Junior RIAM Auditions
After the application closing date, we email all applicants with full details of the audition or assessment process for their chosen programme. The information below outlines the general requirements so that you can prepare in good time.
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
This section applies to students who already play an instrument and are applying for Individual Lessons or Performing Groups.
Keyboard
The audition process for keyboard has two stages.
Stage 1, video audition
All keyboard applicants must submit a video recording that includes:
- A short spoken introduction, including name, age, current teacher if applicable, and why they wish to study piano at Junior RIAM
- Two contrasting pieces
- One major scale and arpeggio
- One minor scale and arpeggio
Stage 2, in person callback
A small number of successful candidates from the video stage will be invited to attend an in person audition at RIAM.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback on audition submissions.
Strings, wind, brass and percussion
Applicants for string, wind, brass and percussion instruments are required to submit a video recording that includes:
- A short spoken introduction, including name, age, current teacher if applicable, and why they wish to study this instrument at Junior RIAM
- Two contrasting pieces
- One major scale and arpeggio, plus one minor scale and arpeggio
These requirements apply both to students seeking Individual Lessons and to external students applying for Performing Groups where an audition is required.
Auditions for voice
The minimum age for individual tuition in voice is 15.
Applicants are required to submit a video recording that includes:
- A short spoken introduction
- Two pieces, with at least one chosen from the classical repertoire
Further guidance on suitable repertoire may be provided when audition invitations are issued.
RIAM Junior Choir auditions
Junior Choir is for students aged 8 to 18.
In person auditions are normally held in May and June and include:
- Sing a song of your choice (anything from a school piece to a pop song, or a folk tune for younger singers. Something that suits your voice)
- Vocal range test
- Clap back rhythms
- Echo singing
- (For older singers) Basic sight-singing
We welcome applications from both instrumental and vocal students for Junior Choir. The audition is designed to be musical and supportive, while allowing the panel to assess pitch, tone, rhythm and potential.
After your audition
All applicants will be contacted after the audition process is complete.
- Successful candidates will receive an offer and information on next steps.
- Where a place cannot be offered, we may suggest alternative routes, such as Early Years or introductory group classes, where appropriate.
Full audition timelines, including video submission deadlines and in person audition dates, are published each year on the How to join Junior RIAM page and in Junior RIAM communications.
