We’ve been auditioning overseas students for many years utilising online platforms such as Skype. As such, our assessors are very familiar with these forms of auditions and our team can help ensure you get the most from this experience.
Auditions are a crucial part of our application process and one which we don’t compromise on. They are as much for you as they are for us, we need to assess your abilities and understand your aspirations, but you also need to ensure that you feel that ICMP is the right fit for you. We’d advise you to be wary of any schools who do not follow this process.
Below we've outlined some basic guidance and advice for how to get the most out of your remote audition. Following booking your audition, we'll also send you additional guidance specific to the course you applying for.
If you would like more information about booking a remote Audition, please contact our Admissions Team via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk by phone 020 7328 0222 or use our LiveChat function below. You can also request an audition using our form
Skype Auditions: Prepare
We understand that it’s not always possible to attend ICMP in person, so thank you for undertaking this audition online via Skype.
Most important for the audition, please ensure you have provided us with your Skype Username prior to your audition.
On the day of your audition, you will receive a Skype video call at the arranged time from one of our expert tutors using ICMP’s Skype account: icmpadmissions
All audition booking times are quoted in GMT - please ensure that you have taken international time zones into account. A good website for working this out is: https://www.timeanddate.com
Please be aware that we may record the audition and by accepting to undergo the audition you are accepting that we may distribute your video internally to staff that will need to assess your performance. Please be assured, your audition will never be made public.
Internet connection: Please ensure that you have an internet connection that is as reliable and as fast as possible to allow the best quality of audio and video to be captured.
Performances: If you choose to use a backing track, the backing track must be played from a source other than your computer. If it is currently in an MP3 format, for example, you should use a mobile device to play through a Bluetooth speaker or alternatively burn to a CD and play through your stereo. The computer must be used solely for the audition. Again, please check that both you, and the backing track, are audible.
Equipment: If you have problems sourcing equipment for your audition just let us know. Our team will be able to suggest workarounds which will allow you to demonstrate your skills in a manner that will satisfy the assessment criteria. Eg. Drummers, if you don't have a full drum kit available we can still work from videos and improvised drum pads, but you'll need sticks!
Music Performance Auditions: If you are auditioning for our BMus or CertHE Popular Music Performance courses, we recommmend that you use a device that’s bigger than a phone for your audition (e.g. tablet or laptop). You will be required to undertake some reading, which may prove tricky on a phone. A music stand, tripod or similar, will also be helpful to allow you to comfortably read while playing.
Skype Auditions: On the day
You will need to be aware of the following:
- Set up the camera so that you are clearly in shot and your instrument is in full view; we must be able to see both your face and your instrument clearly. Drummers, please set up so that we can see your upper body. We may ask you to move the camera during the audition to observe your pedal technique.
- Please check in advance that your instrument level is set so that your microphone records clearly without distortion - we suggest you try a Skype call to a friend in advance of your audition.
- Please set up the camera to avoid any glare or screen flare - again the quality of the video captured is important.
- If you are presenting recorded music to us, please ensure your tracks have been uploaded to an online platform (SoundCloud, YouTube, Spotify, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc ) and that you have emailed us links to your tracks prior to your audition.
Don't hesitate to ask questions
We encourage you to make the most of the time you have with our expert assessors and ask questions throughout. We appreciate that you may be nervous on the day, and as such would suggest that you note down some questions beforehand.
If you have any questions about the information above or anything else relating to auditions, please contact our friendly Admissions team on: +44 (0)20 7328 0222 or via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk