Prospectus
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Who to contact Head of Junior RNCM Karen Humphreys Administrator to Junior RNCM Beverley Hartley
Contents Direct line 0161 907 5264 Fax 0161 273 7611
Email juniors@rncm.ac.uk www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
Equal opportunities statement Freedom of Information The Junior RNCM operates an and Data Protection equal opportunity policy whereby Under the provisions of the access is available to all applicants Freedom of Information Act 2000 who demonstrate, at audition, an and also under the provisions of the appropriate level of achievement Data Protection Act 1998, and potential appropriate with their individuals have a general right of age. Factors such as disability, race, access to information that is held by Welcome to the Junior RNCM 2 the Royal Northern of RNCMsex, religion or belief, etc play no4 Studying at theCollege Junior part in the assessment of an Music. The RNCM is committed to The Curriculum 6 openness in relation to both its staff Your Principal and Second Study applicant's suitability for entry. 7 and students and also to the general Academic Studies 8 public, and insofar as is possible, Composition 8 will provide an applicant with any Chamber Music 9 informationand theylarge may request. Orchestral ensemble training 9
Supporting your studies
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Student welfare Parents involvement Library Your commitment Practice Attendance
Performance opportunities Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. However, it is likely that changes will occur during the lifetime of this publication.
Masterclasses Photography by Paul Cliff, International with additionalpartnerships images by
Sussie Ahlburg,success Benjamin Harte, Celebrating Paul Foster-Williams, DevMac Student success Photography and Benjamin Alumni success Ealovega. Junior RNCM Prizes
Joining the Junior RNCM Fees and financial support Designed by Copper Ltd Frequently askedMedia questions www.coppermedia.co.uk Our catchment area Printed by Belmont Press
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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14 Royal Northern College of Music 124 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9RD UK
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2 A warm welcome to the Junior RNCM The Junior RNCM offers a fantastic opportunity for musically-gifted children and young people to study within the internationally-renowned Royal Northern College of Music. Each Saturday our students travel from as far afield as North Wales, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the Midlands to be part of our vibrant community, to study in a welcoming and stimulating environment, and to soak up the creative atmosphere of one of the world’s best conservatoires. Our flexible course is designed to give you a balanced exposure to the discipline of music, and allows you to tailor your studies to suit your needs, as well as encourage
Karen Humphreys
you to develop into a confident and highly-skilled musician. A number of our students are members of many of the large national ensembles including the National Youth Orchestra, the National Children’s Orchestra, the National Youth Brass Band or National Youth Choir, among others. Several of our students have also won national music competitions including the British Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the BBC Young Composer of the Year.
In a typical year around 85% of our students go on to study music at conservatoire or university, and others continue with higher education in other disciplines, greatly enriched by the JRNCM experience. The Junior RNCM is staffed by more than 100 supportive, highlyqualified teachers who are all experienced in working with young people, and have a realistic knowledge of the other demands placed on students. Many members of staff also teach in the College and are experienced performers within such ensembles as the Hallé Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Some of our staff are also examiners and adjudicators in their own right.
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There are strong links between the College and the Junior RNCM, and our students enjoy full use of the excellent facilities across the College. This ensures that our students can take part in a wide range of activities, including RNCM festivals and masterclasses. We hope our prospectus gives you a good overview of the outstanding opportunities and facilities the
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College has to offer. You can also attend our annual Open Day where you can gain an insight into studying at the Junior RNCM. Choosing to devote your time and energy to pursuing excellence in your musical abilities can be a life changing decision. We’re here to help and guide you as you embark on what could be a fantastic journey to developing your talents,
JRNCM gives me the opportunity to be myself. Saturday is my chance to do what I love, with people I love, taught by some of the best musicians in the UK. Because of the incredible tuition and support I’ve received, I’ve become a member of the National Youth Orchestra and I’ve grown both as a person and a musician. Lucy Arch, Cellist
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
meeting new people who are as passionate as you about music, seizing opportunities to perform publicly, and working with some of the country’s leading musicians and teachers. Welcome to the Junior RNCM.
