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 for Online courses).

All the portfolios submitted should indicate the applicant’s name and ID number if any, the program 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 in September, portfolios needs to be submitted by 31st January of the same calendar year.

UNDERGRADUATE: candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing several examples of them conducting, including one larger scale piece, as follow:
1. a video of the candidate conducting one Opera Overtures
2. a video of the candidate conducting an orchestral/ensemble piece of her/his own choice
3. a video of the candidate performing a piano piece
4. a brief written statement of purpose or goals in the program.

POSTGRADUATE: candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
1. a video of the candidate conducting one Opera Overtures
2. a video of the candidate conducting two movements from two Symphonies of different composer and style
3. A video of the candidate conducting a Concerto with Soloist of their choice
4. a video of the candidate performing a piano piece
5. 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

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.

During the interview, the panel will also test the musicianship and piano skills of the applicant with:
• testing their knowledge of the orchestral repertoire, conducting techniques, musical awareness
• Setting a series of tests of on musicianship and musical awareness
• Asking the candidate to perform a short piano piece chosen and prepared in advance by the candidate.

For On-Campus enrolments, candidates short-listed from the digital portfolio examination will be invited for an audition in person.
During the audition, the panel will also test the musicianship and piano skills of the applicant with:
• Setting a series of tests of on musicianship
• Asking the candidate to perform a short piano piece chosen and prepared in advance by the candidate.

Candidates will also take a 50-minute written test that will include:
• harmonisation of a simple melody
• a choice of short essay questions of general musical nature (you will be allowed to use a dictionary).

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 conducting over a recording (instead of a live orchestra 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.
• 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.