Claudia went for a music scholarship audition to an indie for yr 7 entry. The requirement is 2 instruments, one to at least grade 3 standard +.

She played her 2 violin pieces and the other children there who ranged from grade 4 to grade 6/7 played their prepared pieces. They didn't have a chance to play them through beforehand with an unfamiliar accompanist which she said was quite a challenge as especially one of her pieces varies in tempo throughout.

They then asked her if she was playing the piano. Given the option she said no - she had a piece prepared but is not confident on the piano - not sure if "no" was the right thing to say? It is very much a second instrument, way behind her violin standard, but grade 4 standard nevertheless. We were hoping she would get it on the strength of violin alone.

She was told that all 5 of them who entered will be recalled at a later date. They told me they had a lot of applicants but 5 doesn't seem very many or is it?

I am just wondering what to expect at the recall. Will she have to play her pieces again? Should she play the same (well prepared ones) or something different? Presumably they will want to hear the second instrument?

What else will they be asked to do? I guess there may be aural tests (no problem) and maybe a chat. Anything else?

When my elder daughter applied to senior school she did the music audition at an independent. There were only 2 entrants, so I think 5 is quite high for a non music-pecialist school. (I assume it's just an ordinary independent as you didn't say otherwise) She played piano and Clarinet and was about to take grade 5 in both. The other girl played flute and sax and was about the same level as my daughter. There was only one round of audition, and we heard within a few days. The other girl was offered the scholarship, but my daughter was offered an academic scholarship, so there may have been an element of sharing the awards around.

(Neither of them took up the scholarships, as they both went to the girls' grammar school. They became firm friends on day one and it is hard to separate them on musical ability or academically. )

I would have assumed that when your daughter was asked if she wanted to play the piano it was her chance to do so, but not having been there it's hard to say.

We are just now applying for our younger daughter to move into year 7 and have again applied for music scholarships. She is about to take grade 5 piano and grade 4 flute, but being one of the youngest in her school year she is almost a year younger than her sister was at this stage. I don't feel academically the age difference makes much difference, but for musical maturity it seems to.

My son has a music scholarship at a very good independent day school. Head of music says he looks for instrumentalists, it helps if they learn piano so he will always ask but he is looking to fill the orchestra. Having said that a good first instrument pianist is always welcome, but orchestral players don't need it (it helps with GCSE and A level which music scholars often have to take!) He is also interested in instrumentalists who sing as it helps the choir to have good sight readers on board.

I would email the head of music and ask what format the second round will take, it will be a pretty hard hearted one who won't tell you!

Good luck

Thank you Andante and Noisyhouse!

Good luck to your daughter Andante.

We are also hoping for a grammar school place (11+ passed but catchment area varies every year) so this is our fall back position. It is an ordinary school.

I am glad to hear that instrumentalists are sought after for the orchestra as that must help. I will suggest to Claudia that she offers to play the piano next time round. She loves singing too so that's further comfort.

Last time I contacted the school they were very vague about the requirements. I will see if I can speak to the head of music to see what he wants next time round.

Although my experience was slightly different (at 13+ and a little while ago now!), I imagine that the format will be similar: the second audition is just an extension of the original one - they may ask some more in depth theory/aural questions and do more of the practical side of things though. I'm pretty sure I played different pieces on flute (my first study) but the same one I had played the first time on piano. Just be aware that being a music scholar often involves a fair amount of extra input! I'm in countless bands and orchestras and am expected to perform at the drop of a hat. I think you can also gague pretty well the type of music department it is from the audition process - hopefully it is one where everyone is encouraged to make music regardless of level. A good indication is usually the numbers taking GCSE, A level and instrument lessons. Best of luck to your daughter; she certainly sounds like she has a very good chance of getting the scholarship

I think it would probably be a good idea for her to demonstrate some piano skills in addition to her other instruments - you never know, it could just tip the balance. Definitely ask what the format will be for the second audition - they should tell you what to expect anyway, but it is always good to be forewarned. Good luck!

Claudia's Mum,
My daoughter also declined to play the piano at an audition when asked, even though she had a piece, as second study prepared. That was a few years ago and she did get her music scholorship. It is hard to say what they want though. I would say that she should just be confident and play what she wants as well as she can.

Violinma

I've just written a long reply which I cleverly managed to delete. Don't have time to re-do it, but all I'll say is

1) ask school for advice. Expectations differ and you don't want to disadvantage her eg by having her play the same piece again if they're expecting a different one.

2) expect sight-reading on violin

3) if she's G4 standard on piano, she might as well play. That's probably a better standard on a 2nd instrment than many will have. I may be wrong, but I suspect they won't care about her piano sight-reading.

My daughter only had one round at her scholarship auditions - they'd already shortlisted which included taking up references from teachers. She had to play 2 pieces on main instrument (piano) and 1 on 2nd (violin), a couple of question after the pieces (what key were they in, which was her favourite), sight-reading on violin, aural tests (which went wider than what she'd done as part of AB exams) , singing (which we weren't expecting - they asked if she knew Once in Royal David's City and when she said she did she had to sing it unaccompanied) and a general chat.

Good luck to Claudia

Thank you for all your replies.

Will ring the school now and see what is required.

Happy to report that Claudia was awarded the scholarship - yay!

Fantastic news!

Son is going to take one of these auditions in early January and is preparing oboe (1st instrument) and piano (2nd instrument), if he can decide what to play!

Many congratulations! Hope she enjoys her new school.

Well done!