Choosing where to audition
Application deadlines, application fees and audition dates vary between locations, as does the availability of RCM accompanists. You are advised to check deadlines, fees and restrictions carefully before selecting an audition venue.
We do not restrict auditionees by nationality at any of our venues. For example, our auditions in China are open to everybody, not just Chinese citizens. If you decide to audition at one of our overseas venues you should make sure you are available on the audition date(s) and that you have the necessary permissions to enter the country. Our audition panels are not at each venue for very long, so it can be difficult to arrange an alternative time if you are unable to make your allotted slot. If you know you will not be available on the required date(s) at a particular venue, you might want to consider a different venue.
Please be aware that we are not affiliated with any Recruitment agents in the United Kingdom or internationally. If you need support with your application, you should contact the RCM using your admissions app.
UCAS Conservatoires applications
Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires, unless you are applying for our Doctoral Programme or Exchange Programme (see below).
Most performers can choose whether to audition in London or at one of our overseas venues. However, due to technical limitations, some principal study specialisms cannot be auditioned at our overseas venues. You can find details of these restrictions by clicking on each of the venues in the list below. For example, applicants for the Artist Diploma in Opera cannot audition overseas.
Interviews for Composers are not available at our overseas audition venues. Neither are interviews for the MSc in Performance Science or auditions for the MMusEd Teaching Musician.
UCAS Conservatoires application fees - 2025 entry
Using UCAS Conservatoires incurs a £28.50 application fee. This is in addition to our assessment fees. You cannot use another system and both the application and assessment fees are paid online through UCAS Conservatoires. If you encounter any problems with their payment system please contact their support team.
The main application deadline for most programmes for 2025 entry is 2 October 2024.
We continue to welcome late applications for the MSc Performance Science and MMusEd Teaching Musician. We are unable to consider late applications for other programmes.
London audition fees
- Single study instrumentalists or vocalists: £115
- Single study composers: £115
- Single study conductors (postgraduate level only): £115
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
Audition fee waivers are available for UK applicants to the BMus course from low income backgrounds. For further information on eligibility criteria please find out more on our BMus page.
London audition dates
Most London auditions will be held in late November to mid-December 2024. If places are still available a small number of late auditions may be held in early 2025. We hope to hold conducting auditions in February 2025.
Audition venue in London
London auditions are held at the Royal College of Music in South Kensington.
Accompanists in London
If you require an accompanist and cannot bring your own the RCM can provide an accompanist for you. You do not normally need to let us know whether you need an accompanist (unless you are applying for Percussion) and you do not need to provide copies of the music in advance. Please remember to bring a hard copy of the music for the accompanist on the day of your audition. Digital music is not permitted.
Video pre-screening for conductors for 2025 entry
Conductors are assessed on the basis of a video submission in the first instance. Only those applicants whose videos demonstrate potential are put through to the second round and invited to participate in a live audition.
You should complete your UCAS Conservatoires application and submit your videos online via the RCM submission portal by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
See the conducting page for further information on how to prepare and submit your video audition.
Applicants who cannot travel to London or one of our overseas audition locations may submit a video audition instead. This option is open to all Principal Study specialisms, with the exception of Conducting, for which we hope to hold a final round of live auditions in London in early Spring 2025. Candidates auditioning by video will automatically be considered for scholarship.
The deadline to submit applications for video auditions is 2 October 2024. Videos must be submitted by 28 October 2024.
Restrictions
Different application processes apply for the following courses (please see the relevant course information page for details):
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- Doctoral of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Application fees for video auditions
- Single study instrumentalists or vocalists: £115
How to audition by video
Candidates should prepare the same repertoire as candidates auditioning in person. Please refer to the audition requirements stipulated by the relevant faculty.
You can choose to submit one long video, or separate shorter videos. At the start of your video(s) please give a short spoken introduction, stating your name and the work you are about to perform (title, composer, movement). Video audition submissions may include more than one file from different performances. Audio only recordings will not be accepted.
Format
- Audio only recordings will not be accepted.
