RNCM undergraduate prospectus by coppermedialtd

Undergraduate Prospectus 2011-12

Contents Welcome Your future Manchester - musical city Commitment to Equality The RNCM is a Higher Education Student life andhere Diversity Corporation under the terms of the Living The RNCM is committed Education Reform Act 1988 and theAn international communityto eliminating discrimination and Further and Higher Education Act Performance encouraging diversity as an 1992. It receives public funding employer, higher education provider from the Higher Education Funding RNCM and ascourses a performance venue. Our Council for England (HEFCE). Bachelor Music (BMus) aim isof that where possible our Freedom of Information GRNCM Joint Course organisation will be truly and Data Protection Foundation Degree representative of (FdA) all sections of Under the provisions of the Academic societyStudies and each will feel respected. Freedom of Information Act 2000 Our aim is to provide equality and and also under the provisions of Composition fairness in all our activities and not the Data Protection Act 1998, Studies to discriminate on the grounds of individuals have a general right of Keyboard age, disability, gender access to information that is held Strings reassignment, by the Royal Northern College of Vocal Studiesmarriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and Music. The RNCM is committed to Wind, Brass and Percussion maternity, race, religion or belief, openness in relation to both its gender and sexual orientation. We staff and students and also to the all School forms of unlawful and general public, and insofar as is The oppose Graduate unfair discrimination. possible, will provide an applicant Library with any information they may Student support Every effort is made to ensure that request. Fees and financial support the information in this Prospectus How to apply is correct at the time of going to Key dates and contacts press. However, it is likely that How to find us changes will occur during the lifetime of this publication.

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

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3 Making a decision about where to train as a professional musician is one of the most important of your career. You will want to be assured that the conservatoire or university of your choice offers outstanding tuition and performance opportunities, as well as a supportive and nurturing environment.

Welcome to the RNCM The RNCM is a forward-thinking, internationally-acclaimed conservatoire, located in the heart of Manchester, one of the UK’s most culturally vibrant cities. Our staff are renowned for their expertise and we have an excellent reputation for attracting some of the world’s most distinguished teachers, performers, conductors, composers and scholars. Such outstanding artists as violinist and conductor Gábor Takács-Nagy, soprano Joan Rodgers, composer H K Gruber and saxophonist

Vincent David have recently joined the College as International Chairs, adding to our body of highly respected teachers and performers. We have strong links with leading international conservatoires and exchange partners, giving you opportunities to make cultural and professional connections throughout your course, that will support you in developing your future career.

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Conservatoire and leading performance venue The RNCM’s unique position as both a conservatoire and thriving performance venue means that you will benefit from unparalleled opportunities to perform regularly to public audiences and work alongside professional musicians and visiting artists. You will also enjoy a broad range of musical styles and genres. In the past year we have staged over 450 events and attracted leading artists including the composer Philip Glass, trumpet soloist Håkan Hardenberger and jazz composer and improvisor Tim Garland.

The day I came to the RNCM I fell in love with it. As soon as I walked through the door I felt a connection with the place. It’s great that everyone shares the same goals and interests. I have a lot in common with people here. Jennifer Coleman, 2nd year singer

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

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Enabling you to fulfil your potential

First-hand experience of the music profession

Our core purpose is to enable talented young people, from across the world, to fulfil their potential as musicians. Through dedicated coaching, a thorough academic grounding and extensive performance experience, our students thrive. At the RNCM your individual needs lie at the heart of the training and experience you will receive. We take your future seriously and we support you in fulfilling your personal aspirations.

We promote the highest standards of technical and musical achievement and academic enquiry at the RNCM and put great emphasis on encouraging entrepreneurial skills and creativity. Our courses are designed to give you first-hand experience of the music profession and we work hard to ensure our teaching reflects the professional reality of being a musician. To achieve this, your Principal Study and Academic Studies will be complemented by a range of Professional Studies options such as music marketing, concert management and music librarianship, giving you opportunities for placements in the wider music industry.

Many of our students are involved in professional music-making while studying, and they also benefit from professional experience schemes with the prominent orchestras and ensembles in Manchester and Liverpool, and with the Black Dyke Band. A number of our undergraduate students also choose to follow the pioneering Performer-Teacher pathway leading to Qualified Teacher Status, which opens up opportunities during the final two years of their degree to train and qualify as a teacher and gain invaluable teaching experience in local schools.

Partnerships Our partnerships are regional, national and international. Links with education partners include our Foundation Degree, which we run jointly with Access to Music (Armstrong Learning), our GRNCM Joint Course with The University of Manchester, our Performer-Teacher pathway with Manchester Metropolitan University, and an exciting new partnership with the School of Sound Recording. Our partners in the wider community provide opportunities for outreach projects, while our pioneering Music for Health Learning Programme brings musicians and healthcare

practitioners closer together, offering further openings for future employment. Internationally, the RNCM is the sole UK partner institution of the European Chamber Music Academy, and is partnered with many leading institutions across the world, providing you with opportunities to study abroad, enrich your learning experience, and make international contacts.

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

Visiting us In the pages that follow, we explain why we feel the RNCM is a special place to train. But to truly experience the buzz and creative energy of studying and performing here, we recommend that you see for yourself, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to visit us, or request an Advice Audition. You can come to an Open Day, or just call to arrange a visit. Whatever your chosen career path, our commitment is to inspire, train and support you in achieving your ambitions, and to provide you with a rich and fulfilling student experience.

6 Your future As a student at the RNCM you are encouraged to look beyond your studies to your future career, and to the possibilities open to you both nationally and internationally. You will be part of a community of outstanding musicians with high aspirations, and we will do all we can to support you in fulfilling your personal ambitions and potential. Your degree is designed to help you to develop the confidence, drive, communication, and entrepreneurial skills needed to manage your career in a competitive market place. An exciting range of career choices are open to you, as demonstrated by the success of our graduates. Our alumni have excelled as performers and conductors on concert platforms, and in major opera houses around the world; as composers working with world-class orchestras and ensembles, and for film and television; as music tutors, inspiring the next generation of young people in schools, music services and conservatoires; as broadcasters holding high profile positions; as session musicians touring with well-known pop and rock bands, and as leaders within the wider arts and creative industries and education sector.

Professional experience and skills The need to plan your career, develop professional experience and skills, build professional networks, and make contacts while still a student are critical to your future success. At the RNCM we ensure you are equipped for the kind of freelance portfolio career you might expect as a musician, in which you may find yourself combining performance with many other professional activities. Professional Studies provide you with a range of career-related activities and training, and is one of three key elements of the BMus (Hons), complementing Principal Study and Academic Studies. As part of your degree you will have opportunities to audition for a number of our Professional Experience Schemes. These include placements with leading orchestras the BBC Philharmonic, HallĂŠ, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and our orchestra-in-residence, Manchester Camerata, as well as with the Black Dyke Band, who are also in residence at the College.

Through seminars, workshops, outreach work and placements, you will develop your knowledge, and broaden your experience of what it is to be a professional musician. RNCM Outreach, the RNCM Music for Health Learning Programme, and accredited placements across the wider music industry provide many exciting opportunities to broaden your skills and gain invaluable work experience.

Pioneering Performer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Teacher pathway (leading to Qualified Teacher Status) This is an exciting opportunity for you to develop your skills as both a performer and teacher, and to gain Qualified Teacher Status alongside your degree. The benefits include: â&#x20AC;˘ Graduating with the RNCM Bachelor of Music degree and a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status from Manchester Metropolitan University on successful completion of the course

• Opportunities to develop your performance and teaching skills to the highest level • Opportunities to gain teaching skills in a range of areas and to experience music education in its widest sense • Placements in schools and in Music Services, supported by professional and subject-based mentors • Participation in a broad range of creative projects with high profile and professional providers such as BBC Philharmonic Learning & Participation, Hallé Education and Sing Up • The potential for quality employment opportunities upon graduation

Partners

External engagements

Over the years the RNCM has developed important professional partnership links, which will provide you with valuable access to career advice and guidance, as well as crucial opportunities to network and foster contacts to enhance your employability when you graduate.

The Professional Engagements Team co-ordinates a large number of external professional engagements for students with music clubs and societies across the North West, as well as with companies and event organisers. This service gives students the opportunity to perform publicly throughout their degree, gaining invaluable experience and also often earning some additional income.

You will have the opportunity to participate with our partners in the wider community through observation and participation with all North West Music Services and organisations such as Greater Manchester Music Action Zone, the Seashell Trust, Music Unlimited, Artis and Live Music Now. A full list of our partners can be found on the website www.rncm.ac.uk

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I have been lucky enough to get performing and teaching work all around England from the contacts I have made at the RNCM. Often a good performance at the College leads to the offer of external engagements from concert organisers in the audience. Gintaute Gataveckaite, 2nd year pianist

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

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Manchester a city with a passion for music

Manchester is without doubt one of the most energetic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, and has a well-deserved reputation as an educational, media, and cultural capital within Europe. Manchester’s history is inextricably linked with music and culture; it is here where Britain's longest established permanent professional symphony orchestra was formed, and where the country’s first public library was established in 1653. The city enjoys a modern day status as a hotbed for classical and contemporary music.

to assemble an orchestra for the Art Treasures of Great Britain exhibition. After the exhibition he decided to keep the musicians together, and so began the Hallé Orchestra. In 1893 Hallé founded the Royal Manchester College of Music where he was Principal and Professor of Pianoforte.

Manchester’s musical history began in earnest when the Hallé Orchestra was formed. Charles Hallé arrived in Manchester in 1858, and was asked

Find out more at www.visitmanchester.com

During the 1950s the Royal Manchester College of Music became home to Harrison Birtwistle, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Alexander Goehr and John Ogdon. They were known as the New Manchester Group; avant-garde musicians, who were to leave their mark on the world of classical music. Sir Peter Maxwell Davies recently returned to the College for the New Music North West Festival.

In 1973 the Royal Manchester College of Music merged with the Northern School of Music, and so the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) was born. From the very beginning the College attracted a wealth of visiting musicians to showcase their works. Northern Dance School, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra), the Nash Ensemble, and London Sinfonietta were the first in a long line of world-renowned ensembles to bring their work to RNCM. The opening of the RNCM coincided with a larger Manchester renaissance, with the beginning of a new chapter for the Hallé Orchestra under a new director; new theatres in Manchester which were attracting fresh and talented actors and musicians, and Chetham’s School becoming established as a specialist music school.

Manchester: a city of culture Manchester is home to three professional orchestras; the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, and Manchester Camerata, which is resident at the College. There’s a wealth of live classical music events across the city at venues such as The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester’s stunning state-of-the-art international concert venue. The College also has a packed schedule of events throughout the year. Manchester is renowned the world over as a breeding ground for musical innovation and talent. Its track record of producing illustrious contemporary musical talent spans many decades and includes 10cc, The Hollies, The Bee Gees, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Fall, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Oasis, Badly Drawn Boy, and Autechre. Doves, Elbow and Delphic have now taken over the mantle of Manchester’s musical heroes.

Of course there are plenty of opportunities to see Manchester’s finest performers, alongside artists from across the world, in the city’s many live music venues - from the imposing Manchester Evening News Arena which holds 21,000, to more intimate venues scattered across the city. There are also many music festivals that take place throughout the year, such as Manchester International Festival - a biennial, artist-led, commissioning festival presenting new works from across the spectrum of performing arts, music, visual arts and popular culture; MAPS festival - a celebration of Manchester’s best independent music and art; FutureEverything - a global festival of art, music and ideas, and Proms in the Park. The city has more than its fair share of art galleries and museums, all housing collections of international importance. You can see classic masterpieces at Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth Art Gallery and The Lowry, or modern art at

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I really like Manchester. There is so much culture and it’s good to experience life and activities outside College. I sometimes go to the Manchester Museum or to the Library in the city centre. There is also tons of shopping. Jemima Palfreyman, 2nd year pianist

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the Cornerhouse, Cube, and the Chinese Arts Centre, and the many independent galleries across the city. The Manchester Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry have an ever-changing timetable of exhibitions, and the imposing architecture of the Imperial War Museum North hosts changing exhibitions around how war shapes lives. Lazy weekends can be spent at one of the city’s hundreds of bars, cafes and restaurants, which cater for

every taste in décor, ambience, and food. If you’re feeling energetic you can sample some of Manchester’s finest club nights. No mention of Manchester would be complete without reference to its world-renowned sporting prowess. As well as its two outstanding premiership football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, the city has world-class cycling at Manchester Velodrome, premiership rugby in Sale, national and international

Find out more at www.visitmanchester.com

cricket at Old Trafford, and the international swimming venue Manchester Aquatics Centre. There’s a myriad of sporting associations across the city, from archery to volleyball, enabling you to take part in your sport of choice. Whatever you’re looking for, Manchester has it. It’s a great place to live as a musician and a student, and you would be hard pressed to tire of its spirit, attitude and creative buzz.

12 Student life RNCM students enjoy an excellent quality of life. There are endless cultural and social activities to enjoy, either within the calendar of events organised by the Students’ Union, or across the city, which is renowned for its great student scene.

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Culturally the city is alive with opportunities to enjoy life, whether that means seeing the latest film at one of the city’s multiplexes or independent cinemas, enjoying live gigs or classical concerts, visiting art galleries, enjoying a play, or just relaxing and having fun. It’s worth noting that in addition to the numerous music venues in and around Manchester, you will be able to enjoy performances in our own venues, with over 450 events hosted at the RNCM each year, including visiting artists, festivals and student performances. As an RNCM student you will have the added benefit of free or heavily discounted tickets for most of these events.

If you enjoy the outdoors Manchester also makes the ideal base for exploring the North of England. For days out you can head for the stunning countryside of the Lake District, Lancashire and the Peak District. Financially, it is much easier to manage your budget as a student in Manchester than in most other cities in the UK. According to the most recent Student Living Survey*, Manchester is among the top five most cost-effective cities to live as a student.

*Natwest Student Living Index 2009

Throughout your time at the RNCM you will be represented and supported by the Students' Union. The Union is both the student community, to which everyone belongs, and a representative body which liaises between students and staff, and will take things forward and guarantee that your voice is heard. We organise different events to cater for everyone, with everything from old school discos to salsa dancing, from rock nights to jazz evenings. The RNCM Students’ Union is here to make sure you make the most of your time at the College. From day one, we are here to help, encourage and entertain you. I look forward to meeting you. Laurence McNaughton, President of the RNCM Students’ Union

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14 Living here

As an RNCM student you can enjoy modern accommodation in the Hall of Residence located next door to the College. The Sir Charles Groves Hall is a purpose-built hall with all modern amenities and offers a truly cost effective place to live, as you will be able to walk to lectures or rehearsals in just a few minutes. RNCM students occupy the majority of the 612 rooms in the Hall, giving an even greater opportunity to be part of a safe student community and make friends as soon as you arrive. University students also share the Hall bringing you into contact with others studying in Manchester.

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You will have your own en suite room in a shared flat for four, sharing a fully-equipped lounge/kitchen. As a purpose-built residence, the rooms allocated to RNCM students benefit from sound-proofing, so you can practice in your room between the hours of 9am and 9pm. Pianists can even arrange to have a loan piano in their room.

There is always someone to turn to in the Hall, as welfare and support of RNCM student residents is overseen by two senior student residents and a member of staff.

I love Manchester and the cost of living is very low compared to other places around the country. It relieves a lot of pressure to not worry about finances. Eleanor Hibberd, 2nd year singer

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15 The Hall is spacious and modern and includes: • En-suite bathroom, internet access and telephone in every room • Communal areas including a student common room with widescreen TV and pool table • A launderette exclusively for the use of RNCM students • A courtyard garden • 24-hour security, CCTV and swipe card access • Guest flats for visiting relatives and friends You can opt for a completely selfcatering package, or opt for a weekday catering package to buy meals at food outlets in the main College building.

Private accommodation You may prefer to rent a flat or share a house in private accommodation. The RNCM is associated with Manchester Student Homes, which is an agency owned and managed by the city’s universities and supported by the RNCM. The main advantage of using this agency is that all landlords have to be accredited and adhere to an agreed 'Code of Standards', ensuring you are provided with quality accommodation and the best possible service. For further information see: www.manchesterstudent homes.com/

16 An international community If you choose to come to the UK to study at the RNCM, you can be assured of receiving a warm welcome from the day you arrive.

We will make sure you experience exciting new opportunities and receive any support you might need, so that your time here is enjoyable and fulfilling. Of the 700 students or so studying at the RNCM around 170 are international students, representing fifty different countries. Many of our tutors too are drawn from across the world and have international performing careers, creating a culturally diverse and stimulating environment.

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Support services and welcome activities We have a great deal of experience in welcoming international students, and are aware of your concerns. You will be wellsupported even before you arrive in the UK, with comprehensive advice and guidance included in our induction packs and pre-departure information. When you arrive, our priority is to make you feel at home as quickly as possible, and to help you to settle into your new life at the College in the culturally vibrant city of Manchester. You will be invited to participate in an induction

programme where you will meet current students and staff, and where you will receive plenty of useful information about immigration, and practical topics such as registering with a doctor, opening a bank account, and even coping with homesickness. You will have the opportunity to join in celebrations and activities in Freshers’ Week, which takes place just before the start of term, including special events for international students. The whole week is designed to help you make new friends and settle into student life here - it’s also a lot of fun!

