LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION GUIDE

Transcription

1 LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION GUIDE LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION GUIDE This application guide outlines information about how to prepare your portfolio and what to expect in the interview or audition. If you have any further questions about applying to the University of West London, please contact us

2 CONTENTS Entry requirements and how to apply Live Sound Production Music Performance Performance and Recording Music Composition Music Management Theatre Production Musical Theatre Acting

3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO APPLY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO APPLY Entry requirements To study with us, you must meet or expect to meet our general requirements, as well as any specific Level 3 entry requirements (plus GCSE Maths and English grade C or above) for your course. We will decide if your qualifications meet these requirements when considering your application. Any decision we make will also be based on your overall suitability for the course. For full entry requirement details for individual courses, please visit our website uwl.ac.uk. How to apply You can apply for full-time undergraduate degree courses at the University of West London through UCAS using Apply. Apply is an application system that allows you to apply online for full-time undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom. The application fee for this service is currently 23 for more than one choice or 12 for a single choice*. All applications should be made at UCAS deadlines for home/ EU students Applications submitted by the UCAS deadline of 15 January will be regarded as on-time applications and will be given equal consideration. You can still apply after that date, but your application will be considered late or treated as an application through UCAS Extra. Some courses may not have vacancies after 15 January, so you are advised to apply as early as possible before this date. Students at a school or college registered with UCAS All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students applications. You should obtain a buzzword from your tutor or careers adviser, which you will need when you register with UCAS. This establishes the organisation from which you are applying and allows your referee to attach your reference. Once you have completed your application, you submit it to your referee who will send the completed application to UCAS on your behalf. You can pay for your application online either by credit or debit card or by paying your school or other registered centre. What happens next? UCAS will send an electronic copy of your application to the University where staff consider your qualifications, personal statement and referee s report. There is then a shortlisting process. In the case of some courses you will be asked to provide a portfolio of your previous work, and may be invited to an interview. We will then decide whether to offer you a conditional place on the course of your choice which will be secured if you achieve the desired grades. If you already have your examination results we may make you an unconditional offer. UCAS will inform you of our decision. Once you have received all of your offers, you must accept one as your first or firm choice and one as your second or insurance choice. If you are holding a conditional offer from us and your results meet the conditions of that offer, we will confirm your place as soon as we are informed of your results by UCAS (in some cases you may have to let us know your results yourself). If you narrowly miss the grades of your offer, you may still be offered a place on your original choice of course, or you may be offered a place on an alternative course such as a Foundation year or a DipHE. Staff are always on hand to advise you. Different courses within the London College of Music have slightly different requirements and application processes. The following pages provide answers to the most common questions for each course, including information on whether a portfolio, audition or interview is necessary for your chosen course, and how to prepare for each of these instances. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO APPLY *Prices are correct at the time this brochure went to print. Please check the UCAS website for the latest prices. 4 5

4 GENERAL FAQS MUSIC TECHNOLOGY What performance opportunities are there? Can I join in with other subjects in music? Courses that may require an interview and portfolio: What does the interview consist of? GENERAL FAQS There are opportunities throughout the year to showcase your work. LCM Live is a series of performance events taking place at a number of locations within the College and across London. Major curriculum developments across the past few years have enabled LCM to move forwards in creating a platform of exciting opportunities for the entire University to witness and share. See our current list of live events at uwl.ac.uk/lcmlive which identifies a wide range of performance opportunities. Yes, there are a number of ways you can get involved in music outside of your course: Sinfonia Chorus and Chamber Choir Big Band Glee! String Ensemble Bloco Voxes Camerata Chamber ensembles Dance Drama Musical Theatre Societies. Student Union societies are also available for you to either join or begin yourself. FdA Music Technology BA (Hons) Music Technology (Top-up) BA (Hons) Music Technology (Specialist) BA (Hons) Music Technology with Composition BA (Hons) Music Technology (Audio Post Production) BA (Hons) Music Technology (Recording and Production) BA (Hons) Music Technology (Electronic Music Production) BA (Hons) Music Technology (Mixing and Mastering) BA (Hons) Music Technology with Radio Broadcasting BA (Hons) Music Technology with Video Production BA (Hons) Live Sound Production Courses that may require an interview, portfolio and audition (there will be a 25 audition fee): BA (Hons) Music Technology with Music Performance BA (Hons) Music Technology and Pop Music Performance You will be asked questions about your musical influences, current musical activity, ambitions etc. This tells us something about you, the person behind the application. If you have had an audition, you will be asked why you chose to perform that piece. You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions about the course for which you are applying. The interview will cover a wide range of topics, but thinking about the following points will help you prepare: Your submitted portfolio (where applicable), the concepts involved and the techniques you used Composers and/or performers that have influenced your work, your choice of pieces, ensemble activities etc The courses you are currently studying at school or college Your understanding of the course you re applying for at LCM Your personal statement on your UCAS form Your career aspirations. We advise applicants to treat the audition and interview very seriously, so take the time to prepare for both your performance and your interview thoroughly. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 6 7