- Video audition submissions may include more than one file from different performances; indivdual excerpts should be uploaeded as separate files
- Videos should not be edited or have any effects added.
- Make sure that you clearly label the files with the composer, work and movement.
- Each uploaded video file should not exceed 4GB. Acceptable file formats include MP4, MPEG, MPG, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, FLV, WEBM, MKV, M2V. Alternatively, you can upload links to YouTube.
Tips for preparing a good recording
- Your video constitutes your audition, so make sure that you are satisfied that it showcases you to the best of your ability.
- You may find it helpful to practice recording yourself and review your performance before filming your final video.
- Film your video in a well-lit location, with your camera placed on a stable surface.
- There are no dress requirements, but you should look professional.
- Make sure the reviewers can see what you are doing! For pianists, it is important that your fingers can be seen.
- Check the quality of your recording before submission.
Video auditions should be submitted via the RCM submission portal below.
Some applicants may be asked to participate in a short video interview after their audition recording is assessed. We will provide further information about this and about when you may need to be available after the submission deadline.
Successful applicants will have plenty of opportunity to speak to their Head of Faculty or other staff to find out more about studying at the RCM and how the College can support them in achieving their musical ambitions.
Live interviews for composition in London will be held in mid-November to mid-December, although applicants who cannot travel may choose to have a video interview instead. You will still be considered for a scholarship using this method.
This applies to candidates for Composition and Composition for Screen who have been selected for the second stage of the audition process.
The application deadline for 2025 is October 2, 2024.
Application fees for auditions by video interview
- Single study composers: £115
- Joint principal study composers (BMus applicants only): £165
Consideration for scholarships when auditioning by video interview
You will still be considered for a scholarship using this audition method.
The application process for composers
Composers are assessed primarily on the basis of their portfolio. Only those applicants whose portfolios demonstrate potential are put through to the second round and invited to participate in an interview.
You should complete your UCAS Conservatoires application and submit your portfolio online via the RCM submission portal by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
See the Composition Faculty page for further information on how to prepare and submit your composition portfolio.
The application deadline for auditions in Beijing is October 2, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must also be submitted by the application deadline (October 2, 2024). Note this is earlier than the deadline for submission of videos for video-only applications.
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies will be held at our Beijing audition venue in Autumn 2024 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Beijing for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Percussion
- Organ
- Historical instruments, other than lute
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMusEd Teaching Musician
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Beijing audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Beijing for 2025 entry
Auditions are expected to be held in Beijing on 8 and 9 November 2024.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Beijing for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Steinway Hall, Beijing.
Accompanists in Beijing for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Beijing for 2025 entry
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in Hong Kong is November 1, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (October 2, 2024).
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies will be held at our Hong Kong audition venue in early Spring 2025 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Hong Kong for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Music
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Hong Kong audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Hong Kong for 2025 entry
Hong Kong audition dates will be confirmed in due course.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Hong Kong for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Cheng Wai Piano Institute, Hong Kong.
Accompanists in Hong Kong for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Hong Kong for 2025 entry
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in Shanghai is October 2, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (October 2, 2024).
Check this page for updates
Auditions will be held at our Shanghai audition venue on 11 and 12 November 2024. Applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Shanghai for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Music
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Shanghai audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Shanghai for 2025 entry
Shanghai auditions are expected to be held on 11 and 12 November 2024.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Shanghai for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Steinway, Shanghai.
Accompanists in Shanghai for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Shanghai for 2025 entry
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in Tokyo is October 2, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (October 2, 2024).
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies will be held at our Tokyo audition venue in Autumn 2024 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Tokyo for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Music
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Tokyo audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Tokyo for 2025 entry
Tokyo audition dates will be confirmed in due course.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Tokyo for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Steinway Hall, Tokyo.
Accompanists in Tokyo for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Tokyo for 2025 entry
Applicants will be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in Singapore is October 2, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (October 2, 2024).
