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Strings Audition Requirements

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 to about 10 minutes. 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.

Harp and Guitar (Classical) applicants will be allocated a room to warm-up in for a period of 25 minutes before your audition.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Audition Requirements for Strings Applicants

Audition

Candidates are asked to play a 10-15 minute programme. Please see our Audition Advice page for more detailed guidance to help you prepare.

Please see instrument-specific requirements below:

    • Cello Candidates must perform the first movement of either Haydn C or D Major Concertos with Cadenza or any two movements of Solo Bach and a contrasting piece of your own choice.
    • Classical Guitar Applicants must perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of their own choice. All Candidates will be asked to play scales and sight read.
    • Double Bass The first movement of a Classical Concerto or a slow and fast movement from a baroque sonata (e.g. by Vivaldi or Marcello) and a contrasting piece or movement.
    • Harp (undergraduate applicants) Candidates must perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of their own choice. All candidates will be asked to play scales and sight read.
    • Harp (postgraduate applicants) Candidates will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration this may be drawn from the concerto repertoire. Candidates can draw their pieces from the solo repertoire.
    • Viola Candidates must perform the first movement of Stamitz or Hoffmiester Concerto in D or B flat with Cadenza or any two movements of Solo Bach and a contrasting piece of your own choice.
    • Violin Candidates must perform the first movement of a Mozart Concerto with Cadenza or any two movements of Solo Bach and A contrasting piece of your choice.

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 the department you hope to join and what life will be like as a musician in Birmingham. You may also be asked to play scales and sight read.

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