5 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MUSIC TECHNOLOGY What am I required to bring to the interview? Bring your interview appointment paperwork eg invitation letter etc and all subject relevant material for the course you are applying for including any new work you may have made since submitting your portfolio. What do you mean by a portfolio? A portfolio, or show reel, is often required in the media industries. Given the diversity of skills and backgrounds that our courses draw upon, it is difficult to define the contents of a portfolio, but here are some basic guidelines you should follow: It is a way to present your abilities, commitment and ideas in written or recorded format for others to appreciate. We would usually expect to see a mix of practice-based material such as recordings and appropriate supporting written work. The written material is used to support and describe the contents of your portfolio. Within reason, you are encouraged to use any suitable method to enhance the presentation of your work in order to make it accessible, interesting and user friendly. If you are applying for the BA (Hons) Music Technology with Music Composition course you will need to submit example scores to demonstrate your composition background as part of your portfolio. What formats are accepted for portfolio submission? You can submit your portfolio in one of two ways: 1. Upload your tracks to SoundCloud, (you will need to set up a user account to do this), include the link to your SoundCloud files in your written work, and send a PDF document of the written work to Undergraduate Admissions, undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk 2. Submit the portfolio on an audio CD (known as Red Book, the type which will play on a standard domestic CD player) with written work in printed form, and post it all to: Undergraduate Admissions Walpole House Bond Street Ealing London W5 5AA If you are heavily involved in performance or managing bands, clubs, DJing etc then you may wish to supplement your portfolio with paper-based material such as flyers, reviews, letters etc, but we would still be expecting to hear audio material for which you are responsible. DO NOT provide data discs (eg Pro Tools session and audio files), mixed mode, multisession or multi-mode CDs. Can I submit my portfolio via ? No. Submission of audio or complex images are not usually sent by as the server size can be limiting, resulting in delivery failure. How many tracks should I submit? Please carefully consider the previous reference to showing your ability and commitment and submit a sufficient number of tracks for this to be properly determined. Do you always ask for a portfolio? Not always. In some cases we do not require a portfolio, for instance, if you have studied Music Technology at A level or BTEC and passed with good grades (or have predicted good grades) then this will be sufficient evidence of your ability. However, if you have not passed or are not undertaking Music Technology A level or BTEC, portfolios will be requested to ascertain your level of ability. What are you looking for in the supporting written document? Context An overview of aspects to consider within your supporting written document: What did you do? Where did you do it? Who wrote the material? Who produced it, and when? Who are the performers? Who did you work with and what were their roles? What are the ideas based on? What/who are the influences? MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 8 9

6 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MUSIC PERFORMANCE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY Technical details A description of the equipment and software used and techniques involved in making your tracks, such as: What audio recording, editing and sequencing environments did you use? State hardware and software versions used. Which microphones did you use, and why? How did you set them up? How did you put the track together in your sequencing software? What types of effects, eq and dynamics did you use, and how did you use them? What file format did you use when mixing down your track to stereo (eg wav, AIFF, mp3) and why did you choose that format? What formats are accepted for written submissions? We expect the supporting written document to be provided in print form to accompany the CD/DVD or as a PDF if you are submitting using Soundcloud. Courses that may require an interview and audition (there will be a 25 audition fee): BMus (Hons) Music Performance with Music Management BMus (Hons) Music Performance A minimum of grade 8 performance is required together with grade 5 theory. If you need to brush up on your music theory, visit for excellent free video tutorials. Courses that may require an interview, portfolio and audition (there will be a 25 audition fee): BMus (Hons) Music Performance with Music Technology A minimum of grade 8 performance is required together with grade 5 theory. BMus (Hons) Music Performance and Recording A minimum of Grade 6 performance standard is required together with grade 5 theory. If you need to brush up on your music theory, visit for excellent free video tutorials. If applying for this course you will also be asked to provide a portfolio outlining your technology skills. The following information offers guidance as to what you should include. Please note that wherever reference is made to instrument, this includes voice. What needs to be in my portfolio? Your portfolio should be a demonstration of your skills in music technology and knowledge of the techniques involved. We would like to hear a number of musical tracks (a minimum of two), involving some or all of the following: recordings of acoustic instruments and vocals, MIDI sequencing, the use of virtual (plug-in) instruments and/ or hardware electronic instruments, and skills in mixing and the use of effects. Please also provide a supporting written document, describing the relationship between you and the material you present in your portfolio, including a description of the techniques you used in recording, sequencing and mixing your tracks. What needs to be in my written work? A number of aspects should be considered within your written support document: What was the context within which the work was made? Who wrote the material? Who produced it? Who are the performers? Who did you work with and what were their roles? When was it produced? What are the ideas based on? What are the ideas behind the work? What/who are the influences? MUSIC PERFORMANCE 10 11

