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Undergraduate and Graduate Auditions

Preparing for your audition

An audition is an important step in your musical journey, and an opportunity for us to get to know you as an artist.

At RIAM, we are interested in more than technical ability alone. We want to hear how you communicate through music, understand your potential, and learn what drives you as a performer. Your audition also gives you the chance to experience the Academy and consider whether RIAM feels like the right environment for the next stage of your study.

All Undergraduate and Graduate applicants must audition as part of the admissions process. Auditions may take place in person at RIAM or online, depending on where you are based and the programme you are applying for.

Please read the information below carefully, including the requirements for your faculty, instrument, and programme.

How auditions work

All applicants audition as part of the admissions process. The repertoire you prepare depends on your programme, instrument, and faculty. The main difference between in-person and online auditions is how you present your performance:

  • In-person applicants perform live at RIAM and normally have a short interview immediately afterwards.
  • Online applicants submit a video audition first. If successful at pre-screening, they are invited to a Zoom interview.

Who auditions in person or online?

Applicant groupUsual audition route
Irish applicantsIn person at RIAM
EU applicantsIn person at RIAM or online
Overseas applicantsOnline audition

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Undergraduate courses include Access, DipMus & BMus 

FacultyWhat to prepare
StringsTwo contrasting pieces, up to 15 minutes total duration.
Wind, Brass and PercussionTwo contrasting pieces, up to 15 minutes total duration.
KeyboardTwo contrasting pieces, up to 15 minutes total duration.
Vocal StudiesOne Italian aria from the 17th or 18th century, and one song in English, German, or French.
Composition, 100%Portfolio of 2 to 3 original compositions.
Composition, 75% Composition / 25% PerformancePortfolio of 2 to 3 original compositions, plus performance on instrument. Degree standard performance is not required.
Composition, 50% Composition / 50% PerformancePortfolio of 2 to 3 original compositions, plus performance on instrument. Degree standard performance is required.
Choral ConductingTwo contrasting pieces, up to 15 minutes total duration, submitted by video.

If auditioning in person

  • You will perform live at RIAM. A short interview of approximately 5 to 7 minutes will normally follow your performance.

If auditioning online

  • You will submit a video link with the same repertoire listed above. If successful at pre-screening, you will be invited to an online interview.

Undergraduate entrance exam

Postgraduate Audition Requirements

Postgraduate courses include MMus, DMus, Recital Artist Diploma & Professional Mentorship

ProgrammeWhat to prepare
MMusA programme of your own choice, up to 20 minutes total duration.
Professional MentorshipA programme of your own choice, up to 20 minutes total duration.
Recital Artist DiplomaA programme of your own choice, up to 20 minutes total duration.
DMusA stylistically balanced programme of no less than 30 minutes total duration.

If auditioning in person

  • You will perform live at RIAM. A short interview of approximately 5 to 7 minutes will normally follow your performance.

If auditioning online

  • You will submit a video link with the same programme listed above. If successful at pre-screening, MMus, Professional Mentorship, and Recital Artist Diploma applicants will be invited to a 15 to 20 minute Zoom interview. DMus applicants will be invited to a 25 to 30 minute Zoom interview.

DMus applicants

  • All DMus applicants, whether auditioning in person or online, must submit a video audition of no less than 30 minutes. DMus applicants must also submit a strong research proposal and supporting documents, including repertoire list, academic and artistic references, degree transcripts, and composition portfolio where applicable.

 

Accompanists and Scores

In Person Auditions only

FacultyRequirement
StringsPiano accompaniment is required. Applicants arrange their own accompanist.
Vocal StudiesPiano accompaniment is required. Applicants arrange their own accompanist.
Wind, Brass and PercussionApplicants may bring their own accompanist or use RIAM’s in-house accompanist, where feasible.
KeyboardHard copies of music should be available to the panel on the day.

Applicants who require accompanist recommendations may email [email protected]. Fees are at the accompanist’s discretion.

Applicants using RIAM’s in-house accompanist must submit PDF copies of repertoire and piano scores at the time of application. Rehearsal time on the day may be limited.

Video Audition Requirements

  • One continuous, unedited take per piece. Static camera, live audio, no filters or enhancement. Landscape orientation, common format such as MP4. 
  • Ensure lighting is adequate and not from behind you and good image quality and resolution (min 1080p / HD). 
  • Record in a quiet environment with no parasitic noises. 
  • Single YouTube video link of all pieces has to be submitted at the time of your application in your Classter account or by emailing [email protected].  
  • You can have a very short, spoken introduction of yourself, this is not mandatory. 
  • Clearly reference repertoire pieces played and their composer. 
  • Please see samples here of successful candidates to RIAM and proper video submissions

Audition Timeline

For audition rounds for entry in 2027, please see the audition timeline in the below PDF. 

LIVE AUDITIONS & IN PERSON INTERVIEWS TIMELINE - ACADEMIC YEAR 2027-28
pdf