Are you planning to complete the admission procedure for one of our programmes? That’s great – but nerve-racking too. We get that. All our students have gone through this process and they are more than willing to share their experiences. To help you on your way, they have collected their tips in three tutorials in collaboration with Kunstbende. Check out the tips below.
Familiarise yourself with the audition process: it differs depending on the programme. You will find more information on the programme pages.
Identify areas where you can prepare in advance. Knowing what to expect in each round helps you prepare for the various tasks. Audition days sometimes come in quick succession, so having extra preparation time is useful. Starting early can relieve a lot of stress.
Make sure your preparation includes a good mix of different elements, so the admission committee gets a clear view of your abilities.
Practice makes perfect – so get to it! Don’t just cover the practical aspects, but the theory too. You can practise alone or with someone else. It’s a great way to build your confidence in the lead-up the audition.
People often ask whether you need to be highly skilled to audition. The answer is no. Of course it’s good to have a solid foundation, but what matters most is having a musical ear and enjoying what you do. The most important thing is that you are motivated and eager to develop your musical skills.
Audition slots for some programmes fill up quickly. The programme website will tell you when you can apply. Check the website in good time and register right away.
Find out what your audition will involve. How many rounds will there be? And what’s expected of you in each round? You can also check this on the programme website.
Be clear about why you want to be admitted to the programme. What are your dreams and ambitions? These are questions you will definitely be asked. If you have a clear idea of your motivation, you can get it across more convincingly.
Make sure you know your lines by heart. Understand what they mean and be sure you know which work they come from. Getting to grips with what you are performing will make all the difference.
You don’t have to be a ready-made superstar. Remember: this is an audition for a study programme. Lecturers are looking for someone who is willing and able to learn, not necessarily the best actor or dancer.
Think of your audition as a class and your assessors as lecturers. Lecturers are human like everyone else. It can actually help to admit that you’re nervous. Letting everyone know can be a good way to clear the air.
Do you enjoy your classes? Do you like working with the lecturers? An audition is a great way to find out if the programme is a good match for you.
Showing your own work can feel vulnerable, but be brave and include everything in your portfolio. Don’t throw anything away in advance. The pieces you think aren’t good enough often tell a fascinating story. Try not to focus too much on what you think the lecturers want to see - let your own style and personality shine through.
Experiment with different media. For example, mix watercolour with charcoal or analogue with digital. Above all, challenge yourself. A varied portfolio lets you show as much of yourself as possible. It can also be useful to note the interests and motivations behind your work.
The admission process is about presenting your portfolio, not just creating it. Prepare your presentation carefully. There are different ways to present your portfolio - find out which approach suits you best.
Talk calmly about your work. Reflect on the reasons behind your creations and why you made certain choices. Having that clear in your own mind makes it easier to explain. It shows that you are serious about your work and that you have a thoughtful view of your field.
Make the most of the admission process, even if it feels nerve-racking. Remember: you also want to know if this is the right programme for you. Did you have an exciting and inspiring day? Assessment works both ways!
Our students all remember what the admission process was like for them. and they are happy to help. Chat with them and get your questions answered.