Karen Humphreys Head of Junior RNCM
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4 Studying at the Junior RNCM We’ll encourage you to approach your work with commitment, professionalism and determination, and to take full advantage of the excellent opportunities available to you.
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Being at the JRNCM has been an amazing experience. I couldn’t have achieved half of the things I have without it, and the friends I have made are friends for life. Saoirse Ryan, Voice Student
Our students attend on Saturdays from 9.30 to 4.30 during term time, ensuring that the time they spend here doesn’t impact on their weekday education and family life. They receive highly specialised musical training, individual tuition alongside ensemble coaching, and make music with other students who have similar talents and aspirations. Our students are
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surrounded by like-minded contemporaries, and are part of a close and supportive network of students and staff. There’s a strong sense of team work here, and students are very supportive towards each other. Indeed many lasting friendships are made during our students’ time here.
The JRNCM succeeds in facilitating the creative development of its gifted pupils with a staff that students in Higher Education and young professional musicians would be proud to have as their tutors. Our daughter feels that she can combine her studies at JRNCM with an excellent school during the week, allowing her to gain expertise in her music whilst pursuing an all-round education. Leigh Landy, Parent
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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As a Junior RNCM student you will benefit from a stimulating and exciting course delivered by a highly-specialised and experienced staff. Young students
The Curriculum Students are required to undertake the full curriculum comprising:
Principal Study Second Study Academic Studies Musicianship/Improvisation Theory/Harmony/Composition
1 hour ¾ hour ¾ hour ¾ hour
Chamber music coaching (where appropriate) ¾ hour Plus one of the following as stipulated by the Head of Junior RNCM:
Orchestral Training Brass Band Vocal Ensemble Jazz Ensemble Percussion Ensemble
2 hours 2 hours 2 hours 1½ hours 1½ hours
Our youngest students are placed in the Foundation Section and attend for a shortened curriculum at a reduced cost. Students in the Foundation Section undertake the following curriculum:
Principal Study Second Study Eurhythmics class Theory Foundation Choir
1 hour ¾ hour ¾ hour ¾ hour ¾ hour
It is expected that Foundation students will become ‘full Juniors’ when their technical facility and physical stamina have reached the levels required for a full day’s activities.
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Your Principal and Second Study At the centre of the curriculum is tuition in your main instrument, which may also be voice or composition. The majority of our students study the piano as either their first or second study instrument. In exceptional circumstances students are permitted to take a third study. This provision incurs an extra charge.
Intensive individual tuition is offered in the following subjects: Bassoon Cello Clarinet Composition Conducting Cornet Double Bass Euphonium Flute Guitar Harp Harpsichord Horn Jazz Piano
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
Oboe Organ Piano Recorder Saxophone Tenor Horn Timpani and Percussion Trombone Trumpet Tuba Viola Violin Voice
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Academic Studies The Academic Studies component of the Junior RNCM timetable is of great importance in the training of all-round, well-informed musicians. All students attend classes of either theory, harmony, or composition (depending on their age and standard) as well as classes in musicianship, improvisation or eurhythmics. Pupils are taught in small groups of approximately five students allowing scope for individual attention. Group members play a range of instruments but will usually be of a similar age, giving a social focus to the work undertaken. Although
lessons are not strictly confined to material relating to the National Curriculum, students find that this work offers excellent support to their day school GCSE and A level music courses. Although the aural training element of the musicianship course is generally more broadly-based, help is available for those preparing for ABRSM practical examinations. Upper 6th students enjoy the benefits of tuition in the techniques of conducting, score preparation and interpretation, and there are opportunities for outstanding student conductors to work with Junior RNCM ensembles.
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Composition Composition is a particular strength within the Junior RNCM. Several former and current students have had their works broadcast by the BBC, or performed nationally, and our students have won the BBC Young Composers’ Competition twice in recent years. Our Young Composers’ Concerts, featuring performances by the Junior RNCM New Music Ensemble, provide an excellent focus for student output, and competition for the Composition Prize is always fierce.