RNCM has many international students and teachers. We all come from different countries, with different cultures, and everyone shares their experiences and brings new ideas. I think it’s one of the most important things about the RNCM community. Le Yu, 3rd year percussionist

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17 On-site Hall of Residence You will have the option of living in the College’s on-site Hall of Residence, just two minutes’ walk away from the College building, where many RNCM students choose to live. You will find that living so close is very convenient, as you will be able to practice in your own room as well as in the College, and being so close means you will not need to be concerned about getting home late. See page 14 for more information.

People to turn to The RNCM will support you in a number of ways: • We have a dedicated International Office which is here especially for you • An English Language Tutor is here to help you throughout your studies at the College • If your English falls below the entry level, you can participate in our intensive pre-sessional English Language summer course

making it an exciting and cosmopolitan place for students to live and study. It is renowned as a city of live music and has three professional orchestras, including the illustrious Hallé orchestra, as well as a superb international concert hall in the Bridgewater Hall. One of the UK’s leading professional chamber orchestras, Manchester Camerata, is resident within the College. The latest bands and live acts can be seen regularly at Manchester’s other live venues or the Manchester Evening News Arena. Manchester is a thriving centre for culture and the arts. It is home to two major art galleries, Manchester City Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery, six theatres including the Royal Exchange, The Lowry and The Palace Theatre staging a wide range of performances from traditional and contemporary plays to West End musicals, dedicated comedy venues like the Comedy Store, and a large number of cinemas for you to watch the latest blockbusters and independent art house films.

• Our active Students’ Union organises social activities and events throughout the year and also represents your views through an elected International Student Representative

Manchester – an international city Manchester is about 200 miles north of London – only two hours away on the train – with a population of over five million. It is a student city, with three large universities that attract students from across the world,

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

It’s easy to explore the city centre by foot and there are also excellent public transport links. Manchester is also within easy reach of many well-known tourist areas including the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, North Wales and the Peak District. For more information, see pages 8 to 11 and visit www.visitmanchester.com

The International Society The RNCM has valuable links with the International Society of Manchester which will enhance your social and cultural experiences of living in the city and beyond with its full and varied programme of activities. The International Society is committed to promoting international friendship and celebrating cultural diversity in the city and has over 3,000 members. It offers visits to places of great natural beauty and historical interest around the UK every weekend throughout the year. For more information www.internationalsociety.org.uk

How to apply Manchester facts and figures The city has a population of half a million • It has around 90,000 students across its three universities • Manchester is home to the UK’s largest regional airport which serves more than 190 destinations worldwide, and contributes £1,000 million to the North West’s economy.

18 Performance opportunities

Performance sits at the heart of the RNCM experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no other UKbased conservatoire or university offers such a range of opportunities to its students, and the programme on offer is world-class. The RNCM is renowned for the quality of performing opportunities for students and for the scale of its extensive diary of music, dance and theatre events. Our trailblazing artistic programme, which complements the academic curriculum and research activities, will give you access to world-class music-making across a wide range of genres. You will be encouraged to engage with as many of these opportunities as possible to enhance your learning experience, and to develop your skills and knowledge to become a music leader of the future.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of performance activities: orchestral and ensemble projects, opera, chamber music and smaller-scale solo/duo performances. You will also have the chance to be inspired by and learn from some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading musicians through a series of public masterclasses, lectures, festivals and specialist instrument days.

As a leading performance venue the RNCM has outstanding on-site facilities, which are unparalleled among conservatoires: a 446-seat Concert Hall, a 672-seat Theatre, a 120-seat recital room, a 150-seat Studio Theatre and a state-of-theart recording studio, all of which are professionally staffed.

19 Orchestras and ensembles You can expect to participate in a range of performance opportunities from day one. Projects range from short, intense experiences focusing on individual works, to in-depth explorations of repertoire with guest conductors and directors. Typical examples of performance opportunities include: • Performing with the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Orchestra or String Orchestra in the RNCM Concert Hall, in Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, or at venues and festivals across the UK and internationally • Working with high-profile visiting conductors such as Sir Mark Elder, Yan-Pascal Tortelier, Vassily Sinaisky, Mark Shanahan, Pablo Heras-Casado and Jac van Steen • Working with high-profile visiting composers such as James MacMillan, Harrison Birtwistle and Magnus Lindberg with the New Ensemble, both in Manchester and at other venues across the UK • Performing with the RNCM Big Band, recognised as one of the UK’s outstanding jazz orchestras, alongside an impressive list of guest artists, including vocalist Norma Winstone, composer Colin Towns, pianist Alex Wilson, trumpeter Guy Barker, and saxophonist Chris Potter

• Playing with the RNCM Brass Band, under the direction of Nicholas Childs and John Miller • Collaborating with professional artists such as Julian Argüelles, Jim Moray, Jacqui Dankworth, Tim Garland and Ólafur Arnalds on unique and exciting projects • Taking part in one-off large-scale projects designed for unusual locations, including events in recent years at the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery, and Manchester Piccadilly railway station • Touring abroad with one of a number of ensembles, visiting places such as Italy, China and the USA

RNCM Opera Whether you are a singer or an instrumentalist, there are many opportunities for you to take part in our wide-ranging opera programme. We have an enviable reputation and strong tradition of success in this field, attracting national reviews and delivering award-winning productions. Recent RNCM opera productions have included Offenbach’s La Belle Hélène, and Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, Janáček’s Katya Kabanova and semi-staged productions of Handel’s Belshazzar and Bernstein’s Candide, and a full programme of staged public opera scenes.

• Giving one of many première performances with the internationally-acclaimed RNCM Wind Orchestra, and recording commercially with them

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

Performance opportunities

Chamber Music During your time at the RNCM you will benefit from a thriving and energetic programme of chamber music coaching, delivered by a dedicated team of internationallyrenowned chamber musicians. Tutors include former and current members of the Lindsay, Endellion, Chilingirian, Talich, Takรกcs and Skampa String Quartets, Gould and Manchester Piano Trios, Ensemble 360, Zephyr Winds and many others. The annual Chamber Music

Festival is the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting truly international audiences. Some 300 performers, including a significant number of RNCM students, perform in concerts held throughout the festival weekend.

students the chance to propose programmes that complement the evening concert programme, and each year 90 projects covering a wide range of musical genres are presented as free pre- or postperformance events.

Solo and duo public performance

Festivals

As well as an internal series of performance platforms, students present solo or duo programmes to a public audience in our lunchtime concerts. The Spotlight series offers

The RNCM is renowned for its festivals and instrument days, which range from celebrations of the work of a particular composer, to entire weekends devoted to a specific instrument. You can

enhance your own study experience through these events as a performer, an audience member, or by attending masterclasses given by world-class musicians. Annual events include the Chamber Music Festival, the Wind Weekend, Saxophone Day, the Festival of Brass, the Keyboard Weekend and the Day of Song, all of which attract high-profile guest artists and audiences from far and wide.

Jazz

Period Performance

The RNCM provides you with many opportunities to expand your skills in and knowledge of jazz styles. These include specialist jazz-based instrumental tuition, jazz electives in your Professional Studies and Academic Studies programmes, frequent opportunities to learn from guest clinicians in masterclasses, and numerous performance opportunities with the RNCM Big Band and Jazz Collective.

The College offers you the chance to develop your skills on both modern and period instruments. Areas covered include the study of repertoire and techniques from the Renaissance to the early Romantic Period. Early music provision involves specialist tuition, performances with the Baroque Ensemble, opportunities to hear outstanding period performances in concert, and a collection of instruments available for student loan.

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

RNCM Schools and Courses RNCM programme information Bachelor of Music BMus(Hons) GRNCM Joint Course Foundation Degree (FdA) Academic Studies

22 24 27 28 30

Composition

Keyboard Studies

Strings

Vocal Studies

Wind, Brass and Percussion

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

24 Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Music/ BMus(Hons) Four years, full-time CUKAS Code: 300F Application deadline: 1 October 2010

The Bachelor of Music degree at the RNCM will give you the opportunity to develop and fulfil your potential as a performer or composer. This degree will equip you with the skills and experience needed to enter the music profession and to excel in your future career. As the RNCM is both a conservatoire and a renowned public performance venue, you will benefit from our diverse programme of events and will also enjoy exceptional public performance opportunities.

On these pages we outline the fundamental structure of the degree. As you read through you will learn how the three key areas of study interrelate and together offer a unique learning experience. This experience combines intensive training in performance with academic substance, and first-hand knowledge of the profession, preparing you thoroughly for a successful career as a rounded musician.

