ADMISSIONs
Admission as a Singer
Entry to St Mary's Music School is by audition and based on musical ability and potential. Audition requirements are the same for all years and ages groups, for both UK-based and international candidates.
Our Vocal Department is the only one of it's kind in Scotland and is designed to give young singers all the tools they need to reach their full potential. There are two age-appropriate programmes available for singers: Changing Voices (S3 and S4/13-16 years) and the Senior Vocal Programme (S5 to S6 extension/16-19 years). For singers under the age of 13, please see Admission as a Chorister. Both boarding and day places are available, you can find out all about boarding at St Mary's Music School in School & Academic Life.
The application process
Stage 1 | Application enquiry (digital)Provide us with a video recording of you singing a prepared piece and also an instrumental piece if you play an instrument too. The pieces should be chosen by you and your teacher and should be of performance standard – practice recordings will not be considered. Submit your recording via the Stage 1 Enquiry Form on an unlisted YouTube channel. Our Headteacher and Director of Music will let you know by email within 10 days whether they recommend you for audition. Even if not successful, you can still decide to apply again in the future. |
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Stage 2 | Advisory audition (preferably in person)
If you’re invited to audition for a place at the School, you’ll be asked to submit full application forms which will be sent to you following the successful enquiry stage. You will also be invited to arrange an Advisory Audition, run by the Headteacher, Director of Music and the Head of Voice. Ideally, we like to meet all candidates in person, however we appreciate that this may not be possible for everyone.
For your Advisory Audition, you’ll need to prepare two short contrasting songs or arias and, if you have a second instrument, then a short piece on that too. You’re also welcome to provide any further recordings or information that demonstrates your musical ability, whether that’s a third instrument or a composition. As part of your Advisory Audition, you’ll also take part in an interview and carry out some simple aural tests. Feedback will be given in person to you, with your parents or guardians present and you’ll be advised then and there if a Full Audition would be appropriate.
Stage 3 | Full Audition (in person)
At the Full Audition, the panel will include our Headteacher, Director of Music, Artistic Advisor, Head of Voice and external voice specialist. We’ll ask you to perform two contrasting songs or arias (one in a language not your own) and one piece on your second instrument, if you have one. Part of the audition will be working with an accompanist from the School. There will be a short interview with the panel too and they’ll inform you, by email within a week, as to whether you’ve made it through to the final stage.
Stage 4 | The Two-Day Stay (in person)
We appreciate that the specialist music education we offer is not for everyone so Stage 4 of the application process is a two-way, two day process, where you’re invited to take part in everyday life at the School. You’ll have two assessed singing lessons, an assessed lesson on your second-study instrument (if you have one), and as you’ll participate in academic lessons too. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in music activities such as our ensembles and choirs. Following your Two-day Stay, the School will let you know (by email, within two days) whether we can offer you a place.
Vocal Taster Days
If you have a passion for classical voice, are aged 13-18 and have been receiving singing lessons for at least 12 months, our Vocal Taster Days are the perfect opportunity to find out more about the School and the two vocal programmes available. Visit our Vocal Taster Day page for more information.