7 MUSIC PERFORMANCE MUSIC PERFORMANCE MUSIC PERFORMANCE Written work - technical details Include a description of the equipment and software used, and the techniques employed in making your tracks, such as: Which microphones did you use, and why? How did you set them up? How did you put the track together in your sequencing software? What types of effects and dynamics did you use, and how did you use them? What file format did you use when mixing down your track to stereo (eg wav, aiff, mp3) and why did you choose that format? Do you audition and interview all applicants? Most applicants for performance courses are auditioned. However, some candidates who have a recent performance grade 6/8 (as appropriate to course) may be given an offer without an audition. Most applicants are auditioned and interviewed in person. Some applicants from overseas may submit a performance on DVD or electronically via the LCM audition website. A URL will be sent to the applicant in this case. Please contact us directly to discuss this option. What does the interview section consist of? You will be asked questions about your musical influences, current musical activity, ambitions etc. If you have also done an audition, you will be asked why you chose to perform a certain piece. This tells us something about you, the person behind the application. You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions about the course for which you are applying. The interview will cover a wide range of topics, but thinking about the following points will help you to prepare: Your submitted portfolio (where applicable), the concepts involved and the techniques you used Composers and/or performers that have influenced your work, your choice of pieces, ensemble activities etc The courses you are currently studying at school or college Understanding of the course you re applying for at LCM Personal statement on your UCAS form Your career aspirations. We advise applicants to treat the audition and interview very seriously, take the time to prepare for both your performance and your interview thoroughly. I have Grade 8 in performance on my chosen instrument, do I need to audition? If your Grade 8 certificate is recent (attained within the last 6 months - 1 year) this is generally acceptable without the need to audition. However, if you achieved your grade some time ago, it is possible you will be asked to audition to confirm that you are still at that standard. If I have a Grade 8 do I still have to make an application through UCAS? Yes. You are required to meet the university requirements relating to UCAS points. Do I need to have A Levels or additional qualifications in addition to my Grade 8? Yes. The Grade 8 exempts you from the audition process, but not the need for the relevant qualifications. Please refer to the website for details of necessary qualifications for these music courses at LCM. How old do I have to be before I can apply to LCM? 18 years of age. I have Grade 8 in performance on one instrument, but wish to specialise in another instrument. Will my grade be acceptable without the need to audition? You must tell us at the outset what your principal instrument of study will be. The Grade 8 requirement must apply to your chosen specialism. Therefore an audition will be necessary if your grade does not apply to that instrument. I don t have any grades in performance. Can I still be considered? Yes, but you may need to come in for audition and a theory test. If you need to brush up on your music theory, visit for excellent free video tutorials. I have a Grade 5 certificate in Music Theory. Will I need to be tested? No. However, we might ask you a few questions on it, so be prepared. I don t have any Music Theory grades. Can I still be considered? Yes, but you may need to come in for audition and theory test. What sort of questions can I expect in the theory test? You will be asked a range of questions in line with Grade 5 standard. For the Music, Performance and Recording course, you should refer to: MUSIC PERFORMANCE 12 13

