Postgraduate Diploma (International Artist) Solo Performance
Application and Audition Procedure
Shortlisting
School of Keyboard Studies:
Internal applicants: CV, biography and evidence of performance experience.
External applicants: CV and a DVD of recent performances, a minimum of
60 minutes of music with a varied programme. Preferably, these recordings
should be of live concert performances.
School of Strings:

Solo
Internal applicants: CV, biography and evidence of performance experience.
External applicants: CV and a DVD of recent performances, a minimum of
60 minutes of music with a varied programme. Preferably, these recordings
should be of live concert performances.

Hallé (UK nationals only) – CV, two references and covering letter.
School of Vocal Studies, Opera Studio
Separate information sheets available for candidates
Internal applicants: CV, biography and evidence of performance experience.
External applicants: CV, biography, photo, evidence of performance
experience and DVD of a recent performances, a minimum of 60 minutes of
music to contain three arias in three different languages and in contrasting
styles, one of which should demonstrate the applicant’s vocal agility.
Preferably, these recordings should be of live concert performances.
School of Wind, Brass & Percussion
Internal applicants: CV, biography and evidence of performing experience.
External applicants: CV and a DVD of recent performances, a minimum of
60 minutes of music with a varied programme. Preferably, these recordings
should be of live concert performances.
Live audition and formal interview (selected candidates)
All applicants should complete a formal direct application form and return it to
Admissions.
Audition Panel

Solo: IAD Course Leader (if audition is in Course Leader’s school then
another Head of School to attend), Head of School, one or two tutors from the
appropriate RNCM School.

Hallé: Two members of the Hallé Orchestra, one tutor from the RNCM School
of Strings, Course Leader.
Audition requirements
School of Keyboard Studies:
Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:


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30 minutes of solo repertoire (played from memory)
20 minutes of music taken from a Concerto (played from memory)
10 minutes of duo repertoire or four contrasting songs
The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short
interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition,
together with the timings of all movements / works.
School of Strings:
Solo:
Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:

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A Romantic Concerto (complete)
A Bach Suite (complete)
A major Sonata (complete)
An unaccompanied contemporary piece
The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short
interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition,
together with the timings of all movements / works.
Hallé:
o First round:
15 minute auditions at RNCM; orchestral excerpts; own choice Concerto; sight
reading; short interview
o Second round:
Short trial with the Hallé Orchestra
School of Vocal Studies
Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:


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Two role studies
A song cycle
Three arias in three different languages and in contrasting styles, one of
which should demonstrate the applicant’s vocal agility
The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short
interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition,
together with the timings of all movements / works.
School of Wind, Brass & Percussion
Wind & Brass:
Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain:



A Concerto (complete)
A major Sonata (complete)
An unaccompanied contemporary piece
The panel will select 30 minutes of music to be heard, and there will be a short
interview. Candidates should bring a list of their chosen repertoire to the audition,
together with the timings of all movements / works.
Percussion:
Candidates should prepare a 60 minute programme which should contain a wide
range of styles, genres and instruments; and should draw upon repertoire written
during the last 50 years alongside contemporary music. Typically, all tuned repertoire
should be performed from memory.
From this, the panel will select 30 minutes of music. Candidates should bring a list of
their chosen repertoire to the audition, together with the timings of all movements /
works. The candidate will be advised of the chosen repertoire 1 hour before the
audition to allow instruments to be set-up. There will be a short interview.