Up at 5.30 am, travel over two hours each way, could be home at 7 pm but in fact extend the day with yet more music-making with friends after a full formal timetable – what keeps them going? The sheer quality of the Junior RNCM experience, from the superb teaching to the buzz of music-making with other fine young musicians. Their skill, dedication and creativity provide mutual stimulus and the results are amazing! Bridget Gait, Parent
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Chamber Music Chamber Music is an important element in the training of our young musicians, and most of our students receive ensemble coaching in small groups, carefully selected to match age, standard and experience. Current ensembles include wind quintets, flute choir, clarinet quartet, recorder consort, string quartets, piano quintets, piano trios, harp ensemble, guitar duo, cello quartet, piano duos and jazz trios.
Orchestral and large ensemble training The Junior RNCM orchestras and large ensembles rehearse and perform works from a wide-ranging repertoire, and offer concerto opportunities for several outstanding soloists each year. Regular sectional work is undertaken by tutors with considerable professional experience, and there is a strong emphasis on orchestral/ensemble training.
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Alongside in-house orchestral and large ensemble activities, our students are encouraged to take part in complementary school, county or national activities.
Without the fabulous ensemble coaching and performance opportunities at the Junior RNCM, our percussion duo wouldn’t exist. Dyad Percussion Duo: Daniel Jones, JRNCM student 2001-06 and Toby Kearney, JRNCM student 2004-06
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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Supporting your studies You’ll be encouraged to fulfil your potential within a safe and caring environment. Student welfare
Parents involvement
Student welfare is a priority, and we place great emphasis on providing a safe and caring atmosphere. We have a Comprehensive Child Protection Policy, and all teaching staff undergo CRB checks. Amongst the staff are trained firstaiders and counsellors, and there’s a strong network of support amongst parents and carers. We ensure the safety of our students by insisting that they stay within the College buildings throughout the day. The Head of Junior RNCM is always available to talk with students and parents and carers to offer advice.
We know how important parental input is to ensuring our students get the most from their time here. Parents and carers have a vital role to play in both the support of students and the organisation of thorough daily practice routines. Parents and carers are invited to specified lessons, where they can discuss the progress of their daughter or son. Detailed progress reports are written at the end of the Summer Term. We hold Parent Forum meetings, which are attended by the Head of Junior RNCM, to give parents and carers the opportunity to exchange
information, as well as to discuss fundraising opportunities to support the work of the Junior RNCM. The ‘Friends of the Junior RNCM’ provides an important social network for parents and carers, and raises money to go towards our bursary fund.
Library The RNCM Library is open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays to support the work of the JRNCM. Students may borrow printed music, scores and text books, as well as making use of the Library’s extensive audio facilities.
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Your commitment We ask you to make a personal commitment to really get the most out of your Junior RNCM experience.
Practice All our students are expected to devote considerable time to regular private practice during the week to get the most from the tuition available. Our staff are skilled in helping students to establish a
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practice routine, and guide them to make the best use of their practice time.
must be submitted to the Head of Junior RNCM in writing at least one month in advance.
Attendance
Unless permission is granted by the Head of Junior RNCM, students are not permitted to perform in concerts, competitions or masterclasses outside of the Junior RNCM. In the interests of all students, Junior RNCM concerts must take priority over any outside engagements that students may be offered.
Regular attendance is mandatory, as repeated absence can be detrimental to musical progression and disruptive to ensemble work. Unauthorised absences are rigorously monitored. Requests for permission to be absent, perhaps for NYO or NCO commitments,
When my voice changed I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I decided to concentrate on becoming an all-round musician and at the same time get expert tuition and guidance on my changing voice and how to move it to the next level – and that is what I get at the JRNCM. I enjoy the one-toone sessions with my vocal coach. We work hard at College but it’s fun and I can’t imagine not coming here on Saturdays. Andrew Johnston, Voice Student
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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12 Performance opportunities Developing the art of performing is an essential part of any musical education. At the Junior RNCM you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience on the concert platform.