25 The degree consists of three key areas of study:

Principal Study Principal Study focuses on your technical, musical and creative development. It offers intensive expert tuition, honing your skills as a performer or composer to the highest level.

Academic Studies Through Academic Studies you will gain the solid grounding in musicianship, theory, music history and Performance Studies that you will need as a performer or composer. In Years 3 and 4 you will continue Performance Studies, complemented by two additional academic elective modules each year chosen from a wide range of options. Further details of these modules can be found on page 30.

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Professional Studies Professional Studies are integral to your degree and are designed to give you the best possible start to your musical career. The principle is to encourage reflection on your performance activity, develop your personal aspirations as a musician, and prepare you for the challenges of the music profession. Professional Studies includes specialist classes that encourage you to take seriously the importance of health and wellbeing as a professional musician. In Years 1 and 2, you undertake School-specific activities, such as accompaniment for keyboard students, composing for dance or film for composers, or a drama project for singers, and you develop a portfolio, including reflective rehearsal diaries. In Years 3 and 4 you can select options and create specialist pathways enabling you to focus on areas such as chamber music or music in education and the community.

I have a favourite practice room where I can look out on Manchester, especially at night. The open rooms are also fantastic. I am able to just drop into a room and practice. Manchester is great – it’s definitely the right place to be for external gigs. Jonathan Jones, 3rd year bassoonist

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Indicative options/pathways include: • • • • • • • • •

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Advanced Jazz Improvisation Chamber Music Conducting Independent Project Music in Education and the Community Music for Health Orchestral/Opera Outreach Performer-Teacher leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Work-based learning such as Education Event Management, Theatre Management, Music Marketing, Music Programming, Orchestra Management, Recording Professional Experience Schemes

The BMus(Hons) is made up of a total of 480 credits and you will complete 120 credits each year. Principal Study is the most heavily weighted element of your degree, accounting for 60 credits each year.

Bachelor of Music

Additional qualifications

CTABRSM opportunity

Throughout the four years of your degree studies you will be offered opportunities to work towards other externally-recognised qualifications. These qualifications will give you additional accreditation when you graduate and are very important to enhance your employability.

Keyboard students have the unique possibility of completing an ABRSM Certificate of Teaching during Years 3 and 4 of study. This option is only available to students at the RNCM.

Qualified Teacher Status opportunity This pioneering two year pathway is an exciting opportunity for you to develop your skills as both a performer and teacher in parallel, and to gain Qualified Teacher Status alongside your degree. Places on this innovative, challenging and much sought-after pathway are limited to EU/UK students, and are allocated by audition. Further details can be found on pages 6 and 7.

LRSM & FRSM opportunity The RNCM has negotiated a scheme with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music whereby Year 3 students may enter for the award of Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM), and Year 4 students the Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music (FRSM). Special arrangements are made for the practical examination so that your end-of-year recital can be assessed concurrently by the RNCM (towards your degree) and also by an examiner of the ABRSM.

Exchange opportunity During your time at the College you can broaden your horizons still further by studying abroad for a term, or for a full academic year. Exchanges usually take place in Year 3 of the undergraduate degree. We currently have links with institutions all over Europe, and in Asia, Australia, Canada, South America and the USA. Exchanges in Europe are offered through the Erasmus programme. For more information about exchange opportunities and our full list of partner institutions, visit the International pages of our website www.rncm.ac.uk or email international@rncm.ac.uk You can also visit the websites of the British Council www.britishcouncil.org /erasmus and the Association of European Conservatoires www.aecinfo.org for details and useful advice regarding the Erasmus exchange programme.

GRNCM Joint Course MusB(Hons)/ Graduate Diploma of the Royal Northern College of Music Joint Course (GRNCM) Four years, full time CUKAS Code: 399F Application deadline: 1 October 2010

This course is designed for students with outstanding practical and academic ability, and is run in association with The University of Manchester. The first three years of the Joint Course follow the University’s MusB(Hons) degree concurrently with the College’s GRNCM Diploma, with your final year spent solely at the College. The MusB(Hons) offers a scholarly and practical education while the GRNCM builds on your ability as a performer or composer. The Graduate Diploma consists of two key areas: Principal Study in Performance or Composition and Professional Studies (see BMus(Hons) structure on pages 24 and 25 for details of these key areas of study). All performance tuition, coaching, chamber ensembles and most orchestral playing opportunities are provided by the College throughout the four years. For more details of the MusB(Hons) you should consult The University of Manchester at www.manchester.ac.uk/ undergraduate/courses

Entrance to the GRNCM Joint Course is highly competitive, requiring applications with a deadline of 1 October 2010, for entrance in September 2011. Applications are via CUKAS to the RNCM. For full details see How to Apply on page 64. Applicants who are not shortlisted for the GRNCM Joint Course will be considered automatically, and offered an audition, for the RNCM BMus(Hons) degree.

Shortlisting and audition requirements Applicants should submit an application form along with a short recording of at least two contrasting pieces (maximum 15 minutes) for the purposes of shortlisting. Shortlisted applicants will be auditioned at the RNCM during November and December. Composers’ portfolios are assessed by a panel with selected candidates being called for an audition.

Foundation Degree Foundation Degree (FdA) in Popular Music Practice (Session Musician) Two years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; full time CUKAS code: 113F Application deadline: 1 October 2010

Principal Study available in Vocals Keyboards Guitar Bass Guitar Drum Kit

The Foundation Degree, delivered in association with Access to Music (Armstrong Learning), is an industry-led vocational programme that delivers training for instrumentalists and singers with a high level of performing ability who intend to work as freelance session musicians in the popular music industry. In addition to the development of musical skills, the programme also cultivates business acumen and entrepreneurial activity through employment and employability skills training. The course is delivered at the RNCM and at state-of-the-art professional rehearsal and recording studios in Manchester, where students work alongside professional musicians, recording engineers and producers. On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to progress directly into employment, or into the third year of the BA(Hons) Popular Music Studies degree course at Leeds College of Music.

Principal Study Principal Study focuses on your technical, vocal or instrumental development through individual and group tuition. You will gain skills in effective practice strategies leading to solo performance recitals, and ensemble rehearsal techniques leading to live and studio performances.

Musicianship Musicianship underpins your technical and practical skill development through the study of music theory, aural, sight-reading and improvisation. These are the core skills which will improve your vocal and instrumental performance and increase your employment potential.

29 Professional Studies Professional Studies develop the knowledge of how to establish and sustain a career as a self-employed freelance musician. You will study music business, finance, selfpromotion, marketing and networking. All students are actively encouraged to devise their own projects and to begin the process of finding employment opportunities during the programme. You will also gain a contextual understanding of the historical, psychological, sociological and political elements of the popular music industry, alongside the development of academic, research and presentation skills.

Structure Each year you will follow courses totalling 120 credits. Each year Principal Study accounts for 60 credits, Musicianship accounts for 15 credits and Professional Studies totals 45 credits.

Entry requirements • A high level of performing ability – equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool grade 8 • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry • Pass in GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects, or a Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or a National Diploma in a music related subject, or international equivalent • 4 passes (A*-C) at GCSE including Maths and English Language

• Information on acceptable equivalents available at www.rncm.ac.uk • Applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate ability through their audition and interview

Audition requirements All applicants will be auditioned ‘live’. The audition will last 45 minutes and will include a 10-12 minute recital, followed by sightreading, improvisation and technical exercise tests, and an interview. For more information visit www.accesstomusic.co.uk Email info@accesstomusic.co.uk Freephone 0800 281 842 Further details can be found at www.rncm.ac.uk and www.cukas.ac.uk For details about how to apply, advice auditions, audition fees and English Language requirements see pages 64 and 65.

Staff Course Director Andy Stott BA, PGCE, MA Deputy Course Director Katie Chatburn BMus, LRAM, PGCE Musicianship Tutor/Musical Director Neil Yates BA, MA, LGSM Musicianship Tutor/Bass Guitar Tutor Dr Mauricio Pauly MusB, MusM, PhD Musical Director/Drum Kit Tutor Bryan Hargreaves BA Vocal Tutor Dane Chalfin Guitar Tutor Johnny Heyes BA Keyboard Tutor Matt Steele BA, MA Professional Practice Tutor Hannah Jackson BMus

30 Academic Studies underpin the Bachelor degree in Music BMus (Hons) at the RNCM. They are designed to support everything you learn in Principal Study and to give you a significant edge in the profession.

