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For entry in September 2024, we welcome all international applicants who are resident outside of the UK to attend a Virtual Audition.
As part of your Virtual Audition, please submit an audition video or portfolio following our audition requirements below. Audition videos and portfolios should be submitted within two weeks of applying.
We advise that you submit an audition video via a video sharing platform such as YouTube, Vimeo or YouKu.
As part of your virtual audition you may be invited to attend a virtual interview where you may be asked to perform part of your audition and technical assessments such as sight reading and scales.
The virtual interview will also give you a chance to meet our staff and ask questions about life as a student at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
We know that attending a virtual audition will be a new experience for many of our applicants so we have prepared detailed guidance and advice on our Audition Advice page to help you prepare for your virtual audition and interview.
You will automatically be considered for a scholarship based on your virtual audition.
Audition Recording Guidelines
At the start of the video recording, please introduce yourself with your name, the degree programme you are applying for, and the titles of the pieces you will be playing.
Your audition recording should contain your full un-edited audition performance. The audition recording should be filmed in one take. You should not submit an audition recording containing individually filmed repertoire edited into one video recording.
Please note: All applicants who audition via Virtual Audition must provide a Letter of Verification from their music teacher or Head of Department. The letter of verification should confirm that the performer in the video is indeed the applicant applying.
Please note that audition requirements vary between courses. See our Audition Requirements below for more details.
If you would like further detailed information or need help preparing your application and audition recording, please contact a member of the RBC International Team:
Please select a department from the drop-down list to view our audition requirements:
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Brass
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Applicants must perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of their own choice.
Candidates will also need to play a varied selection from ABRSM Grade VIII scale - at least two of each of the following will need to be included:
Major scales
Harmonic minor scales
Melodic minor scales
Major arpeggios
Minor arpeggios
Please play your scales legato or tongued or a mixture.
Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Individual candidates will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration.
This may include concert pieces or concerto movements.
Brass players should also prepare two contrasting orchestral excerpts.
Candidates will need to play a varied selection from ABRSM Grade VIII scale - at least two of each of the following will need to be included:
Major scales
Harmonic minor scales
Melodic minor scales
Major arpeggios
Minor arpeggios
Please play your scales legato or tongued or a mixture.
Brass Quintet
Candidates must audition as an ensemble and individually.
Requirements are the same for live and recorded auditions. Brass Quintets should present a varied programme of contrasting periods and styles lasting c. 20 minutes and including one original work. Individual candidates will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration. This may include concert pieces or concerto movements. Brass players should also prepare two contrasting orchestral excerpts.
All candidates are welcome to make contact with Head of Brass (Amos.Miller@bcu.ac.uk) prior to your audition to discuss your ideas and the suitability of your programme.
Choral Conducting (MMus)
Applicants should send a video recording of a rehearsal taken in English of no more than 30 minutes in length featuring two contrasting classical choral works, i.e. two works from different periods. It is advisable that these works are a piece of ‘early’ music – Renaissance polyphony for example, and a Romantic or contemporary piece. In the video recording the choir should be visible as well as the conductor.
Orchestral Conductors (MMus)
If you are an international applicant who would like to audition in the UK you will be required to prepare two pieces for audition:
The first movement of the orchestral score of Debussy’s La Mer, to be rehearsed with a pianist.
The Marche Royale and Petit Concert from Stravinsky’s Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier’s Tale) to be rehearsed with an ensemble.
There will be two stages to the audition. At the first stage of the audition you will be asked to demonstrate your conducting abilities through a rehearsal of the first movement of La Mer. This will be rehearsed with a pianist. There will also be a short interview, to include some aural tests.
If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend the second stage of the audition; where you will be asked to demonstrate your conducting abilities through a rehearsal of the Marche Royale and Petit Concert from Histoire du Soldat. This will be rehearsed with an ensemble.
Please note:
The pianist and ensemble will be arranged by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
The audition in the morning will last approximately 20 minutes and the audition in the afternoon will last approximately 30 minutes.
If you are unable to attend an audition in the UK please contact us directly at conservatoire.international@bcu.ac.uk and we can look into arranging an alternative audition for you.
Composition
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Composers must send a portfolio of at least three compositions in any style, and where possible, recordings of some of these works. A broad range of pieces is encouraged.
Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Composers must send a portfolio of at least three compositions and a high-quality recording of at least one of these works when requested.
Jazz
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Audition requirements (BMus and MMus)
You should provide a recording of two contrasting pieces including a live band rhythm section, as well as a short unaccompanied transcribed solo (please see the note below for guidance). One of the pieces performed must be chosen from a list of standards; the other one is your own choice. Please choose a piece from the list below:
Any 12 bar Blues head in any key. Typical examples include Blue Monk, Now’s the Time, Sandu, Tenor Madness, Straight No Chaser, Relaxin at Camarillo
Any Rhythm Changes in Bb concert. Typical examples include Anthropology, Oleo, I’ve Got Rhythm
Ladybird
Tune Up
Green Dolphin Street
I’ll Remember April
Body and Soul
Cherokee
What Is This Thing Called Love
All The Things You Are
Confirmation
Yardbird Suite
The second piece is a free choice. It may again be chosen from the list above but could be any jazz standard or an original composition.
Guidance Notes
Pianists, bass players and drummers will audition by taking the place of their respective instrument in the rhythm trio. Guitarists replace the piano forming a trio of guitar, bass and drums.
What is a transcription?: Transcriptions are notated versions of improvisations. The panel would prefer to hear a transcription of an established improviser who is significant to the history of jazz. It is not appropriate to present arrangements in a jazz style or composed melodies for this section.
In order to demonstrate a basic level of harmonic literacy, drum and vocal applicants are required to present some prepared work at the piano keyboard. The panel are not expecting piano skills to any performance level but need to know that the applicant can find satisfactory voicings for common chords in jazz language. Therefore drummers and vocalists are asked to choose one of the pieces from the list above and play through the chord progression at the piano. Because of this extra requirement, drummers and vocalists do not have to prepare a transcription.
The panel will only consider offering places on the course to candidates who improvise for the majority of their performance.
Candidates are encouraged to research their chosen pieces from original recordings but will also find some lead sheet versions in the "New Real Book" published by Sher Music. Another good source is the Charlie Parker Omnibook. Both publications can be ordered from Jazzwise Publications on +44 (0)2087695430 or Jazzwise.com.
Keyboard
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Piano
Please perform a programme of pieces (or movements) of different styles or periods of your own choice. The programme should be at least 20 minutes in length, and must be recorded in one single take.
Harpsichord/Organ
Please perform two or three pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of your own choice (minimum 15 minutes).
Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Piano
Please perform a programme of pieces (or movements) of different styles or periods of your own choice. The programme should be at least 40 minutes in length, and must be recorded in one single take.
Harpsichord/Organ
Please perform a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration.
Music Technology
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Music technologists should send a representative portfolio of at least three pieces of creative work, comprising compositions, recordings, sequencing work, production tracks, music or sound to picture, web-based development or any other work that showcases ability in this area. Scores, CD-audio, DVD-video, sound files or CD-ROMs may be sent as appropriate, or work may be sent electronically utilising link(s) to cloud-based hosting services such as Dropbox, Googledrive, YouTube etc.
An interview via Skype may also be requested after your portfolio has been reviewed.
Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Music technologists should send a representative portfolio of at least three pieces of creative work, comprising compositions, recordings, sequencing work, production tracks, music or sound to picture, web-based development or any other work that showcases ability in this area. Scores, CD-audio, DVD-video, sound files or CD-ROMs may be sent as appropriate, or work may be sent electronically utilising link(s) to cloud-based hosting services such as Dropbox, Googledrive, YouTube etc.
An interview via Skype may also be requested after your portfolio has been reviewed.
We welcome applicants from musicians of all previous backgrounds, not just those that have studied music technology at undergraduate level.
Percussion
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Please perform one study/piece from the repertoire below on each of the instruments listed. If you wish to perform pieces that are not on this list, please contact the Head of Percussion (Toby.Kearney@bcu.ac.uk) before your audition to confirm whether your choice is suitable. You are also welcome to play drum kit if you believe it will enhance your application.
