Hi, I was wondering how many of you out here are in a similar situation, and coming up to their college auditions this term?
I am really scared, and would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has been there or is generally more knowledgeable that me. (Which really wouldnt be hard!)
Is it sensible to play the same two contrasting pieces at each college you audition for?
The academy specifies a Mozart concerto,(I'm a violinsit.) so should I play that and my contrasting piece at all other auditions, eg for the college and Trinity?
And how well should you know scales arpeggios etc.
Does anyone know about the format of auditions? I've had so many mixed stories, and I'm beggining to think that there is no set format............!
I woul really really appreciate anything anyone has to tell me.
Thanks.
Izzy

Izzy, keep calm! I'm trying to!

First of all, I went for a consultation lesson at RCM yesterday where I met Janet Hilton, their Head of Woodwind. She was very helpful, and also very nice. It's something worth doing although I won't be doing it for all the colleges - it was a very expensive day when you count the cost of the lesson, the travel and food! She basically outlined the things that I would need to work on for my auditions and things, stuff like making more of the dynamics, something I've realised that I think I'm doing in my head that I'm actually just imagining! I also found out that auditions will be late November - I got it into my head they were Mid-October! Dur! She said (and I'm sure this applies to you as well) In the cases where there is a set piece choose your other piece carefully. Something showy, they like apparently. They like to see your personality come through in your playing. It's also normal that some places will reject you and others will take you - there have been cases when RAM will give someone their top scholarship yet they don't get offered a place by RCM at all.

I don't know what I will do about pieces. I am one of those usually calm people who gets occasionally but quietly neurotic about certain pieces. For example, I played Finzi's Fughetta so badly at one audition I can't even entertain the idea of ever playing it out of the safety of my own home again! So I don't know If I'm going to bank on playing the same pieces at all my auditions, especially as there is the chance I over play them and get complacent about them (I need a little bit of fear in my day!). What I'm thinking is if I perhaps get 5 or 6 pieces up to performance standard - not all learning them from scratch, bringing out pieces I have played before and I like as well - and then choosing from those. Then because I have all those pieces I can suddenly change my mind, provided my programme is still balanced.

My 'warm-up test' is on Friday, NYO! They don't charge to audition and I'm going to put myself under pressure as often as possible over the next month or two, just so I don't get in a proper state when it comes to the stuff that really matters in November!

Where will you apply to, Izzy?

Me too! On piano. And very scared also. Just putting finishing touches to personal statement, only have to sort out referees now. Oh, and of course practice. Made a recording today and Schubert needs a lot of work!

How much was the consultation lesson? Did they give you any indication on whether you're suited to the course or have a chance of getting a place?

Anyone applying to unis as well as colleges? Am thinking about Oxford but not sure. Not much time to go!

Consultation lesson cost me £50 for an hour, but I ended up with an hour and a half. all you do is contact the head of department. She said I was basically suited to the course, named a couple of things that need work - it was a shame really as the music shop took my Bb clarinet off me and I had to play on my A, tonguing is a lot more difficult and this sounded BAD. In effect I guess she heard me at my worst but only in that aspect of my playing, as I thought it was a really good lesson. She had my playing completely sussed out within 10 minutes - that's how the selection process works then! I have 3 months to work on these things, she said work on them and I have a good chance. It's definitely something worth doing, and it was also good just to have a second perspective.

I'm applying to Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham Unis as well. Yesterday I was told to think about Goldsmith's and Royal Holloway because they are linked to RCM and RAM but I can't remember which way round. I have a friend who's going to Oxford this time but the course just doesn't appeal to me, and the application is tough if I'm doing it 'just to see', like I would be!

Consultation lesson cost me £50 for an hour, but I ended up with an hour and a half. all you do is contact the head of department. She said I was basically suited to the course, named a couple of things that need work - it was a shame really as the music shop took my Bb clarinet off me and I had to play on my A, tonguing is a lot more difficult and this sounded BAD. In effect I guess she heard me at my worst but only in that aspect of my playing, as I thought it was a really good lesson. She had my playing completely sussed out within 10 minutes - that's how the selection process works then! I have 3 months to work on these things, she said work on them and I have a good chance. It's definitely something worth doing, and it was also good just to have a second perspective.

I'm applying to Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham Unis as well. Yesterday I was told to think about Goldsmith's and Royal Holloway because they are linked to RCM and RAM but I can't remember which way round. I have a friend who's going to Oxford this time but the course just doesn't appeal to me, and the application is tough if I'm doing it 'just to see', like I would be!

Hannah, aren't you part of a Junior department? I'm asking because it has been hard work for me this summer because we get 9 weeks off, and what with working for 3 weeks and being in Spain for 2 I've only had 1 lesson since the end of June! Sometimes I find myself losing direction and feeling lost. I don't have a lesson still for another 2 weeks, as the last and first day of every term isn't a full teaching day!

yup, RWCMD. Lessons for me hasnt been a problem as I've continued all through the summer paying on a private basis. I can imagine it must be difficult though. Why not try arranging a lesson with your teacher before if you're worried?

I'm pretty sure it's the RCM that is linked to Royal Holloway.. and so I guess RAM is linked to Goldsmith's? Not sure though!

I'm applying to 4 music colleges and 6 uni courses... as back up for when I don't get in! hehe!

Good luck in your NYO audition, Kate... sounds like a great warm up test! What instrument(s) do you play?

Royal Holloway IS linked to RCM, however, RAM is linked to King's. I believe that Goldsmiths use their own teachers.