8 MUSIC PERFORMANCE MUSIC PERFORMANCE MUSIC PERFORMANCE Will I be tested in sight-reading at my audition? Yes. All applicants will undergo basic tests in sight-reading at audition. In the case of singers, this will involve sight singing and rhythm reading exercises. The tests will be Grade 5 standard and you will be given a short time to look at them first. I am a guitarist taught to read Tablature (Tab). Will this suffice for the sight-reading requirement? No. In professional industry, guitarists are invariably required to read conventional music. The sight-reading test for guitarists will include basic chord rhythm parts, as well as a couple of lines of notation at Grade 5 standard. What can I expect for the performance part of the audition? Pop applicants Pop applicants will be asked to play (or sing) two pieces of music or songs. It is entirely up to you which ones you choose, and you may perform original material. The two pieces MUST be in contrasting styles. This is to enable us to assess your ability across your chosen instrument. You can choose to perform to a backing track (bring a CD or ipod with your backing music on please), or perform unaccompanied. You may also bring along an accompanist, but please notify us in advance so that this can be accommodated. We may need to arrange for your accompanist to have a piano or guitar amp! You will be asked to perform certain exercises related to your instrument. These may include scales, arpeggios, rhythm exercises etc. Drummers will be asked to demonstrate technique by playing exercises at the required standard. You will also be given basic sight-reading tests. Classical/Jazz applicants Classical/Jazz applicants will be asked to perform up to ten minutes of music, normally two pieces in contrasting styles. Singers should be prepared to perform 2-3 pieces or songs. You may bring an accompanist (usually a pianist) or we can provide a pianist if needed. Most instrumentalists will perform solo. You will be asked to perform certain exercises related to your instrument. These may include scales and arpeggios, as well as aural tests, theory questions and sightreading. If you have not passed Grade 5 Music Theory, you will be asked to take a written test, which will include questions on chords and cadences. What should I bring to the audition? Guitarists and bass players should bring their instrument. Amplification is provided. If you need to use your own mains powered effect units, please be aware that due to Health and Safety regulations, these MUST have passed a current PAT test (Portable Appliance Test). Our amps do have basic effects and overdrive built in. Don t forget plectrums, capos and tuners if needed. Drummers just need to bring sticks (and brushes if required). Keyboard players are auditioned on piano. All other instrumentalists should bring their instrument. If you are using your own backing tracks, these should be brought on a CD or an ipod. If you have recently passed your Grade 5 theory and are claiming exemption from the theory test, please remember to bring your certificate. How do I submit my portfolio? You can submit your portfolio, if required, in one of two ways: 1. Upload your tracks to SoundCloud, (you will need to set up a user account to do this), include the link to your SoundCloud files in your written work, and send a PDF document of the written work to Undergraduate Admissions, undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk 2. Submit the portfolio on an audio CD (known as Red Book, the type which will play on a standard domestic CD player) with written work in printed form, and post it all to: Undergraduate Admissions Walpole House Bond Street Ealing London W5 5AA If you are heavily involved in performance or managing bands, clubs, DJing etc then you may wish to supplement your portfolio with paper-based material such as flyers, reviews, letters etc but we would still be expecting to hear audio material for which you are responsible. DO NOT provide data discs (eg Pro Tools session and audio files), mixed mode, multisession or multi-mode CDs. What careers do graduates of the course go into? Our graduates are currently employed across the music industry with successful careers working as solo artists, performers and arrangers in conjunction with orchestras and theatres as well as jazz and contemporary groups. Graduates have also entered the related areas of music publishing and arts management, instrumental or vocal teaching and (after further study) classroom teaching. MUSIC PERFORMANCE 14 15

