SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION

Important Information For Applicants

Please take careful note of the audition requirements and ensure that the correct elements are prepared.

The Main Audition

• Applicants should prepare two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice* and one piece on each supporting instrument/voice. We would request that, for reasons of time, further pieces are not prepared beyond these requirements.

• Where an applicant has been preparing scales for an exam recently, we will be glad to hear these as part of the audition, and it will be to their advantage to demonstrate a command of this important aspect of musical skill.

• Sight-reading of approximately grade 6 standard.

• Aural tests will follow the pattern of ABRSM grade 6.

• The audition concludes with an informal interview between the applicant and the department’s music staff. This will include an element of ‘theory’ knowledge based on looking at a score. Questions might be about terms, signs, key signatures or other performing indications.

Please note that these audition requirements mean that candidates will be at Canford for approximately 90 minutes to complete the audition process, including some time to warm up, at the end of which time they will be free to depart.

*Singers and pianists may offer these as their main ‘instrument’, but they must also offer a supporting orchestral or wind band instrument at a minimum of grade 5 level.

The Expected Standard

Although we will accept applications from those who have passed Grade 5 with merit or, ideally, distinction, most successful scholarship applications are from those who have passed at least grade 6 with merit or distinction. In all of their playing we are looking for both accuracy in performance and a strong sense of interpretation or ‘musicality’. Of equal importance to the playing standard reached is commensurate ability at sight-reading. Above all, we are looking for scholars who show enthusiasm and passion for their music-making.