Postgraduate Diploma (International Artist)Solo Performance Application and AuditionProcedure

Shortlisting

School of Keyboard Studies:

Internal applicants: CV, biography and evidence of performance experience.

External applicants:CV and a DVD of recent performances, a minimum of 60 minutes of music with a varied programme. Preferably, these recordings should be of live concert performances.

School of Strings:

  • Solo

Internal applicants:CV, biography and evidence of performance experience.

External applicants:CV and a DVD of recent performances, a minimum of 60 minutes of music with a varied programme. Preferably, these recordings should be of live concert performances.

  • Hallé(UK nationals only) – CV, two references and coveringletter.

School of Vocal Studies, Opera Studio

Separate information sheets available for candidates

Internal applicants: CV, biography and evidence of performance experience.

External applicants: CV, biography, photo, evidence of performance experience and DVD of a recent performances, a minimum of 60 minutes of music to contain three arias in threedifferent languages and in contrasting styles, one of which should demonstrate the applicant’s vocal agility. Preferably, these recordings should be of live concert performances.

School of Wind, Brass & Percussion

Internal applicants:CV, biography and evidence of performing experience.

External applicants: CV and a DVD of recent performances, a minimum of 60 minutes of music with a varied programme. Preferably, these recordings should be of live concert performances.

Live audition and formal interview(selected candidates)

All applicants should complete a formal direct application form and return it to Admissions.

Audition Panel

  • Solo:IAD Course Leader (if audition is in Course Leader’s school then another Head of School to attend), Head of School, one or two tutors from the appropriate RNCM School.
  • Hallé:Two members of the Hallé Orchestra, one tutor from the RNCM School of Strings, Course Leader.

Audition requirements

School of Keyboard Studies:

Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:

  • 30 minutes of solo repertoire (played from memory)
  • 20 minutes of music taken from a Concerto (played from memory)
  • 10 minutes of duo repertoire or four contrasting songs

The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition, together with the timings of all movements / works.

School of Strings:

Solo:

Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:

  • A Romantic Concerto (complete)
  • A Bach Suite (complete)
  • A major Sonata (complete)
  • An unaccompanied contemporary piece

The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition, together with the timings of all movements / works.

Hallé:

  • First round:

15 minute auditions at RNCM; orchestral excerpts; own choice Concerto; sight reading; short interview

  • Second round:

Short trial with the Hallé Orchestra

School of Vocal Studies

Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:

  • Two role studies
  • A song cycle
  • Three arias in threedifferent languages and in contrasting styles, one of which should demonstrate the applicant’s vocal agility

The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition, together with the timings of all movements / works.

School of Wind, Brass & Percussion

Wind & Brass:

Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:

  • A Concerto (complete)
  • A major Sonata (complete)
  • An unaccompanied contemporary piece

The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition, together with the timings of all movements / works.

Percussion:

Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain a wide range of styles, genres and instruments; and should draw upon repertoire written during the last 50 years alongside contemporary music. Typically, all tuned repertoire should be performed from memory.

From this, the panel will select 30 minutes of music.Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition, together with the timings of all movements / works. The candidate will be advised of the chosen repertoire 1 hour before the audition to allow instruments to be set-up. There will be a short interview.