Snare Drum (you are welcome to bring your own snare drum should you wish to):
Jacques Delécluse, Douze Etudes pour Caisse-Claire
Kevin Hathway and Ian Wright, Graded Music for Snare Drum, Book IV (Grade 8 pieces only)
Tuned Percussion:
Ian Wright, Graded Music for Tuned Percussion, Book IV (Grade 8 pieces only)
Similar 2-mallet Bach violin or cello suites are also suitable
Timpani:
Nick Woud, Symphonic Studies for Timpani
Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Please present a varied programme that lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This may include solo repertoire, orchestral excerpts and/or a collection of drum kit/Latin/ethnic percussion tracks. Please contact the Head of Percussion (Toby.Kearney@bcu.ac.uk) before your audition to discuss your ideas and the suitability of your programme. Below are two examples of suitable audition repertoire.
Example A
Snare Drum:
Delécluse,Study No. 9
Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade
Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol
Williams, Star Wars
Xylophone:
Stravinsky, Firebird
Copland, Appalachian Spring
Gershwin, Porgy & Bess
Timpani:
Tchaikovsky, Symphony No 5
Britten, Storm, from Sea Interludes
Nick Woud, Study
Marimba:
Keiko Abe, Variations on Japanese Children's Songs
Example B
Drum Kit (with audio play along):
Paich (Toto), Rosanna
Wonder, Superstition
Wilson, (Porcupine Tree) Stars Die
Congas, Timbales, Cajon:
Puente, Oye Como Va
Cruz, Zamba Malato
Marimba:
Bach, Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1
Vibraphone:
Rackipov, Open Attic Window
Snare Drum:
Gerassimez, Asventuras
Strings
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus) and Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Bowed strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
Please perform a programme of at least 20 minutes, recorded in one single take. Requirements for each instrument are as follows.
Violin: the first movement of a Mozart concerto with cadenza or any two movements of solo Bach and a contrasting piece of your choice.
Viola: the first movement of Stamitz or Hoffmeister concerto in D or B flat with cadenza or any two movements of solo Bach and a contrasting piece of your own choice.
Cello: the first movement of either Haydn’s C or D major concertos with cadenza or any two movements of solo Bach and a contrasting piece of your own choice.
Double Bass; the first movement of a classical concerto or any two movements of solo Bach and a contrasting piece or movement.
Harp (undergraduate applicants): please perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of your own choice.
Harp (postgraduate applicants): please perform a varied programme of about 15 minutes; this may be drawn from the concerto repertoire or the solo repertoire.
Classical Guitar: please perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of your own choice.
Vocal
Please perform a varied programme of 20 minutes, recorded in one single take. Your programme should include at least three pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods, in at least three European languages, including English. At least one of the pieces must be an aria (with recitative, if available) from an opera or oratorio.
Woodwind
Woodwind Department Recording Guidance
Candidates are asked to present a programme totalling 15 minutes’ duration, performing a piece on their chosen instrument.
Candidates will also be required to perform a varied selection of scales from a recognised Grade VIII (or equivalent) examination syllabus.
Please play one scale from each of the following categories. Your chosen selection should include scales with up to five sharps and flats and a combination of legato, legato tongued and staccato articulations.
Major scales
Harmonic minor scales
Melodic minor scales
Major arpeggios
Minor arpeggios
Please visit our Audition Advice page to help you prepare for your virtual audition and interview.
APD Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Collaborative Piano, Chamber Music
Specialisms available
Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Collaborative Piano, Opera Repetiteur, Chamber Music (established ensembles only).
To be considered for the AdvPgDip, applicants interested in these specialisms must send a high quality video recording via online links fulfilling our audition requirements to reach us by 6th October 2023. Please check audition requirements for your chosen specialism here. Click on 'Entry Requirements and scroll to the bottom of the page.
At the same time as submitting your recording you should email the following as word or pdf attachments to Conservatoire International Admissions conservatoire.international@bcu.ac.uk.
1) A full list of public performances given over the past 24 months, clearly indicating dates, venues and repertoire performed.
2) A current biography (of the kind that would appear in a concert/operatic production programme). Chamber ensembles should submit a group biography and, in addition, individual biographies for each member of the ensemble.
Please note that your application cannot be considered if you fail to submit your recording and/or the above information by 6th October 2023.
Your recording will be screened by an audition panel and should you be successful, you will be invited to a live audition in November.
APD Opera Repetiteur, Choral Conducting
Please note that it is not possible for Opera Repetiteur or Choral Conducting applicants to audition via a recording. Applicants for these specialisms must audition live in Birmingham.
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