How to Apply

Applications open in September of the year before entry.

While there is no formal deadline, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible in the academic year, as places are limited.

Candidates are assessed according to their age and potential at the time of application.

Applications should be made by a parent via our online admissions platform.

Each application is reviewed by the relevant Head of Department, and applicants may be invited to audition. Information about the audition process can be found on the Auditions pag.

Entry to the School is by audition; there is no requirement to sit an academic entrance examination.

Please see Application Requirements below for further details.

Applications should include evidence of the student’s performance. The audio-visual recording should include:

• A solo performance on the first instrument
• A contrasting solo piece on the first instrument
• A solo piece on any supporting instrument (if relevant)

Please note that:

• At least one piece on the first instrument should be accompanied (except in the case of piano, organ, accordion, harp, percussion or guitar)
• First study pianists must perform pieces from memory
• The student must be clearly visible and audible in the recording.
• Recordings can be submitted as YouTube Links, video files or audio files (for compositions only).

Applications should include evidence of the student’s performance. The audio-visual recording should include:

• A solo performance on the first instrument
• A contrasting solo piece on the first instrument
• A solo piece on any supporting instrument (if relevant)

Please note that:

• At least one piece on the first instrument should be accompanied (if an accompanist is unavailable, please use a suitable backing track from YouTube)
• At least one piece on the first instrument should be a jazz standard
• The performance should contain a large percentage of improvisation
• Rhythm section instrumentalists should include evidence of ‘comping’ as well as soloing
• The student must be clearly visible and audible in the recording
• Recordings can be submitted as YouTube Links, video files or audio files (for compositions only)

Applications should include evidence of the student’s performance. The audio-visual recording should include:

• A solo performance on the first instrument
• A contrasting solo piece on the first instrument
• A solo piece on any supporting instrument (if relevant)

Please note that:

• At least one piece on the first instrument should be accompanied (if an accompanist is unavailable, please use a suitable backing track from YouTube)
• At least one piece on the first instrument should be a should be a non-original song
• The recording should contain some improvisation, and rhythm section instrumentalists should include evidence of ‘comping’ as well as soloing
• Instrumental and vocal performances should be of a minimum grade 5 equivalent standard
• At audition, students will be required to show evidence of music theory skill through sight reading and aural tests.

Applications should include the student’s compositions:

• Three compositions of any genre, style or length, one of which should be written out by hand
• One of the compositions should also be submitted as a recording (we are happy to waive this requirement for younger applicants)
• If you are applying for composition as a second study, please submit two compositions, as above.

Applications should include a portfolio of a range of original work as .wav files developed during the last year:

• these can include compositions using synthesis, sampling, creative FX and multi-track recording.
• from this portfolio the candidate should specify two contrasting pieces, and for these pieces only detail the equipment used (including DAW), a description of the work process involved, how and why specific FX and processors are used, sampling techniques used, synthesis techniques used and recording techniques employed.