Your experience will depend on your specialism and your chosen audition location.
Most candidates audition at the RCM in London. We also offer auditions at a number of venues overseas. The audition process differs between venues. If you are unable to attend in person, you have the option to audition by video. You are advised to read the information below carefully.
Every student undertakes principal study in their main specialism, which lies at the heart of their RCM experience. You can audition for the following principal studies. Please note that research degrees have their own set of requirements.
Expand the options below to find out the audition requirements for each principal study.
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
First (or significant) movement of a concerto, or a work written originally for violin and orchestra
A contrasting piece of your own choice
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
First (or significant) movement of a concerto, or a work written originally for viola and orchestra
A contrasting piece of your own choice
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
First (or significant) movement of a concerto, or a work written originally for cello and orchestra
A contrasting piece of your own choice
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
Applicants should prepare:
Applicants should prepare all of the following:
Applicants should prepare:
Applicants should prepare two contrasting pieces, at least one of which must come from the list below:
Applicants should prepare two contrasting pieces, at least one of which must come from the list below:
Related study allows instrumentalists to receive tuition on an instrument closely associated with their principal study. Students can take one of our principal options as their related study, as long as a clear relationship exists. For example, a violinist can choose viola.
The following instruments are also available as related study options:
Related studies are approved by the relevant Head of Faculty once a student has started their course. No audition is required and you do not need to let us know about your interest in related study before you arrive at the RCM.
It is possible to undertake studies in the following specialisms through our Historical Performance Faculty:
Most undergraduates on the BMus course and postgraduates studying for MPerf, MComp, MMus(Perf) or MMus(Comp) have the option of undertaking a second study specialism. Second study allows students to receive tuition in a second specialism, taught and assessed at a lower intensity than their principal study, in an area that does not qualify for related study.
Second study specialisms are subject to successful audition and the agreement of the relevant Head of Faculty. Auditions take place during the first few weeks of the course, and students will have the opportunity to register for these auditions shortly before the start of the academic year. There is no need to inform the RCM at the point of application.
In most cases you only need to bring your instrument and music for you and your accompanist. Please remember to bring anything you need for your instrument (eg spike grip for your cello).
You cannot bring a page-turner, your teacher or a translator into your audition. The only people in your audition room will be you, your accompanist and the audition panel. As our courses are taught in English we expect you to be able to communicate in English at your audition.
The time shown on UCAS Conservatoires is your audition time. You should plan to arrive at the RCM at least 30 minutes before this, to allow time to check in and warm up. We advise allowing plenty of extra time for travelling into or across London.
If you are caught in an unavoidable delay, please telephone the Admissions team on +44 (0)20 7591 4362 immediately so that, wherever possible, alternative arrangements can be made.
When you arrive at the RCM, you should find out from the steward in the entrance hall where your audition will take place.
Strings auditions last approximately 20 minutes. Candidates will be directed by the panel to perform their audition pieces or particular extracts. We cannot say in advance which extracts you might be asked to perform, so you should prepare all of the materials in full. You will be required to take a sight-reading test and there will be a short interview. Typical interview questions may include:
In some cases you may also be asked to perform scales, arpeggios or other technical exercises.
Due to the volume of applicants, there is a two-phase audition process for violin, viola and cello candidates auditioning in London during the main November–December audition period. Some candidates will be referred to a second panel, which is held later the same day. However, candidates who are referred should not assume they are definitely being offered a place. Similarly, if you are not referred, please do not assume you have been unsuccessful.
Harpists who are unable to bring their own instrument will be able to use an RCM harp. There is no need to notify us in advance if you require this; just inform the steward for your audition panel on arrival.
You will have 20 minutes of warm-up time with your accompanist prior to your audition. We are not able to provide practice rooms for you to use before this.
You are welcome to bring your own accompanist. Alternatively, the RCM will have accompanists available on the day of your audition. We usually have several accompanists working on each audition day. We are unable to provide the name or contact details of our accompanists in advance.
If you require an RCM accompanist you do not need to tell us in advance; just inform the steward for your audition panel when you arrive.
You do not need to tell us what you are performing in your audition and please do not send copies of the music in advance. Our accompanists are very experienced and are familiar with most standard repertoire.
We are planning on holding auditions for most principal studies at some of our overseas locations. Please check our Choosing where to audition page for updates.
Applicants who cannot travel may submit a video audition instead. This option is open to all Principal Study specialisms, with the exception of Conducting, for which we will hold final round auditions live in London in Spring 2024. Candidates auditioning by video will automatically be considered for scholarship.
The deadline to submit applications for video auditions is 2 October 2023. Videos must be submitted by 27 October 2023.
Every student who applies for a place on one of the RCM's performance or composition courses commencing in 2025 will be considered for a scholarship, whether you have applied by video or attended an audition or interview in person.
There is no separate application process.
Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition (or by submission of video) or the strength of portfolio and interview for composers.
If you are offered a scholarship or study award you will receive a letter, normally sent by email, confirming this and the conditions of your award.
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be offered a scholarship on the day of their audition.
You will be informed of the result of your audition as soon as possible. The RCM cannot enter into correspondence over the results of auditions.
Please double-check that you are available at the time and date of your audition. If there are any special circumstances the RCM needs to be aware of before your audition, please let us know in advance.
Find out more
If you have any questions about auditions or the application process please contact our Admissions team.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
Registered charity No. 309268
