International Students
If you are an EU/international applicant and you cannot attend an audition in Birmingham or at one of our international audition centres, you must send a high quality video recording as online links or on DVD.
DVDs of auditions can be sent to:
Admissions Officer
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Office
Level 2, Millennium Point
Birmingham City University
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
United Kingdom
Online links can be sent to:
International (non-European Union) auditions: conservatoire.international@bcu.ac.uk
EU auditions: conservatoire.admissions@bcu.ac.uk
If you are an international applicant already studying or living in the UK at the time of your application, you should request an audition by e-mail in Birmingham rather than sending an audition recording.
Recording guidelines for all applications
At the start of the recording, you must:
Introduce yourself and talk about your artistic influences, your inspiration to be a musician and your career objectives and any professional experience you already have. Please also introduce the pieces you will be playing.
This introduction should last no more than ten minutes.
Please note that audition requirements vary between courses. See below for more details.
Audition Requirements
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 Audition requirements (BMus)
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/Harpsichord/Organ
You will be asked to 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
You will be asked to perform three or four pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of your own choice (minimum 25 minutes).
Harpsichord/Organ
You will be asked to present 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)
You will be expected to prepare one study/piece from the repertoire below on each of the instruments listed. Should you wish to perform something different from this list, please contact the Head of Percussion (Adrian.Spillett@bcu.ac.uk) prior to 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)
You need to 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 be in touch with the Head of Percussion (Adrian.Spillett@bcu.ac.uk) prior to 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Cello candidates must perform 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 candidates must perform the first movement of a Classical Concerto or any two movements of solo Bach 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.
- 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.
- Classical Guitar applicants must perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of their own choice.
Vocal
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Singers must perform two pieces (or movements) of different styles and periods of their own choice. At least one of the pieces must be an aria (with recitative, if available) from an opera or oratorio.
Postgraduate Audition requirements (MMus/PGDip)
Singers must present a varied programme of about 15 minutes duration which must include works in at least three European languages, including English.
Woodwind
Undergraduate Audition requirements (BMus)
Candidates will need to 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)
Candidates will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes’ duration which may be drawn from the concerto repertoire. Players of Orchestral Woodwind instruments should also prepare two contrasting orchestral excerpts of your 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 for Theatre Doubling/Multi-instrument Specialism (MMus/PGDip)
Recorded audition: Candidates are asked to present a programme totalling 15 minutes’ duration, performing a piece on each of their three chosen instruments. The music should relate to the genre of music theatre. Candidates will also be required to perform a varied selection of scales from a recognised Grade VIII (or equivalent) examination syllabus on each instrument. Please play one scale from each of the following categories on each instrument. 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
APD Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Collaborative Piano, Chamber Music
Specialisms available
Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Collaborative Piano, Opera Repetiteur, Chamber Music
To be considered for the AdvPgDip, applicants interested in these specialisms must send a high quality video recording via online links or on a DVD fulfilling our audition requirements to reach us by 15th December 2017. 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 the Course Director, Luan Shaw via luan.shaw@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).
Please note that your application cannot be considered if you fail to submit your recording and/or the above information by 15th December 2017.
Please also note that whatever the timing of your submission, no offers will be made until after the ‘live’ audition period at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in January.
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. The next live auditions will be in January 2018 and the closing date for applications will be 24th November 2017. See details of how to apply here.