Academic Studies Academic Studies ensures that your musicianship draws on the most up-to-date knowledge and skills, and is informed by leading staff in a wide range of specialist fields. Throughout your degree programme, you will engage in Performance Studies covering the major historical periods, demonstrating techniques and issues of performance practice on your instrument, or by discussing those in your own compositions. Performance Studies is delivered via small group tutorials, and encourages you to use recordings, historical documents, research and a range of scores to enhance your own musical practice and awareness of informed performance.

Years 1 and 2 Modules in the History of Music and Musicianship complement Performance Studies modules. The study of History is wideranging, from Medieval to Contemporary Music. It provides a context for your practical musicianship classes in which you

will learn skills of improvisation on your instrument and train your musical ear to the highest standards. Students form small groups to interact and support each other in Musicianship, which always proves a favourite module. In Language of Music classes, you will also study the techniques of harmony and counterpoint: across the range of academic studies’ activities, you will learn how to prepare, critique and discuss repertoire. You will also acquire presentational skills, learn how music is written (by doing it yourself), and discover how, as performers or composers, you can nurture your listening and improvisatory skills in dynamic, practice-based classes.

Years 3 and 4 In addition to Performance Studies, in Years 3 and 4 you choose a total of four elective modules from a large pool of options, offered each year by specialist staff whose research informs their chosen topics. Indicative modules include: • Mozart’s Chamber Music with

• • • • • • • • • • •

Winds Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas 20th Century Symphony Holst Keyboard Performance Practice in the 17th Century Aesthetics of Music Composition Psychology for Musicians The Music of Janáček Musicianship 16th Century French Song Interdisciplinarity in the Arts

The modules thrive on discussion in class and practical demonstrations (such as, trying out contemporary notations, preparing a piano, or critiquing film) and of course our tutors’ passion for their subject.

Assessments Assessments in Academic Studies are largely coursework-based in the form of essays, and you are also expected to give presentations in class. In Years 3 and 4, you determine your own assignment topics in consultation with your tutors, so that you can specialise and personalise your research.

“

I love Performance Studies because we can choose what period we want to study. The class has made me pay attention to the finer details of music such as what edition I’m playing from. It has made a big difference to my playing. Rebecca Parnell, 2nd year guitarist

Academic Studies Staff Dean of Academic Studies Dr Martin Harlow BA, MPhil, PhD, DipNCOS, ARCM Dean of Research & Enterprise Professor Richard Wistreich MA, MA Music, PhD Associate Dean of Research and Enterprise & Director, Centre for Music Performance Research Dr Jane Ginsborg BA Hons, DipGSMD, BA Hons, PhD, CPsychol Senior Lecturer, BMus Course Leader Dr Lois Fitch BA, PhD Senior Lecturer, PGDip/MMus Course Leader Dr Fabrice Fitch PhD, MMus, Premier Prix de Composition (Conservatoire National de Région, Bordeaux) Assistant Course Leader MMus and PGDip, Tutor in Composition Dr David Horne BMus, PhD

Senior Lecturer, GRNCM Course Leader Simon Parkin MusB, GRNCM, ARCM Lecturer in Music Dr Kris Worsley BMus(Hons), MusM, PhD Academic Tutor (Musicianship) Steve Berry Academic Tutor Simon Clarke BMus, MMus, MPhil Academic Tutor (Musicianship) Geth Griffith BMus(Hons), PGDipRNCM Academic Tutor (Musicianship) Tutor in Jazz Piano Eileen Guppy MA, GCLCM, ARCM, LRAM, LGSM Academic Tutor (Jazz Studies) Coordinator of Jazz Studies Mike Hall BSc, PGDipRNCM Academic Tutor (Brass Studies) Consultant in Brass Band Studies Paul Hindmarsh BMus Academic Tutor (Performance Studies), Tutor in Composition Matthew Sergeant BMus, MPhil

”

Academic Tutor Peter Syrus BA, BPhil, ATCL Academic Tutor Dr David Vickers BA(Hons), MMus, PhD Learning Support Tutor & Academic Tutor (Theory, History) Cheryll Duncan BMus, MA, MA, PGCE Language Support Tutor Dr Jean Ammar Cert Ed, Dip Ed, TESOL MEd, TESOL MA, PhD, Dip Management Research Fellows Dr Antonia Ivaldi BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD, CPsychol Emeritus Professor Douglas Jarman BA, PhD, FRNCM Associate Research Fellow Dr David Ledbetter MA, MusB, DPhil, Dip Staatliche Hochschule Freiburg Research Fellow Dr Jonathan Savage BA(Hons), PGCE, PhD

32 We are committed to helping you to realise your creative potential as a composer, and equip you with the technical means to develop a personal idiom. You will receive tuition from our professional and supportive staff; all of whom are highly experienced and will encourage you to unleash your full potential.

Composition Principal Study available in Composition Composition plus Principal Study Instrument

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

At the RNCM, we feel it is critical for you to learn your craft by hearing how your compositions work in practice, so every piece of music you write is performed and recorded. You will have the opportunity to work with world-renowned staff, including the recently appointed H K Gruber, who joins the RNCM as International Chair in Composition.

Andriessen and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, all of whom have visited the RNCM in recent years and worked with composition students. Worldclass ensembles who have also worked with student composers include the BBC Singers, Manchester Camerata, Liverpool 10/10, the Smith Quartet and the Apollo Saxophone Quartet.

As a performance venue, the RNCM is a magnet for world-class composers of the calibre of Magnus Lindberg, Harrison Birtwistle, Louis

There are outstanding opportunities for composers to have their work performed. During one week I had pieces workshopped by Manchester Camerata, RNCM New Ensemble and the BBC Singers. Being around so many great players who are interested in new music is very exciting and rewarding. Steven Jackson, 3rd year composer

â&#x20AC;?

33 Getting in touch Admissions/audition enquiries: admissions@rncm.ac.uk Composition course enquiries: louise.jones@rncm.ac.uk

Composition

Undergraduate Programme The undergraduate degree programme consists of three key areas of study: Principal Study, Academic Studies and Professional Studies.

Principal Study You will receive individual tuition and a technical class each week throughout your degree, alongside tuition in electro-acoustic composition, seminars and regular composers’ ‘laboratories’ where you will work alongside RNCM contemporary music ensembles. In Year 1 you will receive subsidiary piano tuition. As a student composer at the RNCM you will have regular opportunities to have your work performed in public concerts. You will work closely with the specialist New Ensemble and other groups dedicated to the performance of new music. Three times each year, the RNCM Symphony Orchestra is available for a full day for rehearsal, performance and recording of student orchestral compositions.

During your degree, you will also be offered the opportunity to study composition alongside a Principal Study instrument. It is worth noting that only a limited number of students are admitted to this course and entry standards are very high to reflect the challenging nature of this programme.

Typical academic electives in Years 3 and 4 may include:

Academic Studies

For an indicative list of additional electives see Academic Studies on page 30.

You will study History of Music, Language of Music, Performance Studies and Musicianship (including aural, sight-singing and improvisation). In Year 2, you will be able to focus your historical and performance/ composition studies in one of four periods: Baroque, Classical, 19th Century and Music after 1900. In Years 3 and 4 you will continue your Performance Studies and build on the knowledge and skills you acquired in the first two years. You will also study two further academic electives per year, many of which are designed to complement the performance projects being staged at the College.

Recent highlights

• Orchestral Landmarks of the 20th Century • 20th Century Analysis • Psychology for Musicians • The History of Jazz • Interdisciplinarity in the Arts

Professional Studies Your course is designed to support and prepare you for a professional life as a composer. To ensure you get the most out of your studies, in Year 1 you will work alongside student choreographers from the Northern Ballet School to produce a piece involving dancers and musicians. In Year 2 partnerships are formed with student film-makers from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to compose a short piece to a moving image with an instrumental or electro-acoustic score. You will also focus on understanding the importance of your health by taking part in a series of Health and Wellbeing seminars.

•

The College held three ‘Brand New Days’ with public performances of orchestral music composed exclusively by RNCM student composers

In Years 3 and 4 you will build on your performance experiences and begin to develop specialisms.

•

Works by student composers were performed in RNCM festivals including the Chamber Music Festival, the Festival of Brass and the Wind Weekend

•

Composer festivals focused on the works of Manchesterbased composers, the music of Kurt Schwertsik, and Alexander Goehr. All the festivals featured works by student composers

An indicative list of specialisms available to Composition students may include: Conducting, Music in Education and the Community, or Electro-Acoustic Music. It may be that your interests in music teaching inspire you to take the Performer-Teacher pathway,

35 Masterclasses Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, alumnus and Master of the Queen’s Music, was one of the high profile composers to give masterclasses to composition students recently. Sir Peter also visited the College during the New Music North West Festival which included performances of his works by the BBC Philharmonic and the RNCM New Ensemble.

leading to Qualified Teacher status (see page 6 and 7), or you may wish to pursue your own Creative Project.

