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Study options & audition requirements

A man wearing a double breasted black jacket, holding a conductor's baton.
We understand that auditions are a significant milestone on every conservatoire applicant’s journey. The guidance below will help you prepare to the best of your abilities and make you aware of what will happen at your º£½ÇÂÒÂ×¹Ù·½ audition. 

Conductors are assessed through a three stage audition process.  

Videos for Stage 1 do not need to be professionally produced, but your face, hands and upper body must be clearly visible. Where possible, the camera should be positioned from the players’ perspective, facing the conductor. Each excerpt should be clearly labelled with the composer, work, ensemble, date, venue, and whether the footage is from rehearsal or performance. 

Masters (MPerf/MMus)

Stage 1 

Submit your application form via  and submit the following video materials to the RCM's submission portal (see link below) 

  • An original video recording lasting between 10 and 20 minutes of a rehearsal(s) or performance(s) you have conducted in the last 18 months. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
  • A video showing yourself conducting the first movement of Ravel Suite: Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite) in silence. This exercise means that the applicant should imagine the sound, while showing how they might communicate their musical intentions physically. This must not be done with a recording.

Find out more about about preparing your UCAS Conservatoires application. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Stage 2 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online 30- minute working session in November/December with the panel, which will include a short lesson with each professor. In addition, a video recording should be provided of your performing on your own instrument, or singing. The length should be 4-8 minutes. This can be accompanied or unaccompanied, but the repertoire should be selected accordingly. For composers, a portfolio of your work should be provided instead, which will be discussed in addition to your audition above.  A second shortlisting process will then take place and the successful candidates invited to an in-person final round audition in early February. 

Stage 3 

The selected candidates will be invited to work with an orchestra and ensemble at the RCM, as well as a short interview. They will also take part in a group discussion with the conducting professors and an RCM composer (whose work they will conduct in the final round) and separately a chance to discuss life at the RCM with the present students.

Artist Diploma

Stage 1

Submit your application form via  and submit the following video materials to the RCM's submission portal (see link below).

  • A video portfolio of 20–30 minutes in total, comprising three or four contrasting excerpts of their conducting. The portfolio must include both performance and rehearsal footage. At least one excerpt should show you rehearsing an ensemble, with you verbal communication clearly audible. The portfolio should demonstrate a range of repertoire, styles and technical demands. Where possible, you are encouraged to include one substantial symphonic, operatic or large ensemble excerpt; one Classical or early Romantic work; and one work written after 1950 or a recent/contemporary work.
  • A short spoken introduction video of three to five minutes in English, outlining your musical background, conducting experience, artistic ambitions, and reasons for applying to the Artist Diploma in Conducting at the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×¹Ù·½.
  • A current artistic CV and a repertoire list of works conducted in the last three years should be uploaded with the video portfolio.

Find out more about  preparing your UCAS Conservatoires application. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Stage 2 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a live at the RCM in London. This will typically involve a two piano conducting session, followed by a session with a small chamber ensemble, as well as a short interview. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Stage 3 

A small group of finalists will be invited to attend a further live audition in collaboration with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, at which the Robert Anderson Junior Fellow will be selected.     

Stages 2 and 3 will normally take place during the same week where possible.  

Principal studies

Conducting is only available as a principal study specialism at Masters and Artist Diploma levels. Applicants to the Artist Diploma in Conducting should already hold a Masters degree or equivalent (or will have achieved this by the course start date). Otherwise the Masters Programme in Performance (MPerf or MMus pathway) is recommended.

A module in conducting is available to undergraduates in years 3 and 4 and Masters students. Second study is also available to undergraduate and masters students with prior conducting experience (places are limited and subject to professor availability). 

In addition to the normal academic and musical standards expected for entry to the RCM's MPerf, MMus (Perf) or ArtDip courses, conducting applicants will be expected to show a detailed knowledge of orchestral repertoire and to prove a genuine commitment to conducting as a significant part of their professional career.

Submitting your recording

The application deadline for entry in September 2027 is 1 October 2026.

Stage 1 video recordings must also be submitted to the RCM by 1 October 2026 using the portal below. 

What to expect at audition

The time shown on UCAS Conservatoires is your audition time. You should plan to arrive at the RCM at least 30 minutes before this, to allow time to check in and warm up. We advise allowing plenty of extra time for travelling into or across London. 

If you are caught in an unavoidable delay, please telephone the Admissions team on +44 (0)20 7591 4362 immediately so that, wherever possible, alternative arrangements can be made.

Contact Admissions

When you arrive at the RCM, you should find out from the front desk where your audition will take place.

Scholarships

Masters applicants for Conducting can be considered for RCM scholarships. Eligibility is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition  

Each year one student is selected for the highly competitive Artist Diploma in Conducting. They will hold the Robert Anderson Junior Fellowship in Conducting, which covers full home or international tuition fees and accommodation generously provided by the Robert Anderson Research Charitable Trust.

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be offered a scholarship on the day of their audition.

After your audition

You will be informed of the result of your audition as soon as possible. The RCM cannot enter into correspondence over the results of auditions. 

Find out more

Audition queries

Please double-check that you are available at the time and date of your audition. If there are any special circumstances the RCM needs to be aware of before your audition, please let us know in advance.

Find out more about applications and auditions

If you have any questions about auditions or the application process please contact our friendly Admissions team, who will be happy to help.

Admissions

Admissions and general audition enquiries

+44 (0)20 7591 4362

admissions@rcm.ac.uk