Preparing your audition

We ask all applicants to upload a short video showcasing their musical talent along with their application form. We stress that this is not a scary audition, just a short showcase of how good you are. We want to see your musicality and your personality shine through in your playing.

What to play:

• One movement or part of a movement from a concerto/sonata/work written for your instrument (i.e. no transcriptions). This can be performed either with or without piano accompaniment.
• The short orchestral excerpt(s) for your instrument, set by The Ingenium Academy. Please find the set works provided below, in PDF format. Simply download the correct piece for your instrument and record the required bars as part of your audition video.

NB: If you would like to audition on the Piccolo, Cor Anglais, Contra Bassoon, Harp or Tuned Percussion, then please contact us on info@ingeniumacademy.com for a set orchestral excerpt.

Points we will consider when reviewing your video:

Intonation, the production of an even sound, instrumental technique, rhythmic capability, interpretation, expression and understanding

All videos should be accompanied by an email / letter from the candidate's teacher or school counselor confirming that they approve of the candidate applying and that their video is a true and accurate record of the candidate's playing.

Things to note

Audition videos will be reviewed by our conductors and places will be awarded on merit / standard of playing.

We are looking for young people not only with a high standard of musicianship, but with a great sense of team spirit and a love of music making.

When recording your video, please note the following:

• Videos should be no more than 10 minutes long and no less than 5 minutes
• Videos should not be from a concert/public performance
• At least one piece on the video should be unaccompanied. The unaccompanied piece may be the set excerpt. There is no requirement to send in footage with piano accompaniment if the candidate wishes not to do so.
• Videos should not be edited. Recordings should be a true reflection of the candidate's playing.

Set Excerpts

FLUTE Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 134-143 Download score (PDF)

OBOE Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 85-99 Download score (PDF)

CLARINET

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 84-99 Download score (PDF)

BASSOON

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 83-99 Download score (PDF)

FRENCH HORN

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 8-16 Download score (PDF)

TRUMPET

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement I, bars 397 - 404 & 447 - 470 Download score (PDF)

TENOR TROMBONE

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement I, bars 451 - 470 Download score (PDF)

BASS TROMBONE

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement I, bars 445 - 470 Download score (PDF)

TIMPANI

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Movement I, bars 306 - 312 & 451 - 470 Download score (PDF)

VIOLIN

Tschaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Movement I, bars 57 to 71 Download score (PDF)

*AND*

Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Movement III, bars 339-367 Download score (PDF)

VIOLA

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 98 to 106 Download score (PDF)

CELLO

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 98 to 106 Download score (PDF)

DOUBLE BASS

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Movement II, bars 114 to 123 Download score (PDF)

NB: If you would like to audition on the Piccolo, Cor Anglais, Contra Bassoon, Harp or Tuned Percussion, then please contact us on info@ingeniumacademy.com for a set orchestral excerpt.

Watch: Tips for preparing your audition video

We accept applications on a rolling basis so recommend that you apply as soon as possible to have the best chance of being awarded a place.

"I think that the teaching at Ingenium is of a very high level. The violin teachers were not only excellent players but were very relatable and made classes something I looked forward to. The conductors were an absolute pleasure to work with because they pushed us to be the best musicians we could be while making orchestra exciting."

Sydnae, Violin Student, 15, Jamaica

"It's great that Simon is coming back a better clarinet player with new additions to his repertoire, but the best thing for us is that he's made new friends from many types of backgrounds and countries and built up his self-confidence and independence."

Kate, Parent, USA

"I learnt a lot about how to play viola better, about classical music and about how to be a good musician. And I also learnt a lot from other cultures and other countries! I learnt a lot of things that I didn't know before, and for me it felt like a huge progress"

Marina, Viola Student, 16, Canary Islands