9 MUSIC COMPOSITION MUSIC MANAGEMENT MUSIC COMPOSITION Courses that will require the submission of a portfolio of compositions: BMus (Hons) Music Composition BMus (Hons) Music Composition with Music Management BMus (Hons) Music Composition with Music Technology Portfolio You will be asked to send a portfolio of compositions prior to interview. If you wish you can send recordings of the pieces, but this is not essential. The portfolio should include some examples of hand-written manuscript work and may be entirely hand written throughout. Please send photocopies only and not originals. Please note that scores generated via MIDI files are not acceptable. They should be generated using notation software. These are assessed by a member of the composition staff and may be discussed with you at an interview if one is requested. Please note that an interview may be conducted in person, by telephone or Skype but is not always required. All styles are considered. We will expect you to have some knowledge of instrumentation and harmonic progression. You will also be required to complete some simple aural tests. This is a course for those interested in the business side of music. We welcome applications from both Level 3 students progressing straight into university and those who have been working and wish to return to studying. Information relating to your love of music and possibly your participation in music is welcome but not essential. If, for example you are or have been involved in managing bands, staging club or live events, DJing, blogging etc then this information supported with online or paper based material such as flyers, reviews, letters, etc would be helpful but not essential. Written work Some applicants may be invited to complete a piece of written work to demonstrate their competence in writing about music. Do you interview all applicants? For the BA (Hons) Music Management course we offer a number of outstanding applicants a place without interviewing, but we usually invite you for interview so we can discuss your suitability for the course, giving you the chance to meet us and talk through your knowledge and passion for the subject. We wholly welcome applications from musicians and others engaged in music who seek to understand the business side of music, as well as those already involved in/ studying music. What can I expect from the interview? The interview is an informal opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge of and passion for the business aspects of music including management, record labels, live work, marketing, promotion and PR. You can also discuss how you are (or have been or hope to be) engaged in music, for example perhaps staging local events, being in or managing a band, writing reviews, blogging etc. Is it compulsory to supply information relating to music business experience? No, we understand many applicants are beginning on a career in music and do not possess experience so this information is not compulsory, it is simply useful to see examples of your current or previous music management or business related projects if you have them. MUSIC MANAGEMENT 16 17

10 MUSIC MANAGEMENT THEATRE PRODUCTION What formats are accepted for information? Why do I need to attend an interview? What can I expect from the interview? MUSIC MANAGEMENT Any information can be submitted via and if possible it s helpful to bring a physical copy with you to your interview. (For overseas students, we are happy to do interviews via Skype). What should I bring to my interview? Interview appointment paperwork eg invitation letter etc plus subject relevant material appropriate to the course you are applying for. What careers do graduates of the course go into? Our graduates have gone on to careers in music artist management, live music events, record label management, music publishing and various positions in the music industry including in music PR, online and social media. We interview students and ask to see a portfolio of your previous work prior to offering places on the course to check you have the skills and knowledge to succeed and, more importantly, to give you the opportunity to meet us, see our facilities, and check the course is right for you. Studying a degree in Theatre Production with us is a very rewarding experience and will introduce you to a large number of theatre contacts and companies to help you get that first step in your career. What should I bring to my interview? You should bring any subject-relevant material appropriate to the course you are applying for, including your portfolio if required. What are you looking for in a portfolio? Your portfolio can include examples of 3D work (photos are acceptable but at least one actual example is good), examples of figure drawing with clothing or costume, and some examples of art and design work for performance. Evidence of your involvement with stage management, lighting or sound will also be relevant. These are likely to come from your previous studies but can also reflect your hobbies such as Amateur Dramatic group work. When you come to the interview, we will not only be looking at your artistic and technical ability but also getting to know what kind of person you are. We want to see what you have to offer to the theatre, art and performance industries and to give you the opportunity to meet us and ask questions. Some points to consider that will help you prepare for your interview are: Your personality, including your strengths when working in a team environment or being directed to assist in the creation of someone else s vision. How well you communicate, such as your skills in passionately communicating the concepts and methods in your portfolio. For example, could you talk about them without actually showing the interviewer your work? Your passion for the subject area and the theatre industry. It can be a tough industry to work in so it is important that you love what you do! Your understanding, flexibility and creativity in the design and/or technical aspects of theatre production. In all aspects of the theatre industry you need both a positive attitude and an ability to compromise and collaborate to ensure the success of the production. We will be looking for qualities in you that demonstrate your potential to work in this way. MUSIC MANAGEMENT 18 19

