Audition process

Audition process

Every child applying to study at the RMA must have an audition.

Auditions for children aged 7 and under

Auditions for children from the age of 7 onwards also aim at gaining the understanding of the child’s musical ability and level at the time of applying to the school and the parents’ aims and expectations in terms of their child’s music education. We also assess the child’s level to ensure she/he is placed in the right group for lessons and do our best to understand the child’s personality to achieve the most harmonious teacher-pupil match.

At the audition we will ask:

  • To sing any song (unaccompanied) the child knows;
  • To sing back a melody played on the piano by the examiner;
  • To clap back the melody played on the piano by the examiner;
  • To say whether the melody sounds happy or sad;
  • To say how many notes were played together on the piano by the examiner;
  • To sing the top, the middle and the bass note of the chord played on the piano by the examiner and to say whether the chord sounds happy, sad or “strange” (we want to see if the child can differentiate between major, minor and augmented/diminished triads by ear).

If a child already plays an instrument, we will offer simple sight-reading tests and ask to play two contrasting pieces. We might also ask to play an etude and some scales, but only if they have already been learning them. We ask the parents to be present at the audition, but we understand that some children might feel more relaxed when the parents are not present. In this case, we will invite the parents to join in after we have concluded all tests. They will then have an opportunity to ask us any questions they might have. On our part, we are always interested to hear why the parents want their child to do music, what expectations they have of the child’s musical future, what their attitude is towards regular practice, which role music plays in their family etc.

The outcome of the audition for the children aged 6 and under doesn’t depend on how well a child did with the tests. We will offer a place to any child in this age group as long as we can see the family’s commitment to the child’s music studies and subject to the place being available.

All our auditions are conducted in a very friendly way and we aim to create an environment in which a child feels free and willing to engage with us. No preparation is required for the aural part of the audition – as mentioned before, it is the initial music level and ability that we aim to assess. If a child already plays an instrument, we expect the pieces to be well prepared.

We will let you know about the outcome of the audition by e-mail within one week of the audition date.

In case of a positive outcome, a child will need to have a short trial lesson with our Choir Director Marek Maryniak and our Solfeggio course coordinator Nadja Hochlova before we place her/him in a choir and solfeggio group.

If we can’t see the required commitment from the family and because of this the audition is not successful, we will offer a child to attend choir only for a term to see if this can help build a stronger commitment.

The reason for entry to the school at this age being made on a non-selective basis in terms of the child’s ability and level is due to us wishing to give every child an opportunity to get into the wonderful world of music at an early age irrespective of their music ability and family background. In our experience, if a child is introduced to music at an early age with a gentle and caring approach, it is likely to become a passion of theirs for life. We want to give this opportunity to as many children as possible and are therefore willing to accommodate everyone as long as the family is understanding of what music education entails and is happy to ensure regularity of the lessons and practice at home.

Auditions for children aged 7+

Auditions for children from the age of 7 onwards also aim at gaining understanding of their musical ability and level at the time of applying to the school as well as their music potential, but entry to the school from the age of 7 is selective. Having said this, we do not want to turn any child away from having a music education, so we offer alternative programmes for those who have not yet reached the level required for 7+ entry, with the possibility of transferring to the full programme later.

Auditions for children aged 7+ contain the same aural tests as the ones for aged 7 and under (please see above) but the melodies played become longer and more complicated and a child should be able to recognise not only triads but also seventh chords by ear.

At this age, a child is expected to play an instrument and we ask to prepare two contrasting pieces, one etude and scales relevant for their level of playing. Relevant sight-reading tests will also be offered. Sight-reading tests will comprise extracts from actual pieces, rather than sight-reading tuition books exercises. The best way to prepare for sight-reading tests is therefore reading new pieces or sections of them on a daily basis.

We also expect a child to have some basic knowledge of solfeggio (aural and theory).

However, if a child can demonstrate the required level of instrumental playing but is behind with solfeggio, we will still offer him/her a place with the understanding that he/she might need to join a solfeggio group with younger children or have some one-to-one solfeggio lessons to reach the level required for that age.

The outcome of the audition also depends on the family’s commitment to their child’s music studies which we aim to understand during the chat with the parents at the end of the audition. In some cases of older children, a child’s own commitment might be so strong that even if the parents can’t demonstrate the required commitment, we might take into consideration that the child’s commitment is sufficient and offer a place anyway.

The parents will be notified of the results of the audition within one week from the audition date.

In case of a positive outcome, a child will need to have a short trial lesson with our Choir Director Marek Maryniak and our Solfeggio course coordinator Nadja Hochlova before we place her/him in a choir and solfeggio group.

If the outcome is negative, we will offer a child a possibility to enrol in an alternative programme. The teaching will essentially be the same as for the main programme, but we might need to take a child at a slower pace, especially if any remedial work is required and we will not be able to put a child in any public concerts until we feel that they have reached the required level and can also feel comfortable on stage. We always keep an opportunity open for a transfer from an alternative programme to the main programme.

Ultimately, we always seek to find a way to help a child get music education and take him/her on a beautiful music journey. Obviously, it is great if the audition goes well but even if it doesn’t, we will work together with the parents to make things work for their child, as long as the parents desire that their child gets music education and are prepared to have the necessary commitment. This way we keep the door open for anyone wishing to embark on this exciting, albeit demanding journey!

Assistance with fees

We never reject any child wishing to join RMA, provided he/she demonstrates the required commitment to music studies and is prepared to work hard. We understand that not every family can afford to pay for the comprehensive music education RMA provides. Therefore, when a child is invited for an assessment and interview, we explain the possibility/criteria of applying for financial assistance to the family. We always work with families to find a way to help with costs in cases of genuine financial difficulties.

Scholarships

Offers of scholarships can be made at the auditions and/or on the outcome of regular assessments. Scholarships range from 10% -100% of the fees depending on the level achieved and family finances.

Bursary Fund

Families that would struggle to pay full fees for a child who has not yet reached the level required for the scholarship award, are invited to apply for assistance from our Bursary Fund.

Hardship Fund

Families whose circumstances suddenly change are invited to apply for assistance from our Hardship Fund.

We also offer free and subsidised places in Junior Choir and Junior Orchestra for children from less well off families.