Selection of pupils to the School is by a series of auditions.
Auditions seek to assess musical ability and identify outstanding potential. An invitation to a full audition at the school will follow a preliminary assessment by the Director of Music.
Preliminary Audition
The first stage of the admissions process is to complete an application form, which can be requested from the Registrar by emailing registrar@menuhinschool.co.uk. The application form should be submitted along with links to three contrasting pieces of the applicant’s choice uploaded to YouTube. The application form should be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of £100. The Registrar will provide the School’s bank details with the application form.
The Director of Music will review the application and recordings and then decide whether to invite the applicant to take part in a full audition.
Full Audition
The full audition consists of two one-hour consultation lessons with a Principal instrument teacher, a Musicianship test and interviews with academic and pastoral members of the School staff. At the final part of the audition process applicants play two contrasting pieces of their own choice from different stylistic periods on their first instrument, and are then interviewed by the Headmaster and the Director of Music, along with their Parent/s or Guardians. The cost of the full audition is a further £100, payable in advance.
Ideally, applicants visit the school to take part in the full audition, but it can take place online.
The decision whether or not to offer a place is based purely on the School's assessment of musical potential and the applicant's desire and suitability to undertake a specialised course.
During the interview with the Headmaster, the matter of funding will be discussed. The Headmaster will discuss the bursary application process with parents/guardians to try to gain some indication from them of how much they are able to contribute. Parents/Guardians should note that help towards the fees comes in the form of means-tested bursaries, based on financial need rather than scholarships based on any kind of ranking of ability.
Pre-audition Opportunities
Pre-audition lessons are an opportunity for prospective applicants to find out if they are of the right level to make an application to the school. The lessons are with a YMS Instrumental teacher and are available at a cost of £60 each. Please request a pre-audition application form from the Registrar.