Audition Success: How Leo Nailed His Conservatoire Applications
I am beyond proud to share that my student, Leo, has achieved an incredible feat—he has secured offers to study jazz at three of the most prestigious conservatoires in the UK: Leeds Conservatoire, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Each of these institutions has an extremely competitive selection process, with only the best of the best making it through. For Leo to receive offers from all three speaks volumes about his talent, dedication, and the hard work he has put into his craft.
The Journey from Self-Taught to Conservatoire Standard
Leo first came to me two years ago as a very capable, self-taught guitarist, roughly around grade 6 standard. While he had a solid foundation and natural ability, he was eager to take his playing to the next level. Over our time together, we worked tirelessly to refine his technique, expand his theoretical knowledge, and develop his musicianship to the level required for elite conservatoire entry.
Through dedicated lessons and practice, Leo has progressed beyond grade 8, reaching the highs of diploma standard, where his playing exhibits a depth of understanding, expression, and technical control that few of his age achieve.
The Key Areas of Growth
Leo’s progression wasn’t just about learning more songs—it was about developing a sophisticated, well-rounded approach to music and the guitar. Some of the key concepts we worked on include:
Rhythmically dependent alternate picking – Refining his picking technique to marry with the desired subdivision of the beat.
Available finger, available fret theory – Using just one fretted finger at a time, allowing for three fingers to be constantly available for note choice.
Intervallic functions for fretboard visualisation – A system that deepens understanding of how notes interact across the guitar neck, essential for advanced improvisation.
Sight reading and ear training – Vital skills for any serious musician, especially in jazz, where real-time adaptation is key.
Tertiary harmony – Understanding the deeper harmonic structures that underpin jazz, enabling Leo to analyze and interpret complex compositions.
Solo studies of the greats – We have worked through solos from some of the most legendary guitarists, allowing Leo to absorb and internalise the stylistic nuances that define the genre.
The Mindset Behind the Success
While talent plays a role, Leo’s diligence, discipline, and unwavering learning attitude have been just as important in his success. He has approached every lesson with a hunger to learn and a drive to improve, consistently putting in the hours of focused practice needed to refine his skills.
His ability to take on feedback, analyze his playing, and apply new concepts quickly has set him apart. This, combined with his passion for jazz and commitment to excellence, has resulted in him not only mastering complex material but also developing his own musical voice.
The Future Awaits
Leo chose Leeds Conservatoire as his destination of choice; a smart decision that will benefit him in a multitude of different ways.
Leo’s achievement is inspiring, and I have no doubt that he will make waves in the jazz world in the years to come. Huge congratulations, Leo—your hard work has paid off, and this is just the beginning!