How to apply

South West Music School Applications for 2023 – 2024

General information on the South West Music School application process

We have a formal application process from April through to the May 19th 2023, however if you are interested in joining SWMS during an academic year please get in touch with Tracy Hill.

Applicants apply for a place with SWMS for one academic year. Our academic year runs from September – August. Once they have been with us for one year, students may stay with South West Music School up to the age of 18 years (and up to 20 years in some cases). This is dependent on them having met the expectations of the school.

The application process is simple and consists of completing an application form with links to two recent contrasting recordings of you playing/singing, and two uploaded files (a musical reference, a photo of yourself).

Once we have assessed all applications, we will select people to attend an audition.  If you are invited to audition, we will send out plenty of information in advance so you know what to expect and what to prepare. Please don’t panic – SWMS auditions are relaxed and friendly!

We ask that all current students fill out a short “top-up” application to stay with South West Music School each year. If you were part of the Foundation or PDP programmes last year, or joined us during the academic year, you may be invited to attend an audition.

If you are on these programmes and planning to leave at the end of this academic year, please also confirm directly to t.hill@swms.org.uk

Composer / Song Writer programme

If you are interested in applying to the Composer / Song Writer programme, an application form must be submitted alongside two contrasting scores you have written with accompanying recordings – either live or on Sibelius. A musical reference and a passport sized photo must also be uploaded. You will then be invited to attend an interview where a composition / song writer mentor will chat to you about your music, goals and inspirations. You must be a minimum of 13 years old to apply for the Composer / Song Writer programme.

Application Process FAQ

Who can apply?

So long as you are aged 8 – 16 years (this coming academic year) 13-16 years for Composer / Song Writer programme), live in the South West of England and have a passion and talent for music or composition then you are able to apply. Please contact the office if you require more information on eligibility of grant funding. We work with students from all walks of life who have a variety of different musical backgrounds. Some students follow the traditional route of working through grades whilst some have never sat a grade and are predominantly self-taught. Similarly, some students specialise in classical music, some in rock and pop, some in jazz and some in reggae etc– whatever your musical interest, we would love to hear from you.

Am I applying for a particular programme?
No. South West Music School will offer each successful applicant a programme place based on the assessors’ collective verdict of which programme the applicant is best suited for.

How much does it cost?
Information on our fees can be found on our about us page.

I’m part of a band / ensemble – can we apply as a group?
We accept applications from individuals only. We would encourage all band members to apply as individuals if they are interested in doing so.

What kind of musical reference do I have to submit as part of my application?
A musical reference can be from anyone who knows you musically. That may be a regular music tutor, the Head of Music at your school or college or someone you have worked with on a music project. We are looking for a reference from anyone who can vouch for your commitment, enthusiasm, dedication and talent for music. All references need to come from adults that are not related to the applicant.

What do you mean by ‘two contrasting recordings’?
We are looking for the range of talent you can demonstrate from the recordings you submit. Many of our students play more than one instrument, or some play an instrument and also sing. If this is the case for you, we would like to receive a recording for each instrument. We would also like the recordings to differ in style to one another – for example, one jazz piece and one classical piece.

What format should my recordings be sent in?
We require all recordings to firstly be hosted on a website (e.g YouTube or SoundCloud). Once this has been done, recording links can be copied and pasted into two boxes provided on the application form.

I’m interested in the Composer / Song Writer programme – what happens after I apply?

If you are successful with your application, you will be invited to attend an interview. Interviews for composers and for song writers differ to the auditions that instrumentalists attend as the performance element is optional.

What happens if I’m successful at audition/interview?
Congratulations! The next step involves your official enrolment to South West Music School. After some paperwork has been completed, you will be sent the handbook for the year which gives you all you need to know on what SWMS will be offering you for the year including dates, times and other useful info. If you are an Enhanced Foundation, Performance Development, Core or Composer student you will be assigned a mentor and given further information on how the mentor/student relationship works. If you have questions at any point, the office team will be on hand to help out. You can find contact details for us here.

Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful?
Yes, we very much welcome students to apply again each year if they are unsuccessful with their application or audition. If you are unsuccessful it may be that we don’t feel as though you are yet ready to be part of SWMS, but we recognise a year can make an awful lot of difference to your musical development – so please do re-apply.