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies are expected to be held at our Singapore audition venue in Spring 2024 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Singapore for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Musician
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Singapore audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Singapore for 2025 entry
Singapore auditions are expected to be held on 14 January 2024 at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Singapore for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Singapore.
Accompanists in Singapore for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Singapore for 2025 entry
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in Seoul is October 2, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (October 2, 2024). Note this is earlier than the deadline for submission of videos for video-only applications.
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies will be held at our Seoul audition venue in Autumn 2024 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Seoul for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Musician
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Seoul audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Seoul for 2025 entry
Seoul auditions will be confirmed in due course.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Seoul for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Cosmos Hall, Seoul.
Accompanists in Seoul for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Seoul for 2025 entry
Applicants will be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in Bangkok is November 1, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (November 1, 2024).
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies are expected to be held at our Bangkok audition venue in Spring 2024 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in Bangkok for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Musician
- Artist Diploma in Opera
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
Bangkok audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in Bangkok for 2025 entry
Bangkok audition dates will be confirmed in due course.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in Bangkok for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at Shrewsbury School, Bangkok.
Accompanists in Bangkok for 2025 entry
The RCM does not provide an accompanist at this overseas audition venue.
Consideration for scholarships in Bangkok for 2025 entry
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
The application deadline for auditions in New York is November 1, 2024.
Video pre-screening is in operation at this venue
Pre-screening videos must be submitted by the application deadline (November 1, 2024).
Check this page for updates
Auditions for most principal studies will be held at our New York audition venue in early 2025 but applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead.
Some auditions are not available in New York for 2025 entry
Candidates for the following principal studies cannot audition at this venue:
- Composition
- Composition for Screen
- Conducting
- Organ
- Percussion
- Historical instruments
Candidates for the following courses cannot audition/interview at this location:
- Master of Science in Performance Science
- MMus Ed Teaching Musician
- Doctor of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy
New York audition fees - 2025 entry
- Joint principal study (only available to BMus students): £165
- All other candidates: £115
Audition dates in New York for 2025 entry
New York audition dates will be confirmed in due course.
Video pre-screening for performers for 2025 entry
Performers auditioning at the RCM’s overseas audition venues are subject to a two-stage assessment process:
Step 1: applicants submit their application on UCAS Conservatoires and a pre-screening audition video for assessment by the Faculty. Videos must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be valid.
Step 2: applicants short-listed by the panel are invited to attend a live audition.
If you have already submitted a pre-screening video and you are no longer able to attend a live audition at one of our overseas venues, or if the RCM decides it cannot hold live auditions at your chosen venue, your pre-screening video will be used as your video audition. You will not need to submit another video. Video auditions are assessed on the basis of the video submission and UCAS Conservatoires application; in some instances, applicants may also be asked to participate in an online interview.
Audition venue in New York for 2025 entry
Auditions will be held at DiMenna Center for Classical Music, New York.
Accompanists in New York for 2025 entry
If you require an accompanist and cannot bring your own the RCM can provide an accompanist for you. You do not normally need to let us know whether you need an accompanist or to provide copies of the music in advance. Please remember to bring a hard copy of the music for the accompanist, digital music is not permitted.
Consideration for scholarships in New York for 2025 entry
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships as well as places. Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition. There is no need to submit a separate application.
Non-UCAS Conservatoires applications
Applications for our Doctoral Programme are submitted directly to the RCM. All interviews will take place via video conferencing for 2024 entry. Further information on fees and deadlines is available at:
Applications for our Exchange Programme are submitted directly to the RCM. No live auditions are required, but applicants must submit a recorded audition or composition portfolio. Further information on deadlines is available at:
Audition requirements
Audition requirements are set by each faculty. Further information can be found by following the links below.
Composition audition requirements
Conducting audition requirements (postgraduate level only)
Historical Performance audition requirements
Keyboard audition requirements
Speak to our Admissions team
If you would like to talk to someone about applying to the Royal College of Music, our audition process or our expected standards, feel free to contact our friendly Admissions team who will be happy to advise you.
Royal College of Music
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London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
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