Young Artist Programme
The Royal Irish Academy of Music Young Artist Programme is an immersive pre-college pathway for high potential Junior RIAM students who are considering professional musical training. Young Artists receive extra support around their existing studies, with coaching, mentoring and performance opportunities that help them grow as confident, imaginative musicians.
Who is the Young Artist Programme for?
The programme is designed for:
Junior RIAM students who have reached post grade 8 standard on their principal study
Students typically aged 15 to 18 who show exceptional commitment, potential and curiosity
Junior RIAM students who are attending secondary school for the academic year in which they join the programme
Places are limited, usually to around 25 students at any one time. Most students spend one or two years on the programme, depending on their age when they begin. Students in their final year of school are normally eligible for one year only.
In exceptional circumstances, a primary school student may be considered for the Young Artist Programme. In these cases, a teacher may nominate one student only, and the application will be reviewed carefully by the Heads of Faculty and the Head of Junior RIAM.
What Young Artists receive
Young Artists remain full members of Junior RIAM and, in addition, have access to a rich set of opportunities, which may include:
Chamber music coaching in carefully selected small groups, at no additional cost
Extra performance opportunities in RIAM and partner venues
Complimentary tickets to selected RIAM concerts and other curated events
Opportunities to perform in and observe masterclasses
Coaching in platform presentation, communication and stagecraft
Mentoring from musicians and other professionals
Access to accompanists for rehearsals and key performances
These experiences are designed to deepen musical understanding, broaden artistic horizons and prepare students for the demands of conservatoire-level study.
Auditions and selection
Entry to the Young Artist Programme is by audition.
Candidates are invited to a live audition each year
An official RIAM accompanist is provided where required
Auditions include a performance and a question and answer conversation with the panel
All candidates prepare a contrasting programme of three works, or movements from larger works, with a total duration of up to ten minutes. The panel will choose which pieces or sections to hear on the day.
Selection is led by the Heads of Faculty and the Head of Junior RIAM, who assess musical standard, potential, engagement with learning and overall balance across instruments and voices.
Application process
Eligible students are invited to apply via an online Young Artist Programme application form below
Applications must be discussed with and approved by the student’s principal study teacher before submission
Application deadlines and audition dates are published each year on this page and in Junior RIAM communications