Test taken: I had two exams to sit on the day, set by my Director of Studies
Number of interviews: 2
Time between interviews: 3 hours or so
Length of interviews: 30-45mins each
Online interview: No

My first interview was with my Director of Studies (DoS) & another academic. I was given an article about ‘world music’ to read and annotate before I went in. My first interview took place in the Chapel (it was an odd choice of venue!!), but there was something very calming about the atmosphere that really helped my nerves. The first thing my DoS did was to talk through the technical exam I’d sat in the morning, which helped me to ease into the process. Then we sat and discussed my opinions on the article I’d read, and found some links to the essay I’d previously sent in about gamelan influences in Debussy’s piano music. By this time, I’d forgotten it was an interview!

Your interviewers aren’t nasty, they’re not out to get you - they want you to find your potential and they want to see that you can talk convincingly and passionately about your subject. Think of your interview as your time to shine or show off, it really does wonders for your confidence.

My second interview felt far more natural than my first (once you’ve done one, you know what to expect.) This was with the Admissions Tutor and a DoS from a different college. In this interview, I was asked about my personal statement and the reasons why Music was the subject I wanted to read. It felt far more like a personal interview than a technical one, like it was a chance for the college to get to know ME. It felt just like a normal conversation rather than a grilling! When you’re expecting the worst, the reality is so much different that it puts you at ease straight away.

I spent a lot of time making sure that I knew the work I’d sent in advance inside out (I was asked to send in a few essays and a composition.) This ended up being a huge topic of conversation, so I’d recommend sending in work that you’re happy to discuss!

I also made sure to re-read the articles/books I’d mentioned in my personal statement, as well as just ensuring that I listened to as much repertoire as possible.

My advice would be to concentrate on perhaps one book/topic and know it well - there’s no point in mentioning loads of books if you can’t confidently talk about all of them. Find your niche and explore it!

In terms of technical work, there’s not much preparation you can do besides practicing stylistic Bach chorale writing etc.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as you go in blind, but one was a technical paper (Bach chorale) and the other was a written paper comprised of two essays plus an analysis of a JS Bach work.

I’d say that giving yourself time to think is crucial. Your interviewers want to hear considered, intelligent answers, not nervous waffle! Take your time, think things through - never feel afraid to ask for the question to be reworded, or to ask for more time to think. Your interviewers are on your side!

Pick your niche and stick with it. Do some reading around, find one topic that really grabs your attention and run with it. Make it your goal to teach your interviewers something they don’t know!

Don’t be afraid to admit that there are gaps in your knowledge. Never ever EVER pretend you know something when you don’t: your interviewers will smell it a mile off, and that’s game over. If there’s something you don’t understand, tell them - use it as an opportunity to think/talk it through. Just don’t pretend!