Below you will find our brochure for auditions at the RCM, as well as general guidance about what to expect on the day, faculty links so that you can check the format of your audition and what repertoire you need to prepare for your specific instrument.
Most auditions last approximately 15-20 minutes, but some specialisms have longer audition processes, or may require you to attend a second panel usually on the same day.
The majority of your audition will be spent performing your repertoire. In some cases you may also be given a short sight-reading task and asked to perform scales, arpeggios or other technical exercises. The audition will finish with a short discussion with the panel. Typical questions you may be asked include:
If you have applied for the BMus Joint Principal Study programme, you will be invited to audition on both specialisms. Wherever possible, we try and conduct these auditions on the same day, but this might not be possible due to the panel availability.
For most specialisms, you will be allocated a 15 or 20 minute warm-up prior to your audition. Please note that the time shown on your UCAS Conservatoires account is your audition time, so make sure you arrive in good time to allow for your warm-up.
We understand that auditioning for conservatoire is a big step and it is completely normal to be nervous! Our best advice is to make sure you have prepared throroughly. Where Faculties allow you to choose your repertoire, select works you can perform confidently and that showcase the best of your ability. Leave enough time for your journey to the RCM to ensure you have plenty of time to get to your warm-up room.
If you do make a mistake in your performance on the day, don't worry and keep going. Remember the panellists are used to seeing through nerves and want you to do well. If you have any questions about studying at the RCM, you are welcome to ask the panel and they will be happy to help.
Most of all, try to relax, breathe and enjoy your experience of auditioning at the Royal College of Music.
Bring anything needed for your instrument. For example, spike grips for cellos, mutes for brass instruments and sticks for percussionists.
You should also bring any accompaniment parts, but you do not need to bring copies of the music you will be performing for the panel.
A family member, or friend may attend with you, but we request they stay in the RCM’s communal areas, such as our café, whilst you have your warm-up and audition.
The RCM provides accompanists for candidates auditioning in London and New York, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Candidates for our other overseas venues should bring their own accompanist. You cannot bring a page-turner, your teacher or a translator into your audition. The only people in the room will be you, your accompanist/soloist (as applicable) and the audition panel.
Our courses are taught in English and we expect you to be able to communicate in English at your audition. You do not need to meet the RCM's English language requirements for the audition day(s). However, if you do not yet speak English confidently we advise you to work towards a more appropriate level of competence so you can communicate comfortably with your audition panel.
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
You will be informed of the result of your audition as soon as possible. If you are successful, you will be sent further information to help you prepare for your studies at the RCM.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
Registered charity No. 309268
