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Audition Requirements for the Keyboard Department

Auditions for entry in September 2023

Rehearsal

You will be allocated a room to warm-up in for a period of 30 minutes before your audition.

Undergraduate Audition Requirements for the Keyboard Applicants

Audition
  • Piano Performance You will be asked to perform three pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of your own choice. Candidates will also be asked to sight read during the interview.
  • Harpsichord You will be asked to perform three pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of your own choice. Candidates may also be asked to play scales (ABRSM Grade VIII standard) and sight read during the interview.
  • Organ You will be asked to perform a work by J.S Bach and a work of your choice from the 19th/20th Century. Candidates will also be asked to sight read and transpose (both tests at approx. ABRSM Grade 8 level) .
    Organ auditions usually take place at St Chads Cathedral, more details here. However, if you are unable to travel to Birmingham for a live audition please send us an audition video and we will arrange a virtual interview for you.

Interview

As part of your audition there will be an informal interview. The panel will be interested to hear you talk about your artistic influences, your inspiration to be a musician and your career objectives.

This is also an opportunity for you to ask the panel questions about your Department and what life will be like as a musician in Birmingham. You may also be asked to play scales and sight read during the virtual interview.

Please visit our Audition Advice page to help you prepare for your virtual audition and interview.

Postgraduate Audition Requirements for the Keyboard Applicants

Audition
  • Piano Performance You will be asked to present a varied programme of 25 minutes’ duration.
  • Piano Accompaniment You should prepare a varied programme of 25 minutes, not all of which may be heard. It is preferable to include a partner(s), either a vocalist or instrumentalist(s) and demonstrate song or instrumental duo/trio/quartet/quintet work where possible. You may also include solo items, although this is not compulsory.
  • Harpsichord You will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration. Candidates may also be asked demonstrate ability to play figured bass at sight during the virtual interview.
  • Organ You will be asked to perform a short programme that should include:
    • A significant work or movement by JS Bach
    • A pre-Bach short work/movement
    • A 19th/20th work/movement not exceeding 10 minutes in duration
    • Auditions usually take place at St Chads Cathedral but if you are unable to travel to Birmingham for a live audition please send us an audition video and we will arrange a virtual interview for you.

Please visit our Audition Advice page to help you prepare for your virtual audition and interview.