RCM, RAM, Guildhall JDs 2024

[MultiMusicMum]

I haven't seen a thread for this years round so thought I'd start one. I have a DS and a DD applying for these three.

We had our GH auditions this week and have come away a little shocked... DS had a great audition, it was well organised and panel was warm and friendly. DD's audition was an absolute shambles, no warm up time, the audition format was thrown out the window and the head of department was rude and actively critical throughout the audition. She came away crushed. She is 12 and Grade 8 on her primary study (which is not piano/violin) and in a national orchestra. She's now really rattled with RCM and RAM auditions this week. Would appreciate all and any advice on those audition formats please - types of questions, aural tests etc.

Many thanks in advance music mums! x

[StrangewaysHereWeCome]

Well done to your DD and DS for putting themselves out there. Auditioning for anything takes courage.

My DC are at a conservatoire outside of London, so I can't comment on the specifics. However when both auditioned on the same day, my younger one thought it all went well, and the older one reported it was horrible, including that her second study piece went down so badly that one of the panel asked if she'd like to do the last few bars again for her own satisfaction.

I think sometimes certain panel members see their role as challenging a student and providing (very loosely) constructive criticism, and this can be hard when you've only experienced supportive feedback at lessons/school etc. And whether or not this is the right approach for kids I'm not sure. But ultimately if your DC wants to perform at the highest level she will need to get a bit Zen about these experiences, including if they lead to rejection.

Ultimately, both of my DC did get in on that occasion. DC2 (who had a positive audition) was allocated a super-positive teacher, and DC1 has very technical perfectionist type who asks DC1 to be more self-critical, which DC2 would absolutely hate. So I also wonder if there was something in the panel's approaches about matching the student to the teaching approach.

Hopefully someone with some actual knowledge about RAM/RCM will be along soon and be of more help .

[MultiMusicMum]

Thank you! There could be an element of perception in the criticism received, but the organisation was genuinely very disappointing, not being able to warm up etc.

Curious to hear from others about when results are likely to come through too, there always quite vague! I gather RCM can wait until the last date (19th April) but others can come out about a week after audition?

Thanks again for any and all guidance!

[Violinist64]

I had a very talented pupil who auditioned last year for Guildhall and Trinity and was accepted for both. He is now at Junior Guildhall and thriving. He heard from Guildhall after three days - not surprising as he was asked which he would choose if accepted by both in his interview. Trinity were a little slower, taking about a week. I hope this helps and good luck to your child.

[Mickey33]

My daughter auditioned last week too at guildhall but we haven’t heard back as of yet. I think the lady at the desk said within 1 week.

[MultiMusicMum]

@Mickey33

My daughter auditioned last week too at guildhall but we haven’t heard back as of yet. I think the lady at the desk said within 1 week.

I hope she enjoyed it! Best of luck and keep me posted!

[horseymum]

There are lots of parents on the long running music thread in extra curricular who might be able to help. It's so hard doing auditions as it feels young to be getting ' rejections' but hopefully they get a place where they are happy. It's not always about ability I think but balancing out ensembles as well as I imagine so that they get genuine opportunities. If they took 50 flutes there wouldn't be enough places in groups.

[Music007]

Hi all. Just out of curiosity… Do you know if the Junior Departments notify the schools as well if an offer is made? Thank you

[horseymum]

Our JD certainly wouldn't have any contact with the school. Maybe apart from noting whether it's state/ independent for their stats.

[MultiMusicMum]

Does anyone know what the wait is like for RAM? We heard back from Guildhall after two days for one DC, and two weeks for the other. I gather RCM can be quite slow, not until mid April? But hoping RAM might come back sooner???

[Mickey33]

We heard back from guildhall within 3 working days which was quick. My DD did an audition for RAM this week but said it maybe up to two weeks to get results. We hear back from RCM yesterday and DD got offered 2nd audition round ( plays violin) Also did audition for Trinity yesterday and said results will be in about a weeks time. Royal northern results will be on the 11th of April.
The hardest part is the waiting DD got one offer so far from guildhall. I hope this helps

[MultiMusicMum]

Thanks Mickey, I feel for you going in for violin! My two have applied for less competitive primary studies, but the competition sounds so tough. We've had one acceptance and one "please try again next year" from Guildhall. Sounds like RAM and RCM could be any day now then!? Waiting on ABRSM results at the same time. The inbox is being refreshed very regularly 😅😅😅

[Music007]

Thank you horseymum.

[Music007]

Hi. Just thinking ahead… How do you choose which department is best if you get offers from multiple JDs? I heard RAM is more strings focused than the others or used to be… Does anyone has any insights on the JDs? Thanks

[Mickey33]

Which JD’s have made an offer ? And for what instrument for main study

[Music007]

I said ‘thinking ahead’ in case we get offers from multiple JDs…. Only Guildhall offer for now. Violin

[MultiMusicMum]

Curious if anyone has heard from JRAM yet? We've heard back from RCM and Guildhall. I've heard that some internal offers (from PRAM) have been made, maybe they're waiting on responses? I'm not sure how long to leave it before giving them a tickle? Auditions were more than two weeks ago.

As for choosing @Music007 a few criteria on our mind:

1. Primary study teacher
2. Primary study head of department
3. Head of JD
4. Whether they will offer the second study (v hard to get piano, and some like Guildhall seem so focused on primary study, rather than assessing whole child like RCM)
5. What's included - the musicianship/composition/ensemble offerings are different at each JD
6. The vibe. My kids seem to feel on visit days etc that some JD's passed the vibe check a lot more easily than others. An important check to pass 😅

[Mickey33]

I think that’s going to be the hardest part choosing! I do think it’s important to have a good teacher for the main instrument. So maybe ask to have consultation lessons before you decide on a JD if possible.

[Music007]

Thank you for the info @MultiMusicMum @Mickey33
Audition next week at RCM and waiting to hear from RAM. Yes it is going to be difficult to make a choice.

[Mickey33]

Have you had any news from RAM? Good luck this week for RCM audition at least you will not have to wait long for results as they are letting everyone know either before or on the 19th

[Music007]

Thank you. Nothing from RAM yet. Good luck for the RCM audition too. Yes results on Friday so not a long wait.

[Yolooao]

Just found this thread. Has anybody heard from any of them? We have an audition tomorrow. What if an offer is turned down? Do they tell you if there is a waiting list? Would like to know how this works

[Mickey33]

I have heard back from Guildhall, Trinity, RAM and awaiting RCM DD plays violin.
if an offer is turn down then yes they will refer to the reserve list.

[Mickey33]

All results in DD did well - got offer from guildhall , Trinity and RAM but a no from RCM which was to be expected as we were away the week before and illness night before audition so no practice on pieces for over a week. DD is so happy 😀
good luck to everyone else

[MultiMusicMum]

Congratulations! Great result! do you know where DD will choose?

We have heard back from Guildhall and RCM but still nothing from RAM (applied for two DCs, some offers and one reserve list). Hoping we heard from RAM soon! Auditions were three weeks ago.

[horseymum]

Well done! Exciting times. My DD loves being at her JD, she's found her music tribe. It's hard work and a long day but suits her. Hope your DC enjoys it too.