Entry requirements Entry is by competitive audition and interview, but minimum educational requirements must usually be met: • A high level of compositional ability • Composition plus Principal Study Instrument*: a high level of both compositional and performance ability • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in year of entry • Passes at GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects, normally including music, or international equivalent For full details see How to Apply on page 64. *If you intend to apply for composition and principal study instrument you should prepare both composition audition requirements and the specific audition requirements for the instrument, as required by the relevant School.

Staff Head of School Adam Gorb MA, MMus, ARAM, FRNCM Director of Contemporary Music Clark Rundell BMusEd, FRNCM International Chair in Composition HK Gruber Tutors in Composition Mary Bellamy BMus, MMus, PhD Gary Carpenter LRAM, ARCM Adam Gorb MA, MMus, ARAM, FRNCM Larry Goves BMus, MPhil David Horne BMus, PhD Paul Patterson FRAM, FRSA, FRNCM

Visiting Fellows in Composition Professor Simon Bainbridge FRCM, Hon RAM Nigel Clarke ARAM, FVCM, FRSA, FLCM, FTCM Anthony Gilbert MA, DMus, FRNCM Tutor in Electro-Acoustic Music Thomas Scott MusB, MusM, GRNCM

For sound clips, staff biographies and up-to-date information and news, visit the School of Composition pages of the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk

36 In the School of Keyboard Studies we will challenge, encourage and support you in reaching your full potential. Our high-profile and committed international tutors create a nurturing environment in which to work, and give you the skills essential to becoming a versatile professional.

Keyboard Studies Principal Study available in Piano Accompaniment* Organ Harpsichord *available at undergraduate level from Year 3

Through expert one-to-one tuition, and outstanding performance opportunities you will build your technical resources, interpretative insight and communication skills. We attract students from all over the world, and the international diversity of the School enriches the learning experience of all our students due to the wide range of styles and approaches adopted. RNCM students have recently had masterclasses with our International Chair Stephen Hough, as well as internationally-acclaimed visiting artists, such as AndrĂĄs Schiff, Stephen Kovacevich, Richard Goode, Imogen Cooper, John Lill, Peter Donohoe, Paul Lewis and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

The standard and number of instruments available to you is exceptional. Each piano tutorial space has a Steinway and these, alongside our Yamaha pianos, furnish the RNCM with one of the most impressive fleets in Europe. Our practice facilities are also impressive, with no piano being more than ten years old. Organists have access to instruments in the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venues, and benefit from the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close association with the cathedrals in Manchester, Salford and Blackburn. For period performance we have a fine array of harpsichords and fortepianos in our collection of historical musical instruments.

37 Getting in touch Admissions/audition enquiries: admissions@rncm.ac.uk Keyboard Studies course enquiries: louise.jones@rncm.ac.uk

Keyboard Studies

“

I chose the RNCM because I wanted to go to one of the leading colleges in the UK and I preferred the idea of living in Manchester rather than London. The RNCM provides so many performance opportunities, solo and chamber, which is a wonderful experience for an aspiring concert artist. Gintaute Gataveckaite, 2nd year pianist

Undergraduate Programme The undergraduate degree programme consists of three key areas of study: Principal Study, Academic Studies and Professional Studies.

Principal Study Throughout your degree you will receive regular tuition and classes from your tutor. To support tuition there is a weekly performance class, internal recitals, and a student-led showcase recital series. A wide variety of related opportunities enhance and consolidate your Principal Study, predicated on constant engagement with music professionals. You will have many opportunities to perform within the College including masterclasses, festivals, concerto auditions, orchestral experience, chamber music and competitions. Extensive

external professional engagement opportunities are also on offer throughout your degree.

Academic Studies In Years 1 and 2 you will study History of Music, Language of Music, Performance Studies and Musicianship, including aural, sightsinging and improvisation. In Year 2, you will be able to focus your historical and performance studies in one of four periods: Baroque, Classical, 19th Century and Music after 1900. In Years 3 and 4 you will continue your Performance Studies and build on the knowledge and skills you acquired in the first two years. You will also study two further academic electives per year, many of which are designed to complement the performance projects being staged at the College.

”

Typical academic electives in Years 3 and 4 may include: • • • • •

Debussy The Chamber Music of Brahms Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Musicianship Psychology for Musicians

For an indicative list of additional electives see Academic Studies on page 30.

Professional Studies You will perform publicly in a variety of contexts, within the College and externally, working with musicians from all Schools, in large ensembles, small instrumental Collectives and Chamber Music. Here you will gain the experience of applying the skills developed in Principal Study and Academic Studies in a range of professional musical contexts. Each student is required to give one formal scheduled internal solo performance, which will be recorded. In Year 1 you will develop your reading skills, and harmonic and aural awareness through a range of inter-related practical activities.

39 In Year 2 you will work with singers, instrumentalists and other pianists to develop your skills in accompanying and to improve your critical listening skills and your skills in giving feedback. You will also focus on understanding the importance of your health, by taking part in a series of Health and Wellbeing seminars. In Years 3 and 4 you will build on your performance experiences and begin to develop specialisms. An indicative list of specialisms available to Keyboard players may include: Chamber Music, Contemporary Piano and Jazz Piano. It may be that your interest in music teaching inspires you to take the Performer-Teacher pathway, leading to Qualified Teacher status (see pages 6 and 7), or you may wish to pursue your own Creative Project.

Recent highlights •

RNCM Gold Medal winner Slava Sidorenko made his critically acclaimed debut at the Wigmore Hall

•

RNCM launched the RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition 2010 with a prize that included a management contract and a concerto appearance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

•

The complete works of Frédéric Chopin were performed by students in our annual Keyboard Festival with Jean Philippe-Collard giving the closing recital

Entry requirements Entry is by competitive audition and interview, but minimum educational requirements must usually be met:

• Passes at GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects, normally including music, or international equivalent For full details see How to Apply on page 64.

• A high level of performing ability • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in year of entry

Masterclasses Internationally acclaimed pianist Imogen Cooper gave a masterclass to keyboard students. Imogen’s recent performances include appearances with the New York Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw, Dresden Staatskapelle and Philharmonia Orchestras. Imogen has established a reputation as one of the world’s finest interpreters of the classical repertoire.

Keyboard Studies

Staff Head of School Graham Scott GMusRNCM, PPRNCM Deputy Head of School Helen Krizos LMusA International Chair in Piano Studies Stephen Hough Visiting Fellows in Piano Studies Phillipe Cassard Michel Beroff Nelson Goerner Visiting Fellow in Fortepiano Studies Stefano Fiuzzi Visiting Fellow in Organ Studies Thomas Trotter Visiting Fellow in Harpsichord Terence Charlston Visiting Tutor in Piano Repertoire Paul Roberts ARAM, FGSM Visiting Tutor in Song Duos Julius Drake FRAM Tutors in Pianoforte Norma Fisher Benjamin Frith BA, ARCM John Gough GMusRNCM, PPRNCM Paul Janes MusB, GRNCM, PPRNCM Helen Krizos LMusA Peter Lawson GRSM, ARMCM Sally Ann MacLeod PPRNCM Murray McLachlan MA, LRAM

Dina Parakhina Postgraduate Diploma (Moscow Conservatoire), Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diploma (Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatoire) Stephen Savage PhD Graham Scott GMusRNCM, PPRNCM Colin Stone Jeremy Young LRAM, ARAM Tutor in Jazz Piano Eileen Guppy MA, GCLCM, ARCM, LRAM, LGSM

Jonathan Gooing BMus, LRSM Ruth Hollick BMus, PPRNCM

Tutor in Contemporary Piano Peter Lawson GRSM, ARMCM

David Jones BMus, MusM(Perf), PGDipRNCM

Tutors in Accompaniment John Gough GMusRNCM, PPRNCM

Helen Leek Advanced Cert(Keyboard Studies)

David Jones BMus, MusM(Perf), PGDipRNCM Tutors in Organ Darius Battiwalla BA, MusM, FRCO, PPRNCM Simon Lindley Jeffrey Makinson BMus, FRCO, PGDipRNCM, PPRNCM, PGCE, ARCM, LTCL Tutor in Pedagogy Helen Krizos LMusA

Miyako Michada PGDipRNCM, PPRNCM Benjamin Powell BMus, MMus, PPRNCM, MPhil Stephen Reynolds GRSM, ARMCM Jonathan Scott BMus, PPRNCM Alexis White BMus, MMus Tutors in Subsidiary Piano Helen Fairer BA, PGDipRNCM, PPRNCM Naomi Kayayan BMus, GradRNCM

Staff Pianist Co-ordinator David Jones BMus, MusM(Perf), PGDipRNCM

Stephen Reynolds GRSM, ARMCM

Staff Pianists Roderick Barrand MusB, GRNCM, ARNCM

For sound clips, staff biographies and up-to-date information and news, visit the School of Keyboard Studies pages of the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk

Harvey Davies GRNCM Jonathan Fisher MMus, BMus

42 As a student in the School of Strings you will be part of a vibrant and supportive community of outstanding students and inspirational staff, including leading international tutors and world-class visiting artists.

