How to Apply: Junior RIAM

APPLICATIONS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026 ARE NOW CLOSED. 

Welcome to Junior RIAM Applications

Junior RIAM offers a fantastic array of courses, from beginner group classes, orchestras, bands and choirs to individual instrumental and vocal tuition, with some of Ireland’s finest teachers.

Our Early Years programmes are suitable for young children wishing to start their musical journey in Ireland’s national conservatoire. No audition is required and to find out more about our Pre-Instrumental and Beginner Classes, please visit our Early Years page. 

Individual instrumental or vocal lessons with our wonderful teachers are in high demand and places are awarded following the completion of an online application and a short audition submitted via video recording.

Junior RIAM students who play an applicable instrument will be allocated to one of our fine selection of bands and orchestras. Places in these ensembles are also open to applications from students who receive tuition externally. 

Applications are also welcomed for Junior Choir and we encourage instrumental as well as vocal students to participate in our choirs. 

The Junior RIAM entry & audition requirements are outlined below and applicants will be contacted following the closing date with more detailed information on the audition process.

APPLY NOW

Closing dates for Applications

• Individual Lessons - 21st February 2025
• Early Years Training, Performing Groups and Leaving Certificate - 16th May 2025. 
  Our introduction to piano and violin classes are now fully booked. You can contact riamjunior@riam.ie if you would like to be added to the waiting list.

If you are an existing parent/guarantor you will already have a Classter account. Please log in to submit applications for new students for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Important: Do not create a second account. If you need to update your email address or have questions about your account, contact us at riamjunior@riam.ie for assistance.

For help with the application process, detailed step-by-step guides for existing parents or guarantors are available below. These guides will walk you through each stage of the application.

Existing Parent/Guarantor Application Guidelines

For help with the application process, detailed step-by-step guides for new parents/guarantors are available below. These guides will walk you through each stage of the application. Please check your spam/junk email folders for the verification email when setting up your account.

New Parent/Guarantor Application Guidelines

Please note: There is a €35 non-refundable fee for applications. 

Those aged 18 and above who are interested in attending the Royal Irish Academy of Music should email adultdivision@riam.ie to get further information on opportunities available.

AUDITIONS

All applicants will receive full information on the audition process after the closing date for applications

Instrumental Auditions for Beginners  

Applicants are required to give a brief spoken introduction and play a short piece on any instrument or sing a song. In some instances, applicants may be invited to attend the Academy to ascertain physical suitability for particular instruments.  

We do not offer individual tuition to complete beginners in violin, piano or guitar. (Click here for information on Introductory group classes for complete beginners - no audition required).

The maximum age for beginner string players (excluding violin) is 12.  

Instrumental Auditions for non-Beginners  

Applicants are required to submit a video recording including the following:-  

• A short spoken introduction   
• 2 contrasting pieces   
• 1 major scale and arpeggio + 1 minor scale and arpeggio    

Voice  

The minimum age for applications for individual tuition in voice is 15.  

Applicants are required to submit a video recording including the following:-  

• A short spoken introduction   
• 2 pieces, one of which should be from the classical repertoire    

Junior Choir  

Junior Choir is for students aged 8 – 18. In person auditions will be held in May/June and will include the following:-   

• 1 unaccompanied short song 
• A full major scale starting on C or D  
• Sight singing