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Short appearances in informal concerts lead to more formal occasions both internally, in public recitals, and externally through engagements at venues across the North of England. Some of our students are also offered the opportunity to give concerto performances with one of the Junior RNCM’s orchestras or large ensembles, across a range of genres. At the RNCM we hold many free, public concerts throughout the year, both informal and formal, with foundation section concerts, Chamber Music and Composers’ concerts, and our Performance
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Days which showcase all our orchestras and ensembles. All student performances are recorded by the Junior RNCM to aid student learning. Junior RNCM students also have the opportunity to participate in many of our College events, including our annual programme of festivals and our Spotlight concerts. Externally, the Junior RNCM presents more than 15 concerts at venues as far afield as Nottingham, Leeds, Penrith and Stafford, as well as at other venues closer to home, such as Chester, Bolton, Stockport, Middlewich and The Wirral.
Whilst competition within the Junior RNCM is discouraged, participation in external festivals and competitions gives our students invaluable experience, and our staff encourage students to take part where appropriate, with the Head of Junior RNCM’s approval. On most Saturdays throughout the year staff accompanists are available to work with students and their teachers. Their time is booked through the Head of Junior RNCM and the amount available depends on their other commitments within the Junior RNCM.
I’ve been a member of the JRNCM for over ten years. The performance opportunities have been invaluable and helped me to develop as a live performer – both as a classical violinist and also as a singer/songwriter to the point where I now perform regularly across the UK and beyond. Joni Fuller, Violinist and Singer/Songwriter
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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Masterclasses Our students take part in regular masterclasses with eminent musicians and performers. Our most recent masterclasses have been given by such distinguished artists as oboist Hansjörg Schellenberger, clarinettist Maximiliano Martin, trumpeter John Miller, bassoon player Stefano Canuti, violinist Paarvo Pohjola, pianist Jussi Siirala, violist Teemu Kupiainen, flautist Anders Ljungar-Chapelon, tuba player Walter Hilgers, percussionist Eric Sammut, and oboist Alex Klein.
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International partnerships The Junior RNCM has a wellestablished exchange programme with the Junior Sibelius Academy in Finland, which gives chamber ensembles, from each institution, the opportunity to travel to the other to perform. Students from both institutions are able to perform on their own and with their contemporaries.
and learn about other approaches to music study and performance. They also take part in intensive coaching and rehearsals at KallioKuninkala, the former home of Sibelius’s daughter, before a showcase performance at the Sibelius Academy at the end of the visit. A similar exchange programme with the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin began in 2011.
Students who take part are tutored by experienced overseas professionals, and are able to share
JRNCM has given me loads of exciting opportunities. Three of us had a fabulous time in Finland playing with musicians from the Junior Sibelius Academy. Rees Webster, Oboist
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Celebrating success
Our students and alumni enjoy remarkable success regionally, nationally and internationally. We regularly celebrate their achievements at competitions around the UK, and on the concert platforms and opera stages around the world. Here are just some of our recent success stories. Student success Junior RNCM students have won prizes at prestigious competitions throughout the UK, including the BBC Young Musician of the Year, the BBC Proms INSPIRE Young Composers’ Competition, the British Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Exposure Music Awards, the ABRSM International Young Composers Competition, and the Make It, Break It Songwriters Award, among others. In recent years the College has been strongly represented in a number of the top youth orchestras in the country, with leaders in the National Youth Orchestra, the Hallé
Youth Orchestra, the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the National Children’s Chamber Orchestra, to name but a few. Collaborations with arts organisations such as the Lowry Dance School and professional ensembles like the Black Dyke Band provide Junior RNCM students with valuable opportunities and memorable experiences. International successes have led to performances on the concert platform at high-profile events including the European Vocal Teachers’ Association in Stockholm, and a masterclass appearance with world-renowned flautist James Galway in New York.
