We caught up with ACM’s Admissions & Applicant Enquiries Manager, Sally Squibb, to learn everything you need to know about the audition process, including how to prepare, join online and even overcome anxiety. We also had the pleasure of speaking with alumni and Applicant Advisors, Jamie Hayes and Isabel Griffiths, to get their top tips on getting audition ready. Check out our upcoming Get Audition Ready Instagram Live sessions this week, discover our courses and apply today!
Who are you and what is your team’s role at ACM?
My name is Sally & I’m the Admissions & Applicant Enquiries Manager here at ACM. Myself and my team are responsible for taking you from that first initial point of contact through to enrolment. We are here to help you make a decision on your course, to help you through the application process and prepare you for your studies.
Why does ACM have an audition/interview process?
The Admissions and Enquiries team assess you from purely an academic point of view. We want to get to know the person behind the application, we want to understand your inspirations and aspirations and where you want to be. It’s important to us that you have the opportunity to meet our tutors and to get to know ACM which is all incorporated into the audition/interview process.
What is the audition process?
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll invite you to an audition or interview. The process is different for each course but in short, you will meet 1:1 with a tutor who specialises in the subject area of choice. The audition/interview is 30 minutes long and is a chance for you to get to know us, show us who you are ask any questions you might have about the course(s) you’ve applied for.
What do I need to prepare?
As mentioned about, the process for audition/interview is different depending on the course(s) you apply for. For course specific guidelines, head to; www.acm.ac.uk/audition-guides/. Our main bit of advice is; be yourself!
How do I join an audition online?
In the current times we find ourselves in, we’re conducting all auditions/interviews digitally. The day before your audition, you will be sent a bespoke link which will connect you with the tutor at your chosen time. We recommend that you test the link out ahead of your audition/interview date to check it’s all working. If you are having any problems, do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team and we will do all we can to help!
I’m worried about my audition. What should I do?
We understand that you might be worried, perhaps a little nervous or incredibly anxious about an audition – all we can say is do not worry! Our tutors are absolutely amazing and want you to feel confident & comfortable in your audition/interview. Don’t forget that you are coming here to learn so we’re not expecting you to be perfect or for you to know everything! We just want to gauge where you are at with your knowledge to make sure you’re looking at the right course/right level. Myself and my team are here to chat to if you need it ahead of booking, we can also offer subject specialist calls with a tutor.
What are your top tips for a successful audition?
My 3 top tips for a successful audition are; 1) Come prepared & don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re unsure about anything 2) Don’t over complicate your audition piece if you’re having to perform something – choose something you’re comfortable with 3) Finally, & above all, be yourself!
ACM Alumni Inside Knowledge
A bit of nerves is always good, it means that you want to succeed. The main thing to remember is that the tutors want to see that you care and that you have a passion for the Music Industry; so show them what you’ve got!
In my experience, the best way to show that you’re passionate is to be articulate about what you do and show your style and uniqueness through your performance. My top tip is to be yourself and roll with the experience!
Isabel Griffiths, Creative Artist Alumna (2017 – 2019)
I went in expecting to be judged on why I WASN’T good enough for the course but very much came out feeling like I had just come out of a lesson with my music tutor.
Don’t overthink it! Enter the headspace you’re in when you’re on the way to your weekly Music lesson. The tutor is your friend and only wants to ensure you have all the tools needed to excel on the course, where there are gaps, he will provide you with a solution, not a problem.
Jamie Hayes, Musician Route Bass Alumnus (2016 – 2018)
Instagram Live Sessions
As part of ACM’s Get Audition Ready campaign, check out our upcoming Instagram Live Sessions with tutors Steve Sheldon, ViX Perks, Leddra Chapman and David McGreene!
Tune in to ACM’s Instagram on Monday 8th – Wednesday 10th from 4:30PM and get involved in sessions in ‘Music Theory‘, ‘Calming Nerves‘, ‘Perfection your Song‘ and ‘Game Development‘!
Learn more via our events page!
Digital Open Days
If you dream of achieving success in the creative industries, join us for our new Digital Open Day Experience. With Open Days over the coming weeks, we can’t wait to welcome you into the ACM community.