11 THEATRE PRODUCTION MUSICAL THEATRE AND ACTING We will of course also talk about your talent! This is where your portfolio will be useful in demonstrating your strengths and creativity. What academic requirements do you expect from applicants? General requirements: GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above Level 3 qualifications (A Levels, BTec, IB) in a related area eg Drama, Performance, Production Arts, Art and Design. Normal entry requirements 300 UCAS points We consider applications from students who have considerable work experience in the theatre. We also expect students to have some knowledge about and enthusiasm for theatre and performance in any of its forms. Courses that may require an interview and audition: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Course Code: WW45) BA (Hons) Musical Theatre with Foundation (Course Code: 312W) BA (Hons) Acting (Course Code: W410) Please note: Musical Theatre with Foundation consists of 4 years of study. There is a 40 audition fee for both the Musical Theatre and Acting courses. Which course should I apply for? The structure and content of the first year of study, in both degree courses, will be identical. In the second and third year of the degree course you will specialise and concentrate in either Musical Theatre or Acting as a discrete discipline. You will be required to confirm the degree course of your choice at the time of application. How long is the audition? You will be required to attend for the whole day from 10am. It is important if you are travelling a long distance that you make suitable travel arrangements to enable you to stay until 3.30pm due to the nature of the selection process. How do I confirm my audition? The possible audition dates will be displayed on our website. You need to confirm your attendance by payment of the audition fee. What should I expect in the audition? Your audition will be in two sections. In the first section you will be required to participate in: A short dance/movement session to include warm-up and simple task (WW45/ 312W/ W410) A vocal warm-up and general musicianship/theatre knowledge test (WW45/312W). In the second section you will be required to: Perform a monologue from a contemporary play (post 1980) - 20 lines maximum Perform a musical theatre song*, approximately bars Perform a musical theatre lyric* as a dramatic monologue (WW45) Perform a Sonnet by William Shakespeare (W410). *Do not present any material, sung or spoken, from a play or musical currently running in the West End

12 MUSICAL THEATRE AND ACTING MUSICAL THEATRE AND ACTING What should I bring to the audition? Wear loose comfortable clothing suitable for an audition and appropriate footwear. Bring unmarked copies of your monologue, song lyric (WW45 /312W) or sonnet (W410), and appropriately annotated vocal/piano score for your chosen song, written work on preparation of monologue only plus a passport photo. Will I get feedback on my audition? No written feedback will be given to you following the audition, but you will get a clear verbal response from members of the panel regarding your performance work undertaken within the workshop and audition. What does it mean to:... prepare and perform a musical theatre lyric as a dramatic monologue? You are expected to choose a song lyric, work on the text and then use this text as a spoken monologue in order to create character and situation that is appropriate to the words spoken. Why only bars of a song? The purpose of the audition is to sell yourself in the most positive way you can. When you prepare your audition song aim to sing for one minute and be able to display as many facets of your vocal skill as possible. If we want to hear more the panel will request this! Do I have to bring copies of audition material? Yes. While the panel will not require a copy of you repertoire, we strongly advise that you bring copies of everything you are performing for your own welfare and well-being within the audition process. The tension on the day is often high and there is a tendency for your memory to let you down. By having everything you need for a prompt, you ll remove this stress. Bring clean, unmarked texts to the audition to help you if you forget words in the moment. Don t bring annotated versions, we are interested in what you do at the moment of performing rather than seeing you trying to work out what you intended to do in your performance from comments written on the page

13 MUSICAL THEATRE AND ACTING MUSICAL THEATRE AND ACTING How will the audition day be structured? In the morning session you will be required to take part in a short movement session where you will create a movement piece. You will then be requested to take part in a short vocal warm-up and respond to general musicianship and theatre knowledge tests. Following this you will then be requested to perform your prepared song, song lyric/ sonnet (depending on which course you are applying for) and monologue. There will be a natural break in the middle of the day and there will be an opportunity to take refreshments. There is a café located within the Student Union. However, you are advised to bring water with you for the duration of the audition. Do I have to wear black? No. However, it is necessary to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for a short vocal workshop. Avoid sparkly tops and hot pants. Aim for a sense of neutrality to be observed in order for the different characters you perform and their physicality to be communicated in an objective manner. Please do not wear jewellery for your audition. Can I use backing tracks? No. You must bring correctly prepared sheet music. Aim to photocopy the song to be performed and make certain that it is suitably prepared for the accompanist. Single sheets are likely to fall off the piano and the accompanist will be spending more time picking up your music than accompanying you. Cellotape the sheets together, do not staple the music. Can I use transposed songs? Yes. But there must be a significant technical or artistic reason as to why this is necessary. Some general words of advice for giving the best audition Ensure the song is in the correct key for your voice and that you are aware of the piano accompaniment. Try to cut down piano interludes of more than 2 bars. The panel want to hear you sing not the accompanist play. Select songs that suit your voice and pick the section of the song that shows off your voice the best. Keep in mind that the verse is never better than the refrain. Avoid songs that you know are sung often. Know the correct tempo so that you can communicate this to the accompanist. Use appropriate audition material suitable to showing your strengths in the field of musical theatre. Avoid using monologues from plays and songs from shows that you have recently performed. When re-directed these candidates often resist the instruction or guidance they are given and so show a reluctance to accept direction. Where possible, do not sit down to present your pieces. This is an audition and we need to be aware of your entire physicality and skills to create and embody character. You should ensure you are prepared physically for the audition by getting enough rest for at least two days before your audition, try to avoid milk or dairy products the evening before you come to meet us and take a moment to warm up silently before going into the audition room. And finally, a few pointers for what not to do! Never set yourself a challenge in the audition. This is your moment to shine and show the panel what you can do. Always perform material with which you are familiar not something that you have just learnt. Don t sing material in which you are constantly aware of the technical requirements. Avoid lengthy material that is selfindulgent or negative. Be careful not to choose anything that is emotionally too difficult for you to handle. Do not choose songs with difficult accompaniments. While you will have been working on the song for several months, the pianist is sight reading at 5 seconds notice

