Audition Requirements

Research applications are assessed in two stages. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, in London or online, in early March. Depending on the nature of the proposed project and the range of materials submitted in the application we may also require an audition, for which you will receive separate notification.

Please submit your UCAS Conservatoires application (course code 950F, Research Degree) by 18:00 UK time on 14 January, and also upload the following supporting items into the Acceptd portal [Programme group: Doctoral Studies]:

In the 'Written Work' section:

• Performance Practice candidates: provide a portfolio of at least three recordings (audio or video). At least one of the items should be relevant to the proposed project, either directly (repertoire etc.) or indirectly (performance context, stylistic issues, etc.). The project proposal (guide length 2000 words) should include an account of the aims of your research project, the research context, and the methodologies you propose, specifically outlining how you intend to manage the relationship between practical and conceptual outcomes. Although most of our projects have a portfolio at the centre, we also welcome proposals for projects in which the principal research outcomes are expressed in writing (and where performance materials might be illustrative rather than central).

• Composition candidates: provide a portfolio of PDF scores of at least four pieces for a variety of forces, with recordings if available. The project proposal (guide length 1000 words) should address the following questions:
  • What areas in your composition practice are you interested in exploring and developing through the PhD programme? Describe the aspects of your music that you think are distinctive and innovative.
  • What are the contexts for your compositional work? What other music (or broader concepts or art forms) are important to your work and how do you see these relationships evolving?
  • What are the first two pieces that you plan to compose at the start of the programme? Outline your vision for how they will pick up things you have raised in response to the questions above.
    

• All candidates:
  • Curriculum Vitae in PDF or Word format, including your education and academic background from age 11 (name of education institution, start and finish dates (month/year) and awards gained, details of your experience as a performer or composer;
  • Personal Statement giving your reasons and purposes for pursuing a research degree, your career aspirations, and details of how you plan to finance your fees and living expenses for the duration of the study programme;
  • Two examples of your recent academic written work

Also your spoken English introduction.

Assessment and Interview: Competition for places at the Academy is intense, and applications for the Research Degree are processed in two stages. The files listed above are subject to an initial assessment by the entry panel via the Acceptd portal; if your application passes this stage, you will be invited to attend for interview in London.

The interviews will be in early March. If you have any queries, please contact Dr Tom Reid, Postgraduate Programmes and Research Administrator