Strings Principal Study available in Violin Viola Cello Double Bass Guitar Harp

“

The School enjoys an international reputation for training string players of the highest calibre. Through expert coaching and a wide array of solo, orchestral and chamber music performance opportunities, we will give you comprehensive preparation for a professional career in music. Our students have the opportunity to work with International Chairs such as Gábor Takács-Nagy, International Chair in Chamber Music and founder of the worldrenowned Takács Quartet, Ivry Gitlis, International Chair in Violin, Ralph Kirshbaum, International Chair in Cello, and many other high profile visiting international artists.

You will have the opportunity to audition for a placement with four leading professional orchestras, the Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic orchestras and Manchester Camerata, which is resident in the College. You can also work with period instruments and in the RNCM Baroque Ensemble. Because the College is also one of Manchester’s leading performance venues in the region, all students enjoy the opportunity to perform to public audiences throughout the academic year in our inspiring Concert Hall, Theatre and recital rooms.

The RNCM gets you places. I have had the opportunity to teach and play. The opportunities to perform with Manchester’s orchestras are exceptional. Orchestral studies here are very good and the chamber department is the best in the UK. Andrew Nesbitt, 4th year cellist

”

Getting in touch Admissions/audition enquiries: admissions@rncm.ac.uk Strings course enquiries: margaret.kaye@rncm.ac.uk

Strings

Undergraduate Programme The undergraduate degree programme consists of three key areas of study: Principal Study, Academic Studies and Professional Studies.

Principal Study Throughout your degree you will receive regular instrumental tuition and classes from your tutor. The School also has an ‘open class’ policy and you will be encouraged to attend as many classes as possible given by tutors other than your own. You will take regular Performance Classes which are scheduled for each student and team teaching is an integral part of tuition in Years 2, 3 and 4. In addition, a mid-year techniques assessment takes place in Years 1, 2 and 3.

A wide variety of related opportunities enhance and consolidate your Principal Study, predicated on constant engagement with music professionals. You will enjoy many performance activities and opportunities including chamber music, auditions for RNCM orchestras and ensembles, internal competitions, and participation in the RNCM’s festivals and masterclasses. You will prepare for a formal recital at the end of the year. You may also audition for external professional engagement opportunities throughout your degree.

Recent highlights •

A Virtuoso Violin Weekend featured celebrity recitals from Lorenzo Gatto and Elizabeth Wallfisch, masterclasses by RNCM tutors, and performances by RNCM students who played all six Ysaye Solo Sonatas and a Paganini Marathon of all 24 Caprices

•

The annual Strings Day featured the music of Edward Elgar in all formats – solo, orchestral and chamber works, with visiting guest David Owen Norris, masterclasses with Raphael Wallfisch and Simon Rowland-Jones, and student performances

In Years 3 and 4 you will continue your Performance Studies and build on the knowledge and skills you acquired in the first two years. You will also study two further academic electives per year, many of which are designed to complement the performance projects being staged at the College. Typical academic electives in Years 3 and 4 may include: • Debussy • The String Quartet from 1900 • Hindemith’s Pre and Inter-War Output • The Chamber Music of Brahms • Mozart’s Haydn Quartets in Context • Beethoven’s Early and MiddlePeriod Quartets For an indicative list of additional electives see Academic Studies on page 30.

45 Masterclasses An inspiring masterclass was recently led by Gábor Takács-Nagy, founder member and leader of the renowned Takács Quartet. Violinist Gábor is the newly-appointed International Chair in Chamber Music. He is a highly regarded teacher and has held engagements all over the world including Artistic Director of Geneva’s annual Festival de Bellerive and Principal Guest Conductor of the Hungarian Symphony Orchestra.

Professional Studies You will perform publicly in a variety of contexts within the College and externally, working with musicians from all Schools, in large ensembles, small instrumental Collectives and Chamber Music. You will gain the experience of applying the skills developed in Principal Study and Academic Studies in a range of professional musical contexts. Your course is designed to support your performance and prepare you for a professional life as a musician. To ensure you get the most out of your studies you will take courses in Performance Enhancement Techniques in Year 1 and Year 2, which will enable you to explore and develop a range of rehearsal, practice and self-management skills with your tutors and fellow students.

You will also focus on understanding the importance of your health by taking part in a series of Health and Wellbeing seminars. In Years 3 and 4 you will build on your performance experiences and begin to develop specialisms. An indicative list of specialisms available to String players may include: Chamber Music, Music in Education and the Community, or Orchestral Music. It may be that your interest in music teaching inspires you to take the Performer-Teacher pathway, leading to Qualified Teacher status (see page 6 and 7), or you may wish to pursue your own Creative Project.

Entry requirements Entry is by competitive audition and interview, but minimum educational requirements must usually be met: • A high level of performing ability • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in year of entry • Passes at GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects, normally including music, or international equivalent For full details see How to Apply on page 64.

Strings

Staff Head of School Professor Malcolm Layfield DipRSAMD, FRNCM International Chair in Violin Ivry Gitlis International Chair in Cello Ralph Kirshbaum BA, FRNCM Tutors in Violin Leland Chen Levon Chilingirian ARCM, FRCM, Hon PhD

Tutor in Baroque Violin Pauline Nobes ARNCM, GRNCM, MusM (Perf), MusB, PGDipRNCM, PhD

Jiří Hudec

Mark Knight AGSM

Visiting Tutor in Double Bass Božo Paradčik

Louise Lansdown BMus, PGDipRNCM, MMus, MPhil, PhD Alex Robertson GMusRNCM, PPRNCM Simon Rowland-Jones ARCM Asdis Valdimarsdottir

Thelma Handy DipRCM

Tutor in Baroque Viola Annette Isserlis

Thomas Kemp MA, MMus, FRSA Eyal Kless BAMus, MAMus Yair Kless BAMus, MAMus Mark Knight AGSM Malcolm Layfield DipRSAMD, FRNCM Wen Zhou Li BMus, Dip (Beijing) Maciej Rakowski MA Jan Repko Dip, Sweelinck Conservatory (Amsterdam) Yuri Torchinsky Steven Wilkie GMusRNCM, PGDipRNCM Jia Zhang Dip (Beijing), BMus, PPRNCM

Tutors in Double Bass Roberto Carillo

Tutors in Viola David Aspin ARCM

Pavel Fischer

Benedict Holland PPRNCM

Tutor in Baroque Cello Susan Sheppard ARAM

Visiting Tutor in Viola Thomas Riebl Tutors in Cello Peter Dixon FRAM, ARAM Emma Ferrand DipRAM, ARAM, LRAM Karine Georgian Grad (Moscow) Philip Higham BMus, PG Dip, International Artist Diploma RNCM Gary Hoffman BMus, Artist Dip. (Indiana State University) Nicholas Jones ARCM Hannah Roberts ARCM, PPRNCM Gillian Thoday LRAM, Konzert Dip (North West German Music Academy) Nicholas Trygstad BMus(Hons) Eduardo Vassallo Dip (Maastricht Conservatoire), Dip (International Menuhin Academy, Gstaad)

Tutors in Guitar Gordon Crosskey BSc, ARCM, FRNCM Craig Ogden BA (Mus), PGDipRNCM, PPRNCM Tutor in Harp Eira-Lynn Jones GMusRNCM, MMus Visiting Tutor in Harp Kathleen Bride MSc

For sound clips, staff biographies and up-to-date information and news, visit the School of Strings pages of the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk

48 The RNCM is renowned as one of the most inspiring places in the world to pursue vocal studies. As well as receiving one-to-one tuition from an international body of highly professional and supportive staff and world-class visiting artists, our unique team-teaching approach allows you to benefit from the collective expertise of our tutors.

Vocal Studies Principal Study available in All voice types, covering the full range of repertoire

We offer unparalleled performance opportunities for singers, including lieder and oratorio performances, choral work, chamber music, and our fully-staged public opera productions that regularly receive external acclaim. Among the many high-profile guest artists who visit the College to work with RNCM singers are RNCM President Sir Willard White, International Chair in Singing Joan Rodgers, Jane Eaglen, Claire Booth, Dennis O’Neill, Robert Tear, Anne Howells, as well as conductors Sir Mark Elder, Mark Shanahan and Garry Walker. Our focus throughout is on the development of your voice, and the essential musicianship, performance and communication skills you will need as a singer.

