Brass Audition Requirements
Audition Requirements for Undergraduate Brass Performers
Auditions for entry in September 2023
Rehearsal
An official accompanist will be arranged for your audition and you will be given the opportunity to rehearse with them, but please note that rehearsal time will be limited.
If you are bringing your own accompanist, you will be allocated a room so that you can rehearse with your accompanist for 25 minutes prior to your audition. Please can you inform us if you will be bringing your own accompanist.
Audition
Applicants must perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of their own choice.
All Candidates may be asked to play scales (ABRSM Grade VIII standard) and sight reading, and trumpet applicants may be asked for some transposition in C.
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.
Audition Requirements for Postgraduate Brass Performers
Auditions for entry in September 2023
Rehearsal
An official accompanist will be arranged for your audition and you will be given the opportunity to rehearse with them, but please note that rehearsal time will be limited.
If you are bringing your own accompanist, you will be allocated a room so that you can rehearse with your accompanist for 25 minutes prior to your audition. Please can you inform us if you will be bringing your own accompanist.
Audition
Performance candidates will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration which may be drawn from the concerto or concert repertoire. You should also prepare two contrasting orchestral excerpts and trumpet players should be prepared to transpose.
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. This will be an informal opportunity for us to work together and get to know you better as a musician and performer.
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.
Audition Recording
Applicants who wish to audition by recording should check this webpage.