Q: Does my video application need to be accompanied?

A: You can pick either accompanied or unaccompanied repertoire for your application. If your repertoire choice has an accompaniment part, we advise you that you choose what will give you the best musical outcome. If you have an accompanist at hand then this is ideal, but if sufficient rehearsal time or access to someone suitable isn’t possible, then we will accept an unaccompanied audition too.

  

Q: I don’t have a classical instrument, but some of the excerpts are classical repertoire – what should I do?

A: If you are a string player, we advise that you record your classical excerpts on your baroque instrument, with a correct bow if possible. It is your choice if you record your excerpts at 415 or 430 Hz. If you are a wind player and you don’t have access to a classical instrument, we have now uploaded alternative baroque excerpts which you can record instead. You can access these by downloading the excerpts folder.

  

Q: What pitch should I record my excerpts at?

A: We suggest that you record your excerpts and pieces at the pitches they were originally intended to be played. If this is not possible then we will accept applications at different pitches. Please get in touch if you are unsure about this.

  

Q: Can I play chamber music in my application?

A: You can play chamber music in your audition, however please be aware that we want to hear you in your best and fullest light – not all chamber music may be suitable for this.

  

Q: Is it possible to know the dates of the projects in advance, so that I know if I should apply or not?

A: There is not one particular project that people will be assigned to – rather a variety of options which will vary depending on what instrument you play, hence why we cannot publish exact dates. Anyone who is accepted onto the scheme will be offered a project, and if it clashes with a current engagement then they will be offered a different project, and so on and so forth.

  

Q: I am not free on the date of the audition, can I still apply?

A: If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, then unfortunately you cannot participate in the scheme.

  

Q: I am a student living in Europe, but I am not a European citizen. Can I still apply?

A: If you have a work visa or a student visa which offers the possibility to work in the EU/UK then you can apply for the scheme. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please contact our Learning & Participation Manager.

  

Q: I have access to a historically set up instrument but I have only had second study lessons, can I still apply?

A: Yes!

  

Q: Can I play classical repertoire for my application or live audition?

A: You can classical repertoire as part of your online application. If you are selected for a live audition, please note that if you want to play classical repertoire it will either have to be unaccompanied, or performed at 415Hz accompanied by a harpsichord.

  

Q: If I play one movement from a work in my application video, can I perform the whole work in my in-person audition?

A: No, you are required to perform a whole work for your audition, so including a movement which is the same as your application video is not permitted.

  

Q: Can each piece in my application be recorded in a separate take, or does the whole audition video need to be recorded in one sitting?

A: It is okay to combine separate recordings of each movement, as long as no editing occurs within the movements.

  

Q: I don’t have access to high-quality recording equipment for my online application. Will this affect my chances?

A: We try to be as fair as possible when listening to video applications, regardless of access to high-quality recording equipment. However, it is very difficult for us to accurately assess your performance if the sound is distorted on your recording. If you play a loud instrument, please check that you are not too close to the microphone, and check that your recording is not distorting in your soundcheck. If you require advice about your set up, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

  

Q: How can I get my travel costs covered for my audition?

A: If you are selected for an in-person audition, we will be in touch with you to arrange your travel and accommodation requirements.