Audition guidelines
Auditions are held at various centres around the UK. There is time for you to warm up your voice and to rehearse with the official NYCGB accompanist before you audition. Each audition lasts up to 10 minutes and will include:
- Performance of a short section from two prepared pieces from memory, one of which should be an unaccompanied traditional song. For applicants in school Years 5-8* the unaccompanied song must be one of the set pieces below. Older applicants may select their own choice of unaccompanied song, which may be one of the set pieces if they wish.
- Exercises to test vocal potential and musicianship skills, including both aural and sightreading ability.
Click here to see a video of an NYCGB audition
Unaccompanied traditional song
For applicants in school Years 5-8*, the unaccompanied song must be one of the following set pieces:
- Scarborough Fair
- O Waly Waly
- She’s like the Swallow
- My Grandfather’s Clock
- Manx Lullaby
Downloadable scores of each are provided at the bottom of the page and candidates may sing their selected song in a key of their choice.
Applicants in school Years 9-13 may select an unaccompanied traditional song of their choice (although this may be one of the set pieces).
Other song choice
The second song that you perform in your audition is your own choice. It is best to select something that contrasts to the first piece to demonstrate a range of abilities. However, this should be something that you know well and that offers a suitable level of musical challenge, rather than something overly ambitious. You will only need to perform around a minute of the piece in total and the official NYCGB accompanist will help you select a suitable section when you rehearse before your audition.
Vocal assessment
After you have performed your songs, you might be asked to do some vocal exercises to demonstrate your tone and range. You also may be asked to perform a section of your prepared pieces again after receiving coaching from one of the audition panel. This will enable us to assess your responsiveness and vocal flexibility.
Musicianship tests
All candidates will be tested on their musical skills and understanding. The level of challenge will depend on the age and experience of the candidate. Please come prepared and don’t just tell the audition panel that you are not good at sightreading!
Candidates in Years 5-8* will be expected to:
- Clap a simple rhythm at sight
- Pitch any note within the C major scale from the tonic (i.e. you will be played a C on the piano and asked to sing either D, E, F, G, A or B above it)
- Answer questions on note names, note durations, dynamics and other common musical symbols.
Candidates in Years 9-13* will be expected to:
- Sing a simple melody from sight (unaccompanied)
- Identify key signatures up to 5 sharps or flats (major and minor)
- Answer questions on common musical symbols
What is the audition panel looking for?
There is great competition for places in NYCGB. Above all, the audition panel is looking for singers with vocal and musical potential, demonstrating the following:
- A naturally free and expressive voice, or the potential for development in that direction
- Good communication skills in performance
- Quick responses and learning
- Musical skills and understanding of a suitable level
The Changing Adolescent Voice - boys
Most boys now begin voice change at 12 – 13 yrs of age; it reaches its most active phase between 13 and 14 years and then settles between 15 and 18 years.
In order to be able to deal with this situation in an effective and enlightened way, it is important to understand the nature of the changing voice and to have a policy influenced by the most recent and comprehensive voice education research.
To read the rest of this article by Jenevora Williams please download the PDF file below. (You will require the free Adobe Reader software to view and print this file.)
She is like the Swallow [14 KB]
