Our Heads of Department are pleased to audition prospective students. Auditions are designed to be a friendly and enjoyable experience, giving each applicant the opportunity to share their enthusiasm and love of music with us.
Auditions
When are auditions held?
Auditions take place during term time from the autumn term onwards and are normally held in person at the School. We greatly value the opportunity to meet applicants face to face; however, for international students for whom travelling to the UK would present a considerable difficulty, an online audition may be considered.
Auditions continue until the School has reached full capacity, so we encourage applicants to submit their applications as early in the academic year as possible.
What does the audition involve?
Applicants will be asked to prepare and perform two pieces on their first instrument. They may also choose to perform one piece on their second instrument. The pieces are of the applicant’s own choice and may be the same as those submitted with the application.
First study pianists are expected to perform their pieces from memory.
Applicants will also take a sight-reading test on their first instrument and some aural tests. These assessments give us a well-rounded picture of the applicant’s ability and potential, as well as their previous musical training. They also help us to place successful candidates in the most appropriate classes. Please be assured that these tests are not “make or break” and cannot be prepared in advance.
Following the audition, applicants will be interviewed by the panel which includes the Director of Music and the relevant Head of Department.
Applicants and their parents or legal guardians will also be given a tour of the School and an opportunity to meet with our Director of Boarding, who is a pastoral leader at the School. Parents will additionally have the chance to meet with our Bursar.
Audition fee
There is a non-returnable audition fee of £120, payable in advance for students invited to attend an audition.
Students applying for a Music and Dance Scheme place whose families face financial difficulty and for whom the application or audition fee is a barrier are invited to contact Admissions confidentially.
Audition outcome
Applicants are normally informed of the outcome of their audition within three weeks.
Following a successful audition, the candidate will either be offered a place or be placed on a waiting list.
If you would like any further information about auditions please email admissions@purcell-school.org or call 01923 331 100.
For information about applications, please see How to Apply.
