Two of my students are thinking of applying to music schools in the next year or so. I feel a little out of my depth, as I have no experience of the process. They are both very talented and musical kids, who I feel sure will be able to demonstrate their potential, but I would like to give them the best possible chance of getting places, so any advice would be gratefully received!

Hi Sue,

Do you know which schools. They are usually pretty open about the kind of things they will expect for audition and will tell you if you email. I haven't had anyone go to any of the main music schools but have prepared for local scholarships and they usually want 1 or 2 pieces on each instrument, at age 11 it will be grade 3 standard but I would expect yours will want higher. They may ask some grade appropriate scales and aural and definately some sightreading it is also quite normal to be asked to sing.

If it is for an older entrant they will also expect g5 theory.

If you look on the websites you may get a comprehensive lists.


Good luck D x

Thanks Digby.

It is all rather speculative at this stage - I have no idea which schools they are going to plump for so I am trying to cram in as much as I can with both of them.

I've been very lucky to have them as students, even if it was only for a short while, and I will be so proud if they make it!

If you are talking about the likes of Chethams I think they look at potential as much as anything else. This is what I have gathered form people applying who I know. I don't doubt that you need to show skill but they are alos looking for people they can take on and work with.

From what I can gather the advice auditions are very worthwhile and informative.

Good luck to your pupils.

Yes, do advise them to go for a pre-audition because it's more informal and parents/pupil can ask questions.

There is also a music yearbook, or something like that, which lists schools and the requirements for music auditions - there may be a copy in your local library, or depending where the pupils go to school, the school may have one.