Secure a Place at a Junior Conservatoire | Expert-Led Audition Coaching & Support

Helping Your Child Approach Auditions with Confidence

Gaining a place at a Junior Department (JD) of a conservatoire is a competitive and often daunting process. Many families worry about how to prepare effectively, especially when others seem to have insider knowledge or connections to JD teachers. At Prelude Education, we provide expert, structured support to help your child feel confident, prepared, and ready to perform at their best.

Significant means-tested bursary support is available from all the Junior Departments, and our experts are happy to advise families on these.

What Junior Conservatoires Do We Support Students Into?

We provide expert coaching and support for all Junior Conservatoire (Junior Department) applications across the UK. Whether your child is applying to a regional Junior Conservatoire or one of London’s leading institutions, our tailored approach ensures they receive the guidance, preparation, and confidence needed to succeed.

In London, we specialise in supporting students applying to the following Junior Departments:

Royal College of Music Junior Department (RCMJD)

  • Based in South Kensington, London.

  • Offers weekly one-to-one instrumental or vocal tuition, chamber music coaching, orchestras, and composition classes.

Royal Academy of Music Junior Department (RAMJD)

  • Located in central London, next to Regent’s Park.

  • Provides individual lessons, ensemble coaching, music theory, and frequent performance opportunities.

Guildhall School of Music & Drama Junior Guildhall

  • Situated in the Barbican, in the heart of London.

  • A prestigious programme offering one-to-one tuition, orchestral training, and performance coaching.

Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

  • Set in the inspiring surroundings of Greenwich

  • Designed for young musicians aged 10 to 19, offering a comprehensive music education over thirty teaching weeks each year.

Competition for places at these Junior Conservatoires is extremely high, with applications assessed not just on technical ability but also on musicality, confidence, and potential. Our expert-led coaching helps students refine their performances, choose the right repertoire, and develop the stage presence needed to stand out.

Guidance from JD Experts

Our JD admissions support is led by a number of experts, from instrument specialists to Howard Ionascu, a professional conductor and former Director of the Junior Royal Academy of Music (2013–2018).

With decades of experience coaching young musicians, Howard and other JD experts offer insightful, tailored guidance to help students understand what conservatoires are looking for and how to present themselves in the best possible light.

How We Can Help

✅ 1-2-1 Junior Department Admissions Consultations

Admissions Consultation: Senior Advisor £295 per hour | Junior Advisor £195

For parents and students looking for expert advice on where to begin.

These personalised consultations with Howard provide:
✔️ Clarity on the application process – what to expect and how to prepare
✔️ Honest, structured feedback on your child’s readiness
✔️ Repertoire selection advice to suit your child’s strengths
✔️ Guidance on audition preparation and what conservatoires value
✔️ Practical steps to improve performance confidence

📅 Best time to book: Anytime for those who like to plan ahead. If the audition is this academic year, January–February, ahead of March–April auditions would be best.

✅ Junior Department Mock Auditions

Mock Audition: Senior Advisor £295 per hour | Junior Advisor £195

For students who want to experience a realistic audition setting before the real thing.

A mock audition can make all the difference in feeling calm, confident, and prepared on the day. Howard provides a realistic audition experience, followed by detailed, constructive feedback.

✔️ Audition-style environment – practice performing under pressure
✔️ Personalised feedback to refine musical and presentation skills
✔️ Techniques to manage nerves and build confidence
✔️ Tips on how to communicate with the audition panel and accompanist

📅 Best time to book: February–early March, before JD audition season

Build Confidence. Feel Prepared. Perform at Your Best.

JD auditions are about more than just playing ability—they test a student’s confidence, presentation, and ability to engage musically. With expert guidance, we help students navigate the process with clarity and self-assurance so they can focus on what truly matters: their music.

📞 Book a consultation or mock audition today

Let’s make sure your child walks into their audition feeling ready to shine.