Faculty of Performing Arts

1. All applicants are to submit a portfolio of at least two, but no more than five, contrasting examples of their compositions.


2. The portfolio must include written scores. Recordings are optional.
   
   
   • PDF version of the written scores. Please ensure that written music is clear and legible with full information of instrumentation, scoring and performance details. Common composition software includes Sibelius, Finale, as well as other notation software in the market.
   
   
   • Recording of the works (accompanied by the PDF version of the written scores).


3. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement (250 – 350 words) to support their application for the Master of Composition programme. The personal statement should be based on the following questions:
   
   
   • Why are you applying for the Master of Composition programme, based on your ambitions and interests?
   
   
   • What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the programme?


4. Applicants will require two professional references emailed directly to Student Admission Office.


5. All applicants will be asked about their intentions and expectations of the programme, as well as how the Master of Composition programme will be useful to their future plans.


6. Typical questions asked during the interview may include:
   
   
   • Why do you want to study at NAFA?
   
   
   • What are your musical interests?
   
   
   • What do you think you need to do most to improve your writing?


7. The panel will be looking for evidence of both a talent for composition and the ability to realise effectively ideas in a variety of forms and media.


8. Though live auditions are preferred, an online interview may be arranged by the Student Admissions Office for applicants who are unable to attend a live audition. Applicants are to inform Student Admissions Office in advance if they wish to attend an online audition.

Applicants are required to have at least:

• A relevant undergraduate degree from RCM-NAFA or a recognised institution, usually in Music
• Degree transcripts must indicate passing grades in equivalent RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Music modules

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

An English Language proficiency* of at least:

1. The audition will be recorded and reviewed by the appropriate Head of Faculty from the RCM.


2. Applicants should present a varied programme and show a range of styles, periods and characters.


3. Applicants are to note these specific audition requirements for each faculty of study:
   
   Keyboard Studies
   Piano applicants are required to prepare a varied programme of at least 50 minutes. The programme must include an advanced étude and all works must be performed from memory.
   
   Strings Studies
   String instrumental applicants are required to prepare all of the following:
   
   
   • one significant movement from a concerto composed after 1800
   
   
   • a contrasting piece of the applicant’s choice
   
   Winds Studies and Percussion Studies
   
   
   • Brass, woodwind and percussion applicants are required to prepare a programme of two contrasting pieces at a standard reflective of the applicant’s artistry, expressive and technical competency.
   
   
   • It would be preferred if at least one of these works was from memory, but it is not compulsory.
   
   Vocal Studies
   Vocal studies will not be offered in AY2025/2026.
   
   Chinese Instrumental Studies
   Chinese instrument applicants are required to prepare all of the following:
   
   
   • One significant movement of a concerto, or a work written originally for the solo instrument and orchestra (一首协奏曲)
   
   
   • A chuan tong piece from standard repertoire (一首传统乐曲)
   
   
   • A piece written after 1970 (一首创作乐曲（1970年后))
   
   
   • All works must be performed from memory


4. During the live auditions, the panel will listen up to 20 minutes of the programme.


5. Applicants are required to bring a list of the repertoire studied in depth in recent years as well as proof of recent public performances along to the live audition.


6. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement (250 – 350 words) to support their application for the Master of Performance programme. The personal statement should be based on the following questions:
   
   
   • Why are you applying for the Master of Performance programme, based on your ambitions and interests?
   
   
   • What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the programme?


7. Applicants will require two professional references emailed directly to Student Admissions Office.


8. Non-pianists are required to bring along their accompanists if their chosen pieces require accompaniment. A list of accompanists and their details are available to applicants after application and they are required to make arrangements with the accompanists directly for practice sessions and payment.


9. All instrumentalists except percussionists and pianists are required to bring their principal study instrument for the audition. Applicants are encouraged to provide a set of music scores of their pieces for the audition panel.


10. Applicants are not allowed to bring a page-turner, a teacher or a translator to the audition. The only people in the audition room will be the applicant, the accompanist and the audition panel.


11. As our programmes are taught in English, we expect applicants to be able to communicate in English at their audition.


12. Typical questions asked during the interview may include:
    
    
    • Why do you want to study at NAFA?
    
    
    • What are your musical interests?
    
    
    • What do you think you need to do most to improve your performance?

Applicants are required to have at least:

• A relevant undergraduate degree from RCM-NAFA or a recognised institution, usually in Music
• Degree transcripts must indicate passing grades in equivalent RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Music modules

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

An English Language proficiency* of at least: