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Pathways to Conservatoire
Applications are now open. Deadline: 14 July.
This advanced part-time, online course is designed to prepare talented young musicians for studying at a UK conservatoire or university. Study online from the comfort of your own home.

Key information:
- Course dates:
- Sept 2025 to July 2027
- Age:
- 16+
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £5,000 per year
- Deadline:
- 14 July 2025
- Venue:
- Online
- Contact details:
- gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk
Join our unique course that prepares you for studying at a UK conservatoire
Pathways to Conservatoire is an introduction to the world of a top conservatoire for talented young musicians. Part of Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Online, this course offers different pathways to progress to a UK conservatoire or university. Some students may be offered the chance to audition for the second year of our Bachelor of Music Honours Degree – meaning significant cost savings for international students.*
This course is tailored to the specific needs of our students. It's for highly skilled young musicians in the last two years of education before going to a UK conservatoire. With a real-life taster of studying at a conservatoire, you'll study all academic elements of the first year modules of our Bachelor of Music Honours degree.
- Learn from industry-leading tutors from Guildhall School
- Continue working with your current music tutor
- Meet like-minded musicians from around the world
- Benefit from membership of Guildhall Young Artists
We take new students every September and the course lasts for two academic years. Auditions will take place week commencing 28 July 2025.
*While there is no guarantee that a student will be offered a place at Guildhall, if they are selected to audition for year 2, this will be a significant cost saving option for successful students with overseas fees status. In any event, this course provides a thorough preparation for students wishing to study at higher education in the UK.
Everything you need to know
Pathways to Conservatoire is for talented international musicians who are at post-Grade 8 or equivalent.
The is a two-year, part time course aimed at students in the last two years of study before applying for a UK conservatoire.
Most students would be 16+ on 1 September the year that they start the course, but there may be some exceptions to this depending on the education system in the country where they are based. Please contact us to find out more.
Students from the UK are welcome to apply for music courses at Junior Guildhall.
Apply now with our simple application form
Fill out the application form, then we will be in touch within a week to discuss your application. If we feel you are suitable to progress to the next stage, we will ask you to an online audition.
Auditions take place week commencing 28 July 2025 and we will do our best to arrange this around your availability.
Full details will be provided by a member of our friendly team when we receive your application.
We look forward to hearing all about you.
The course will cover all the academic elements of the Guildhall School's first-year Bachelor of Music taught over two years.
There will be two weekly classes that take place on Tuesdays with an industry-leading tutor, where you can work with other talented musicians. You will also have individual tuition and regular welfare sessions that can be arranged around your availability. Depending on the number of students who successfully enrol on the class, we may offer classes on an alternative day.
About Guildhall School
- Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists.
- We are one of the UK's leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, ranked number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2025.
- One of the top four institutions in the world for Music and Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and Guardian University Guide.
- We deliver world-class professional training.
Make sure you have:
- Your instrument
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
- Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
It would also be helpful if you have:
- Headphones
- Manuscript paper and a pencil
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
The course runs for two academic years starting in September 2025.
Year one term dates
Autumn term
22 September to 5 December 2025
Half term week commencing 27 October
Spring term
12 January to 27 March 2026
Half term week commencing 16 February
Summer term
20 April to 3 July 2026
Half term week commencing 25 May 2026
Year two term dates
TBC
The cost of the course is £5,000 GBP per annum and this covers all classes, individual sessions and the audition fee.
By signing up to this class, you agree to sign up for six terms over two academic years starting in September.
You can pay termly via an agreed payment plan or pay a one-off upfront cost. After acceptance onto the course, a member of the GYA Online team will be in touch to ask about your preferred payment option.
Please note, the usual visa processes will apply if you are subsequently successful in being awarded a place on Guildhall School's Bachelor of Music Honours degree.
Apply now with our simple online form
Apply nowWhat pathways could this course lead to?
This challenging, advanced course follows all academic elements of the first year of our Bachelor of Music Honours Degree. On successful completion of the course, there are different pathways available to progress your musical education.


Other online music courses
Pathways to Conservatoire not quite what you're looking for? We have a range of courses that you can study online, from anywhere in the world, with Guildhall Young Artists Online.
Learn music theory, song-writing, composing, musical awareness and more.