14 LCM All-Steinway School 26 27

15 UCAS TARIFF TABLES UCAS TARIFF TABLES Music Examinations Practical Theory Tariff points Grade 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Distinction 75 Merit 70 Distinction 60 Pass Merit 55 Distinction 45 Pass Merit 40 Distinction 30 Pass Merit 25 Pass Distinction 20 Merit Distinction 15 Pass Merit 10 Pass 5 Points shown are for the ABRSM, LCMM / UWL, Rockschool and Trinity Guildhall/Trinity College London Advanced Level music examinations. Rockschool Music Practitioners qualifications Grade Extended Diploma Diploma Subsidiary Diploma Extended Certificate D* D M P Vocational Graded Dance Certificate Graded Dance Grade 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Tariff points Distinction 65 Merit Distinction Pass Merit 45 Distinction 40 Pass Merit 35 Pass 30 British Ballet Organisation, British Theatre Dance Organisation, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Royal Academy of Dance. Speech and Drama Examinations PCertLAM Grade 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Tariff points Distinction 90 Merit 80 Distinction 65 Pass Merit 60 Distinction 55 Merit 50 Pass 45 Distinction 40 Pass Merit 35 Pass 20 For further information on UCAS tariff points, please search tariff tables on the UCAS website: Advanced Foundation Intermediate Tariff points Distinction 70 Distinction 65 Merit 55 Merit 50 Pass 45 Pass 40 British Ballet Organisation, British Theatre Dance Association, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Royal Academy of Dance

16 UCAS TARIFF TABLES GCE and AVCE Double Award GCE/VCE qualifications GCE A level and AVCE GCE AS and AS VCE* BTEC Nationals Qualifications (NQF) Diploma Certificate Award *Only stand-alone AS level qualifications may be counted in the points score. Tariff points DDD 360 DDM A*A* DMM 280 A*A 260 AA MMM DD 240 AB 220 BB MMP DM 200 BC 180 CC MPP MM 160 CD A* 140 DD A PPP MP D 120 DE B 100 EE C PP M 80 D A 60 B 50 E C P 40 D 30 E 20 The English Chamber Orchestra is the most recorded chamber orchestra in the world, its discography containing 860 recordings of over 1,500 works by more than 400 composers. The ECO has also performed in more countries than any other orchestra, and played with many of the world s greatest musicians. The illustrious history of the orchestra features many major musical figures. Benjamin Britten was the orchestra s first Patron and a significant musical influence. LCM students will benefit from: Eight masterclasses led by ECO members A series of student composer/performer ensemble workshops including a performance of composer works An orchestral coaching session and a side-by-side rehearsal with the ECO Two lunchtime recitals as part of the LCM Live Wednesday Celebrity Lunch time Recital series An Industry Platform Opportunities for student internships with the ECO Reduced-price tickets at the ECO s own promoted Cadogan Hall concerts Behind-the-scenes tour of Cadogan Hall Access to the ECO s open rehearsals at Cadogan Hall and at LCM. In addition, students of the London College of Music will get the chance to work closely with ECO musicians on a series of 8 workshops for musicians in the early stages of dementia, in collaboration with leading dementia charity, Arts4Dementia. For more information about the agreement, please visit uwl.ac.uk/lcm For further information about the agreement, please contact Dr. Emilie Capulet Head of Classical Performance emilie.capulet@uwl.ac.uk 30 31

17 We hope you have found this guide useful, and we look forward to receiving your application! If you have any further questions, or would like to discuss the course before applying please contact us on , us at or come to one of our open days to speak to us in person. For upcoming open days please visit uwl.ac.uk/open. LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION GUIDE