Brass
Brass Course
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Candidates
Online Audition
Candidates should complete their online application first.
In the online application, students should include a digital portfolio (Dropbox folder, YouTube, Vimeo) with a video of the candidate performing the audition programme as prescribed here below. The video needs to be one unedited performance of the required audition programme.
After the digital portfolios have been assessed, candidates will be informed whether the department has selected them for an audition in person (On-campus courses) or for an interview (both for On-Campus and Online courses).
All the portfolios submitted should indicate the applicant’s name and ID number if any, the programme applied to and the contents of the file.
For online courses only, portfolio needs to be submitted 2 weeks before the beginning of the term.
For full academic year enrolment starting September 2022, portfolios needs to be submitted by 31st January 2022.
Part One: Digital Portfolio
UNDERGRADUATE: candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A video of the candidate performing a free programme of maximum 15 minutes (with at least one original composition for the candidate’s chosen instrument)
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the program
POSTGRADUATE: candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A video of the candidate performing a free programme of maximum 20 minutes (with at least one original composition for the candidate’s chosen instrument)
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the program
MMDip candidates must also include in their portfolio at least two examples of their academic written work, each piece of written work being 1000-2000 words in length and in English. The candidate’s written work should aim to demonstrate:
• Responsiveness to music and musical issues
• Quality of critical engagement
• Capacity for research enquiry
Part One-bis: In person Audition
For On-Campus enrolments, candidates short-listed from the digital portfolio examination will be invited for an audition in person.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate candidates will be asked to perform:
• The same programme presented in the digital portfolio
• Scales and arpeggios
• Study or sight reading
Part Two: Panel Interview
Following the practical assessment, a panel interview will be conducted with the candidate. This will:
• Allow the panel to further examine the candidate’s knowledge of music and their suitability for the course
• Provide an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions and discuss their performance during the audition
• Allow the panel to gain a clear understanding of what the student hopes to achieve from the course if they are accepted
General Notes
Throughout the audition, candidates should note and strictly adhere to the following:
• In the videos, the camera needs to face the applicant
• Videos of the applicant performing over a soundtrack (instead of a live accompanist or ensemble) will be accepted
• For in person auditions, no time will be available during the audition to rehearse or discuss any special arrangements the candidate may require with the accompanist or rhythm section provided by LPMAM
• Candidates will not be provided with and will not be allowed to use any music
• Wherever possible, candidates shall ensure that their instruments are fully ready and warmed-up prior to entering the audition room. A warm-up room will be available for this purpose close to the audition room. No warm-up will be allowed during the actual audition
• Prior to commencing the audition, the candidate must provide the music they will be performing in the practical assessment. This should be given to the steward in a suitable folder which must be clearly marked with the candidate’s name and a list of contents. The folder must contain copies of the score or lead sheet for use by the panel along with the melodic and rhythm section parts
• Additionally, undergraduate candidates must also complete the LPMAM written paper on the day of the audition in person. This requirement does not apply to postgraduate candidates
Brass Course Syllabus
The course is run over a period of four years, each comprising the following core elements: Principal Study lessons, Performance Classes, and Academic and Supporting Studies with the chance to take part in concerts and masterclasses.
Assessment will be focused on the student’s attitude and ability in practical studies and attendance – to include punctuality, preparation for lessons, classes & rehearsals and performance skills.
All year students will benefit from:
• 90 minutes individual tuition each week
• Weekly classes in Academic and Supporting Studies
• Opportunity to undertake a second or related study
The following outlines the performance and coursework expectations required from students for each year of this programme:
Year 1
Performance 1 (Technical Assessment):
Students are expected to prepare and perform:
1. Scales and arpeggios (all tongued and legato)
2. A free choice study (to be approved by your Principal Study Tutor)
3. 6 prepared orchestral excerpts (available from the LPMAM library)
4. Sight reading
Performance 2 (Non-public recital):
Students will prepare and present a programme of 20 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least one piece must be played from memory.
Students will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the first year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Repertoire Orchestra, Orchestral Repertoire, Brass Ensembles/Bands, Performance Classes, First-Year Brass, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the first year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Symphony/Chamber/Opera Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Chamber Music, Contemporary Music, Early Music.
Year 2
Performance 1 (Technical Assessment):
Students are expected to prepare and perform:
1. Scales and arpeggios (including whole tone scales)
2. A free choice study (to be approved by your Principal Study Tutor)
3. 8 orchestral excerpts (available from the LPMAM library)
4. Sight reading
Performance 2 (Non-public recital):
Students will prepare and present a programme of 25 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least one piece must be played from memory.
Students will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the second year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Orchestral Repertoire, Brass Ensembles/Bands, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the second year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Symphony/Chamber/Opera Orchestra, Repertoire Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Chamber Music, Contemporary Music, Early Music.
Year 3
Performance 1 (Technical Assessment):
Students are expected to prepare and perform:
1. All Scales and arpeggios (including broken thirds)
2. A study of your own choice (to be approved by your Principal Study Tutor)
3. 10 prepared orchestral excerpts (available from the LPMAM library)
4. Sight reading
Performance 2 (Public Recital):
Students will prepare and present a programme of 30 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least one piece must be played from memory.
Students will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the third year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Orchestral Repertoire, Brass Ensembles/Bands, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the third year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Symphony/Chamber/Opera Orchestra, Repertoire Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Chamber Music, Contemporary Music, Early Music
Year 4
Performance 1 [Mock Audition]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform:
1. One unaccompanied recital piece
2. 12 prepared orchestral excerpts (available from the LPMAM library
3. Sight reading
Performance 2 [Public recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 35 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least one piece must be played from memory.
Students will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Additional Performance (if elected):
Students will prepare and present a suitable performance of maximum 20 minutes, approved by the Head of Brass, in one of the following areas:
• Concerto performance
• Orchestral performance
• Chamber music performance
• Early music performance
• Studio recorded performance
• Contemporary music performance
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the fourth year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Brass Ensembles/Bands, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the fourth year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Symphony/Chamber/Opera Orchestra, Repertoire Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Chamber Music, Contemporary Music, Early Music