more broad-based, we will want to hear a wider range of audition repertoire.
Audition requirements are the same as those for the Guildhall Artist Masters performance pathway.
Recorded Audition - Vocal Studies
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.
We do not require professional recordings, but please record in a space where you are able to capture clear 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 clarity and that the sound is clear and well-balanced.
The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 27 October 2023.
Successful candidates will be invited to an online interview (e.g. via Zoom) at a later date. A piece of unaccompanied sight-singing may be given at this interview if required.
Live Auditions – Joint Opera/Vocal Studies Applications
For candidates applying for consideration by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments.
The audition comprises two rounds. If successful in round 1, the panel will decide if a candidate should proceed to round 2 for: 1) Vocal Studies; or 2) Opera Studies; or 3) both Vocal and Opera Studies.
You should prepare:
- Three contrasting opera/operetta arias and one art song. If your first language is not English then one of the arias you offer must be either originally composed in, or translated into, English.
- A short poem or piece of prose.
First Round
In the first round, you will perform two of the operatic arias and the art song. You will be asked to begin with the opera/operetta aria of your choice. The panel will then choose whether to hear your second aria or your art song. You will not be required to present your poetry/prose in this round.
Second Round (Vocal Studies)
For Vocal Studies, the second round is in the form of a short interview. This takes place online (e.g. via Zoom) at a later date. During the interview, a piece of unaccompanied sight-singing may be given and the panel may also request to hear a short poem or piece of prose. Ahead of the interview, you will also be asked to submit a printed list of the repertoire you have studied in the past five years.
Second Round (Opera Studies)
In the Opera Studies second round (12/13 December), you will be asked to perform two contrasting 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.
Recorded Auditions - Joint Opera/Vocal Applicants
For candidates applying for consideration by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments
Please upload a pre-recorded video audition that includes all the items required for rounds 1 and 2, as listed above under ‘live auditions’. You are strongly encouraged to record with live accompaniment.
We do not require professional recordings, but please record in a space where you are able to capture clear 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 clarity and that the sound is clear and well-balanced.
The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 27 October 2023.
Progression to Round 2 for Vocal and Opera (if applicable)
Successful vocal candidates will be invited to an online interview (e.g. via Zoom) at a later date. During the interview, a piece of unaccompanied sight-singing may be given and the panel may also request to hear a short poem or piece of prose. If required, candidates may be asked to upload an additional aria or art song by video submission at the panel’s discretion.
If you progress to second round opera, there will be an online workshop (via Zoom). This is scheduled to take place on 12/13 December.
All Artist Diploma Applicants – Additional Information
Applicants who are successful in the initial audition round will be required to submit the below (you will be contacted following your audition):
- an up-to-date artistic CV
- a recent recording (made within the last year).
These items will be reviewed by the Artist Diploma Panel as part of the second round of consideration.