Alumni success Many of our alumni have built reputations as professional musicians, respected teachers, and leaders in their chosen fields. Mark Simpson made headlines in 2006 by becoming the first person to be awarded the BBC Young Musician of the Year and BBC Young Composer of the Year in the same year. Since then, he has performed with major orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, the City of London Sinfonia, and Northern Sinfonia, and is artist in residence with the Northern Chamber Orchestra. Prominent composers including Mark-Anthony
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My time at the RNCM was vitally important in my development as a musician and helped me achieve my goals and much more! JRNCM is a place where passionate, talented young musicians can learn their craft and reach their potential. Whether you want to go on to a conservatoire or university to study music, the JRNCM is the perfect place for musical excellence. Mark Simpson, JRNCM student 2003-07
Turnage, Gary Carpenter, Emily Howard and Kenneth Hesketh have written works for Mark; and as a composer himself, he has received commissions from professional ensembles such as Ensemble 10:10 and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He is currently studying music at St Catherine’s College Oxford.
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Graduates Kathryn Rudge and Katherine Broderick are both pursuing successful careers on the opera platform. Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge left the Junior RNCM in 2004 to continue her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the RNCM, including a year as an International Artist Diploma scholar. During her time at the College she won numerous prizes, national awards and
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scholarships, and performed principal roles in RNCM operas including Le Nozze di Figaro, La Belle Hélène and Carmen. Kathryn has also made concert appearances with many of the UK’s leading professional orchestras in venues including the Bridgewater Hall, Royal Festival Hall and the Wigmore Hall.
The two years I spent at Junior RNCM were invaluable. I was so grateful for the opportunity to develop and focus on my skills as a musician in such a friendly environment, learning alongside fellow young musicians with guidance from tutors with great expertise. As I embark on a professional career in music I look back on my time at the JRNCM with a great deal of affection. Kathryn Rudge, JRNCM student 2002-04
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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I attended from the age of 13 to 18 and these years were some of my happiest and most musically-inspiring. I will always be grateful to the teachers of the JRNCM because I wholeheartedly believe I may never have achieved a career in music without this early training. My relationship with music has been undoubtedly enhanced by my time as a JRNCM student and I cannot sing its praises enough. Katherine Broderick, JRNCM student 1996-2000
Soprano Katherine Broderick spent five years studying at the Junior RNCM and has gone on to forge a distinguished career appearing with some of the world’s leading orchestras such as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, and a Proms debut with BBC Symphony Orchestra. She has worked with prominent conductors such as Sir Roger Norrington, Marin Alsop and Sir Mark Elder. Katherine’s opera roles
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have included Donna Anna in the English National Opera production of Don Giovanni, and Woglinde in Götterdämmerung for Opera North. Tuba player Les Neish began his relationship with the Junior RNCM as a student and is now a member of the teaching staff, as well as enjoying an international career as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. Les has experienced success at prolific competitions including the Royal Over-Seas
The Junior RNCM gave me the foundation to begin my path to a professional career and most of all to enjoy music-making. Now, as a member of staff, I consider it a great privilege to work with such talented youngsters every Saturday and see the Junior RNCM grow each year. Les Neish, JRNCM student 1998-2000
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League Competition, and also holds the accolade of being the first player to perform a solo tuba recital at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. His recordings have received critical acclaim, and he regularly performs across Europe and the US with the world-famous Brass Band of Battle Creek. As a chamber musician, Les has appeared with the UK’s leading ensembles including ONYX Brass, Tubalaté and NEMO Brass.
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19 Clare Duckworth, a student at the Junior RNCM between 1991-98, is currently Co-Principal Second Violin with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. A graduate of the Royal
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Academy of Music, Clare has enjoyed a busy professional career on the concert platform and toured extensively. She has been leader of the National Youth Orchestra and
the European Union Youth Orchestra, performed with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, before joining the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005.
I spent seven years at the Junior RNCM and was lucky to be able to combine a normal school week with a day of specialised music tuition which was tailored to my needs. It also gave me many varied performance opportunities both at the RNCM and externally. I was immensely privileged to be teamed up with a superb violin teacher (who I would not otherwise have met at a junior level) and whose support and impact on my playing was very great indeed. The Junior RNCM was a caring and inspiring environment and I enjoyed my time there very much. Clare Duckworth, JRNCM student 1991-98
Junior RNCM Prizes
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The success of the Junior RNCM and its students is built upon its reputation for nurturing and training talented young musicians and, over the years, has gained the support of benefactors who generously award prizes to recognise and celebrate this talent. The following prizes are presented annually to Junior RNCM students:
The David Bagshaw Prize for Academic Studies The Joan Bamford Prize for Piano The Shirley Blakey Prize for Piano The Ida Carroll Prize for Merit The John Crosdale Prize for Brass The Director’s Prize The John Ellis Memorial Prize The Friends of the RNCM Prize for Jazz The Rohi Gazder Prize for Violin The Katy Jones Memorial Prize for the Foundation Section The Helen Latto Soroptimists Prize for Singing The Ian McPherson Memorial Prize The Parents Association Ensemble Prize The Peter Redfearn Memorial Prize for Composition The Anthony Ridley Prize for Orchestral Playing The Vicci Wardman Prize for Viola The Martin Winter Prize for Young Brass Players The John Wray Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Junior RNCM The Yorke Trust Prize for Double Bass
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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Joining the Junior RNCM We attract large numbers of applicants for places and entry is highly competitive. Selection is made following auditions which are held each March/April for entry in September. Application forms may be obtained from the Administrator to the Junior RNCM. The closing date for entries is 1st March.
Students are admitted from the age of eight upwards. They are not normally admitted for less than two years’ study. Successful candidates need to demonstrate that they possess a combination of basic musicality, commitment and potential sufficient to indicate a realistic promise of a career in music. Present attainment of successful applicants will depend on such factors as age and length of study, but as a rough guide we would expect ABRSM Grade 5 distinction level on the Principal Study instrument from our younger applicants.
21 For further advice on applying, you can talk to our staff at our Open Day during the Spring term. If you’d like to attend, please contact us at juniors@rncm.ac.uk or on 0161 907 5264.
Auditions The audition panel consists of the Head of Junior RNCM and a specialist in the student’s Principal Study. All candidates are required to use the official accompanist provided, and time is given for rehearsal before audition.
interests, previous experience and future aspirations with the panel. There will also be the opportunity for you to ask questions about the Junior RNCM. All candidates receive their audition results in writing shortly after the assessment. Please note that the decision of the audition panel is final and no correspondence about results can be entered into.
Applicants are asked to prepare the following:
The Head of Junior RNCM is responsible for placing pupils with teachers. Students and parents or carers are given the opportunity to express their preferences, and these are given careful consideration.
• Two contrasting pieces on their Principal Study instrument/voice • One piece on their Second Study
All audition dates are made at the discretion of the Head of Junior RNCM.
In addition, sight reading (Principal Study), theory questions and aural tests will normally be given to ascertain a candidate’s musical potential. You will be invited to discuss your general music
Re-auditions All students at the Junior RNCM are re-auditioned annually. To retain their place on the course they must demonstrate satisfactory and
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significant progress. Students also have the opportunity to discuss their timetables with the panel and set goals for the future. Attendance, punctuality and commitment are taken into account in the assessment. Scales, arpeggios and sight reading tests are undertaken by all our students on their Principal Study instrument/voice in February each year, and the results of these tests are taken into consideration during the re-audition process.
ABRSM Examinations ABRSM practical exams are only taken on the recommendation of a student’s tutor, and are not usually permitted during the first term with a new teacher. Our students are entered for exams directly by the Junior RNCM, and parents are invoiced for fees at a later date. We advise our students not to take two practical exams in one session.
In the time I have spent at the JRNCM I have enjoyed the company of talented students. They help me maintain high standards and I have stepped up my game to the next level. Faz Shah, Violinist
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
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Fees and financial support Fees are payable in advance and may be paid annually, termly or by standing order over ten months. One full term’s notice is required if a student wishes to withdraw from the Junior RNCM. LEA awards Awards are made by some Local Education Authorities to cover full or partial fees and travel expenses. Early application to your LEA Music Advisor is recommended.
Scholarship/Bursaries A limited number of scholarships and bursaries are available from the Junior RNCM for cases of financial hardship. Applications for such support should be made through the Junior RNCM Bursary application procedure (which includes submitting a confidential
financial statement) once the audition process has been completed and places have been offered. We are indebted to a number of donors and benefactors whose generous support has made such scholarships and bursaries possible. These benefactors include Awards for Young Musicians, The Adam Bethlan Fund, The Stephen Bell Charitable Trust, The Ida Carroll Trust, The Else and Leonard Cross Charitable Trust, The Friends of the RNCM, The Graucob Music Awards,
The Junior RNCM Endowment Trust, The Eric and Margaret Kinder Charitable Trust, The Leverhulme Trust, The Geoffrey Shaw Memorial Fund, and The Wolfson Foundation. A number of awards under the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme are also available for students of outstanding ability and limited financial means.
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Frequently asked questions Am I good enough to be a Junior RNCM student?
Will I have to change from my current teacher?
One of the key things we look for in potential students is the ability to cope with, and thrive in, an intense, but rewarding, environment. If you’re not sure, talk to your music teacher about your abilities or visit us on our Open Day and chat to some of our staff members.
Yes, this is something that may need careful consideration prior to your application. Our students are not permitted to have instrument lessons other than with their Junior RNCM teachers, as this can often lead to conflicting advice.
Who attends the Junior RNCM? Our students generally range in age from eight to 18 and come from all walks of life and a huge catchment area. We typically have around 180 gifted and highly-motivated musicians as students at any one time. In a nutshell – ordinary young people with an extraordinary talent.
Is there a cut-off age for applications? We normally consider the beginning of Year 12 to be the last point of entry as we prefer students to be with us for a minimum of two years. There have been instances, however, where students have joined in Year 13 and remained with us for a gap year.
Will I be able to take part in ensembles outside the Junior RNCM? Yes, providing that this leaves enough time for practice during the week.
Do students of all ages have the same timetable? No, our youngest students have a shorter curriculum at a lower cost than our older students. Younger students move onto a fuller timetable when they are able to complete a full day’s activities further details can be found in the ‘Curriculum’ section. All students’ timetables are tailored to their specific areas of specialism.
Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
Will I be expected to go on to study at a conservatoire or university music department? Not necessarily. A large percentage of our graduates go on to study music but recent graduates have also gone on to study Medicine, Philosophy and Law.
Do I have to study piano? Most of our students choose to study the piano as it provides them with a strong platform for other areas of musical study (theory, composition etc.), but this is flexible according to the strengths of each individual student.
Are there any awards/ bursaries available to help me financially? We try to make the Junior RNCM accessible to all talented and gifted musicians, regardless of financial standing. As such, there are a number of scholarships and bursaries available, and details can be found in the ‘Fees’ section.
24 Our catchment area Our students travel great distances to attend the Junior RNCM each Saturday.
Who to contact
Equal opportunities statement The Junior RNCM operates an equal opportunity policy whereby access is available to all applicants who demonstrate, at audition, an appropriate level of achievement and potential appropriate with their age. Factors such as disability, race, sex, religion or belief, etc play no part in the assessment of an applicant's suitability for entry.
www.rncm.ac.uk/juniorrncm
Freedom of Information and Data Protection Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and also under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998, individuals have a general right of access to information that is held by the Royal Northern College of Music. The RNCM is committed to openness in relation to both its staff and students and also to the general public, and insofar as is possible, will provide an applicant with any information they may request.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. However, it is likely that changes will occur during the lifetime of this publication.
Photography by Paul Cliff, with additional images by Sussie Ahlburg, Benjamin Harte, Paul Foster-Williams, DevMac Photography and Benjamin Ealovega.
Royal Northern College of Music
Head of Junior RNCM Karen Humphreys Administrator to Junior RNCM Beverley Hartley Direct line 0161 907 5264 Fax 0161 273 7611 Email juniors@rncm.ac.uk
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