Conservatoire applications

[Violasrule]

Is anyone else looking to apply for a 2025 Conservatoire place? We have just started the process and it’s a steep learning curve!

We’re aware that for some of the more prestigious colleges it’s useful to have an idea of which tutor you would like before you attend the audition. Has anyone else come across this?

How long do you have to accept or decline, do you know?

Last year we had to the end of January. Gives time for offer holder days and consultation lessons to find a teacher.

Thanks! My DS en route to RNCM for his first audition this afternoon. I’m more nervous than him

I know how you feel @Baili! Best of luck to your DS.

@Baili I remember that feeling well from last year. Horrible. Sending hugs. My husband had to accompany Ds to all his auditions as I was a wreck and would have made him worse. Best of luck to your Ds.

No, nor others DC knows who have had Guildhall auditions this week. Nothing yet!

DD got her Guildhall acceptance the day after her audition last year as well. Probably just as well they're doing it differently this year - seems strange to make offers before everyone has had a chance to audition!

Offered a place at RNCM! How exciting!

@Nomorecoconutboosts commiserations, very best wishes and fingers crossed for the next two.

@Baili many congratulations. Did they tell your DS at the audition?

Yes, they did. A great relief, and we are very happy

Congratulations! Great news@Baili

@Baili
many congratulations to your ds so happy for him (and you)

@Violasrule
thank you for your lovely post x

@Baili Amazing news!! Huge congratulations to your Ds ☺️

Congratulations to your ds @Baili
Hope everyone else has good news soon. Are your DC all classical applicants?

I'm glad auditions are all over for us. Logistically tricky with the short notice given - we had to ask grandparents to help with one needing an overnight stay and ds had to go by himself to Birmingham. I was relieved he made it there without getting (too) lost!

Out of the 5 places DS has applied, only RAM offered a choice of days/times - it made a welcome change, for sure

Wow @Baili that's excellent, congratulations to your DS!

Re accepting places.
Its not clear in any of the conservatoire info, but it is technically possible to accept a Guildhall offer and an offer from one of the other conservatoires, as Guildhall is not on UCAS cons.

Guildhall admissions told DS it was fine for him to accept and hold his place right up until enrolment (ie after A level results, in case of situations where people also have Oxbridge offers).

Brilliant. My kid is in 3rd year there so happy to answer any questions you or your young person might have.

Thank you, may well take you up on that. He still has his other auditions to go, so still all up in the air

That's great you have already heard. Mine still has one to do but not heard from first two yet.

I just learned something I didn't know. At RAM you must be 18 by 1 September the year you are joining. DS is still a few years away from applying to conservatoires but this will affect him, he will be 18 about a month later (we are in Scotland). DD is at RCM and it isn't an issue there, but anyone heard of this anywhere else? It's a shame to have fewer options available. He doesn't think he'll want a gap year because he wants to stay immersed in music study, playing in ensembles, etc, and not have a year where all he can do in music is take lessons.

I know that is the case at Leeds as someone on wiwikau from Scotland asked the same question.

RNCM you have to be 18 by 31 December so that will be OK for you.

Birmingham are covered under BCU general admissions policiy which accepts under 18's