Conservatoires are providers of performance-based higher education, including music, drama, screen and production courses. Their courses are very much based around individual tuition, practical training, and frequent opportunities to perform. Students come from all over the world, to gain performance skills they can use to succeed on international stages.
They are aptly described as the 'Oxbridge' or the performing Arts application and you should therefore prepare your application carefully.
Each conservatoire has its own strengths and specialisms, so it is important to research all of them to find the right fit for you. For example, although all conservatoires offer music courses, only two offer drama courses, and some offer subjects like film and production. It is important to research them thoroughly before applying.
The conservatoires in the UCAS Conservatoires scheme are:
Applications are made via the UCAS hub and have a lot in common with university applications. Pupils need to register in the UCAS Hub and complete the registration questions –they can then select Apply to UCAS Conservatoire from their Hub page.
It is possible to apply for Conservatoire AND for university courses via UCAS as the two applications are separate.
Pupils applying to Conservatoires will receive the same amount of support as those applying to university.
Pupils wishing to apply for conservatoire should let their Tutor know and contact Mrs Duff who coordinates Conservatoires applications. Contact her with any query about Conservatoire applications
You can research the courses via UCAS
You can choose up to six courses – in no preference order.
Conservatoires will be able to see where else you’ve applied, but your choices are listed in no preference order.
There are ‘study type’ options for music courses, but for other subjects this will just state ‘Main specialism’.
Then you can choose from one of the audition locations.
There’s usually no need to apply for more than one course at any particular conservatoire.
If you’re applying for music courses, you might be able to select two instruments if you’d like to.
Main specialism is just one instrument.
Joint main specialism is two instruments studied equally.
Secondary specialism is two instruments – one as your main and one as your secondary.
Alternative main specialism is giving two options, either of which you’d be happy to study as one main instrument.
If you want to apply for several courses for the same instrument or discipline at the same conservatoire, just mention one of them on your UCAS Conservatoires application.
Then contact the conservatoire directly to mention your interest in other courses (stating your name and the Personal ID UCAS will email you after you’ve submitted your application to us).
Once you have selected your course, candidates need to write a personal statement. Pupils will be supported by their S6 tutor and the Careers team in the same way as if they were applying to university.
You can apply from mid-July the year before a conservatoire course starts. Application deadlines vary, depending on what courses you apply for so it is important to check the UCAS Website or ask a member of the Careers team about these deadlines.
You’ll need an academic reference and a practical reference. These must be completed by two different referees. The Academic Reference will probably be provided by your S6 Tutor.. Please liaise with Mrs Duff to discuss your practical reference.
You will need to send the details of your referees on the application and send a request to them to complete the reference for you. This will then be attached to your application when you submit it.
An assessment is how your application is being considered by the conservatoires in the way of an audition, interview, review of a portfolio, or a recording.
You may need to have more than one audition/interview, depending on the conservatoire's audition policy, and the study type and course you choose:
Main specialism – one audition will be needed.
Joint main specialism – two auditions, one for each specialism, will be needed.
Secondary specialism – some conservatoires will audition on your main specialism only, whereas others will audition on both your main and secondary specialism.
Alternative main specialism – two auditions, one for each specialism, will be needed.
Music performers normally play two or more contrasting pieces in a live audition held at the Conservatoire. In some cases, you can send a recording or video instead.
Musicians may be asked to play or sing scales, read or sing at sight, take an aural test or have an interview.
Composers are often asked to submit a portfolio or some other evidence of practical ability or to have an interview.
Dance and drama applicants may be asked to prepare monologues, a performance piece, participate in a dance class, sing, sight-read text or improvise.
Drama production applicants may be given set tasks prior to the interview, where you will then discuss the tasks, your understanding of the course, and your career aspirations, amongst other things.
See the UCAS handy document ‘Making the most of your audition’.
UCAS usually collect assessment fees on top of their application fee.
The assessment fees charged depend on the conservatoire(s), type of course, and if:
the audition is a live performance or a recording
separate auditions are required for two study areas, for example, different instruments, singing or conducting
the audition is held in the UK or overseas
the application is received at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 3 October for music courses. For dance, drama or musical theatre courses, the deadline may be different. Please refer to conservatoires' websites for information
an audition is required
The UCAS search tool displays the locations and fees for the assessment/audition for each course under the 'Assessment info' tab.
After completing your application, your audition or assessment fees will be calculated and displayed.
Some conservatoires will waive fees if you're unable to pay. Information about eligibility criteria and how to apply for a fee waiver should be available on the website of your chosen conservatoires. Please contact the Careers team (Mrs Duff is the person who coordinated Conservatoire applications) or the Conservatoire directly if you need any support with this.
More information here
Concervatoires applications will be checked by a member of the Careers team, in the same way that other applications are checked. Make sure you check your school email regularly and respond to our invitations and queries. We are trying to help!
Once we are satisfied that it is the best it can be, we will send it to UCAS who will send your applications to the relevant Conservatoire.
Once your application is processed, conservatoires can access it online.
They can see your whole application, including which other conservatoires you've applied to.
UCAS will send you a welcome email which contains your Personal ID and your list of choices. Please check the information carefully and let them know immediately if anything is incorrect.
Whenever there's an update, UCAS will email the address you supplied in your application
Decisions are displayed on your UCAS as soon as UCAS receive them.
Invitations for assessments and auditions are sent by conservatives
After we've sent your application to the conservatoires you've chosen to apply to, it might feel like a long wait before you hear about assessments and decisions. But don't worry – the conservatoires will be working hard to consider all the applications they receive. In the meantime, you can prepare yourself for the next phase...
Useful advice for assessments and decisions.
How to make changes to your application.
What you need to know about replying to your offers.
Sources of information
Information extracted from:
https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires
https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires/how-apply-through-ucas-conservatoires
https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires/track-your-ucas-conservatoires-application
https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires/replying-your-ucas-conservatoires-offers