Opera Studies Auditions
We encourage you to attend a live audition where possible. If you are unable to, you have the option to submit a recorded audition.
Applications for Opera and Vocal Studies
Please note that you may apply for Opera Studies, Vocal Studies or make a joint application to be considered by both the Opera and Vocal Studies departments.
If you wish to apply for Vocal Studies or as a Joint applicant, please go to the Vocal webpage for audition requirements.
The below audition information is for candidates applying to Opera Studies only.
Opera Studies: MMus and Artist Diploma
The audition comprises two rounds – if you are successful in the first round, you will be invited to sing again in the second round. You must be available to sing for both rounds.
First round auditions will take place between 2-9 December 2024 and second round auditions will take place on 10/11 December. We aim to schedule students travelling from overseas for first round auditions on 9 December although this cannot be guaranteed.
We reserve the right to record live auditions for the purpose of internal review only. Footage is not released to candidates or third parties.
First round – 2-9 December inclusive
Please prepare two contrasting operatic arias, one of which must be in English.
Second round – 10/11 December
Candidates invited to sing in the second audition should prepare two contrasting operatic arias, one of which must be different from those offered in the first round.
You will also be required to attend a 30 minute movement and drama workshop; please ensure you arrive wearing comfortable clothing for this session. You may change into audition clothing after the movement session and before your audition. Please note that we do not have designated changing facilities but you may use the restrooms to change.
First round
Please send a recording of three contrasting operatic arias, one of which must be in English.
Second round
A second round online workshop will be arranged (via video conferencing). This is scheduled to take place on 10/11 December.
Repetiteur Studies – MMus/MPerf and Artist Diploma
Live auditions are scheduled to take place in London in early 2025, usually late January.
You will be required to:
- play and sing two contrasting operatic excerpts of your own choice. At least one extract must be an ensemble
- sight-read from opera vocal scores
- follow a conductor’s beat
- take pronunciation tests in French, German and Italian
First round
The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 3 January 2025. You will be required to upload a video recording demonstrating the following:
- playing and singing two contrasting operatic excerpts of your own choice. At least one extract must be an ensemble.
Second round
If you are successful in this initial audition, you will be invited to a second round live online audition (via video conferencing). This will take place in early 2025.
During this audition, you will be required to:
- sight-read from opera vocal scores (via video/screen-sharing)
- follow a conductor’s beat (via video/screen-sharing)
- take pronunciation tests in French, German and Italian
Advanced Certificate
Audition requirements are the same as those for the MMus/MPerf and Artist Diploma programmes.
Artist Diploma – additional information (Singers and Repetiteurs)
Applicants who are successful in the initial auditions will be required to submit the below (you will be contacted following your audition):
- an up-to-date artistic CV
- a recent recording (made within the last year).
These items will be reviewed by the Artist Diploma Panel as part of the second round of consideration.