RNCM Opera We present a wide-ranging programme of opera each season, continuing a long-tradition of achievement in this field and

provide intensive training in all aspects of preparation for performance, including drama and language tuition. The College is proud of its outstanding performance venues, which include an exceptionally well-equipped theatre, tailored for full-scale public productions, and a smaller and more intimate Studio Theatre. Our students can enjoy a diverse yet demanding repertoire, which has most recently included Richard Strauss' Die Fledermaus, Janáček's Katya Kabanova, Offenbach’s La Belle Hélène, Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, Ravel’s L’heure Espagnole and L’enfant et les sortilèges, Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Puccini’s La Rondine, Stravinsky’s The Rake's Progress and Mozart’s Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro.

49 Getting in touch Admissions/audition enquiries: admissions@rncm.ac.uk Vocal Studies course enquiries: sue.marsden@rncm.ac.uk

Vocal Studies

Undergraduate Programme The undergraduate degree programme consists of three key areas of study: Principal Study, Academic Studies and Professional Studies.

Principal Study Throughout your degree you will receive dedicated voice tuition. Teaching will include the full range of repertoire including Lieder, Italian Song, English Song, French mélodies and Opera. You will also receive coaching in a range of areas including performance, physical awareness, phonetics, acting and improvisation. A wide variety of related opportunities complement and consolidate your Principal Study in areas vital for singers, predicated on constant engagement with professionals. You will study a range of subject areas including Alexander Technique and drama. You will also complete two years’ progressive tuition in three languages - Italian, German and French.

“

Performance opportunities within the College will include weekly performance classes, recitals, masterclasses, festivals, operas and opera excerpts. There are also numerous competitions open to singers.

Academic Studies

You may audition for external professional engagement opportunities throughout your degree course and you will be encouraged to create your own performing opportunities, and to audition with one or more of the major opera companies visiting the RNCM each year.

In the second year you will be able to focus your historical and performance studies in one of four periods: Baroque, Classical, 19th Century and Music after 1900.

In Years 1 and 2 you will study History of Music, Language of Music, Performance Studies and Musicianship, including aural, sightsinging and improvisation.

In Years 3 and 4 you will continue your Performance Studies and build on the knowledge and skills you acquired in the first two years. You will also study two further academic electives per year, many of which are designed to complement the performance projects being staged at the College. Typical academic electives in Years 3 and 4 may include: • Music for the English Baroque Stage • Strauss Operas • The Mélodie from Berlioz to Boulez • Handel’s Music Dramas • Schubert’s Song Cycles For an indicative list of additional electives see Academic Studies on page 30.

The facilities at the RNCM are really good. My favourite space is the opera theatre as the sheer size of the stage means that we can work with some amazing sets and scenery. David Horton, 4th year singer

”

51 You will also focus on understanding the importance of your health by taking part in a series of Health and Wellbeing seminars.

Masterclasses

In Years 3 and 4 you will build on your performance experiences and begin to develop specialisms. An indicative list of specialisms available to Vocal students may include: Opera Excerpt Performances, Music in Education and the Community, or Opera Outreach, or it may be that your interest in music teaching inspires you to take the Performer-Teacher pathway, leading to Qualified Teacher status (see pages 6 and 7). Alternatively you may wish to pursue your own Creative Project.

Sir Willard White, President of the RNCM, conducted a compelling public masterclass with RNCM students, including mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge. The masterclass took place during Sir Willard’s first visit to the College in his role as President.

Professional Studies Your course is designed to support your performance and prepare you for a professional life as a musician. You will perform publicly in a variety of contexts, within the College and externally, working with musicians from all Schools. You will gain the experience of applying the skills developed in Principal Study and Academic Studies in a range of professional musical contexts.

In Year 1 you will have the opportunity to explore the mechanics of both the speaking and singing voice from scientific sources. Basic pedagogical issues will be discussed and then experienced through interactive workshop sessions. In Year 2 you will build upon and enhance the dramatic work undertaken during Year 1. A Drama Project will focus on directed, scripted dialogue and learnt interactive text and concentrates on the relationship between the individual and the ensemble as a whole.

Vocal Studies

Staff Vocal Studies Head of Vocal Studies Shortly to be announced Deputy Head of Vocal Studies Susan Roper BA, Magister Linguae (Florence), PGDipRNCM International Chair in Singing Joan Rodgers

Principal Study Tutors David Maxwell Anderson BA, DipRCM, PGDip Lynne Dawson MIL Sandra Dugdale AGSM Colin Iveson GLOC Nataliya Kompaniyets-Jouri BE (Hons), BA (Hons), PG DipRNCM, PPRNCM, PGCertPAE

Recent highlights

Jeffrey Lawton FRNCM Stuart MacIntyre BA, FTCL, LLCM Deborah Rees Susan Roper BA , Magister Linguae (Florence), PGDipRNCM Barbara Robotham ARMCM, FRMCM, FRNCM Thomas Schulze Ann Taylor GRNCM, PPRNCM, ALCM Peter Alexander Wilson DipRSAMD Tutor in Communication in Performance Garth Bardsley MA Tutor in English Song Barbara Robotham ARMCM, FRMCM, FRNCM Tutor in French Song Henry Herford MA, ARNCM, GRNCM Tutors in Italian Song Susan Roper BA, Magister Linguae (Florence), PGDipRNCM Peter Alexander Wilson DipRSAMD

•

Outstanding South African tenor, Sipho Fubesi was awarded the John Hosier Music Trust Award and also progressed to the RNCM Opera Studio, which offers advanced postgraduate training and prepares students to perform at the highest level in the music profession. UK mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge was awarded the Silver Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians. She joined the College as an undergraduate student and has progressed through postgraduate study, excelling at every stage and now joins the RNCM Opera Studio.

Tutor in Russian Song Nataliya Kompaniyets-Jouri BE (Hons), BA (Hons), PGDipRNCM, PPRNCM, PGCertPAE Tutor in Lieder Studies Thomas Schulze

53 RNCM Opera Head of RNCM Opera Stefan Janski LRAM, LUD, DipNCSD, FRNCM, FHEA

Tutors in Song Style and Recitative/Repetiteurs, Opera Music Staff Alexander Crowe MA, LRAM, FRNCM

Tutor in Oratorio Mark Rowlinson MA, ARAM

Robin Humphreys BMus, PPRNCM

Tutor in Diction and Phonetics Phyllida Furse BA, PGCE, ALAM

Russell Medley GRNCM, ARNCM

Tutor in Operatic Repertory Patricia MacMahon DRSAM, LRAM, ARCM, FRSAMD Tutor in Opera and Dramatic Interpretation Stefan Janski LRAM, LUD, DipNCSD, FRNCM, FHEA Tutor in Period Performance Philippa Hyde DipRAM

Kevin Thraves DipRCM, ARCM Tutor in Movement and Dance Bethan Rhys Wiliam ARAD, AISTD, CertEd, TDLB D32 & 33, FHEA Tutors in Language Studies Frédérique Guéry Jarmila Hickman BA, MA Mirjam Jooss BA, MMus Antonio Tilli Dottore in Lettere Moderne(Chieti) Visiting Tutors Peter Birch (Freelance Fight Director)

Nicholas Carthy (University of Colorado) Maria Cleva (Royal Opera House) Isobel Flinn (National Opera Studio) Paul Wynne Griffiths (Royal Opera House) James Holmes (Aix-en-Provence) Mary King Martin Pickard (Opera North) Mark Shanahan (Freelance Conductor) For sound clips, staff biographies and up-to-date information and news, visit the School of Vocal Studies pages of the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk

54 We will develop your solo, ensemble and chamber music skills through first-class tuition and by giving you the widest possible range of performance opportunities.

Wind, Brass and Percussion Principal Study available in Flute Oboe Clarinet Bassoon Saxophone French Horn Trumpet Trombone Tuba Cornet Tenor Horn Baritone Horn Euphonium Percussion Timpani

At the RNCM you will have opportunities to work alongside the world-class BBC Philharmonic and HallĂŠ Orchestras and the Black Dyke Band through our Professional Experience Schemes and each year you can expect to perform in a range of specialist public focus days, including Festival of Brass, Brass Band Focus Day, Wind Weekend, Saxophone Day and Day of Percussion. The range of repertoire you will experience is broad too. We place a strong emphasis on the performance of new music, whilst retaining the established traditions of European wind, brass and percussion playing, including period performance and jazz. You will also have access to our international visiting tutors who will lead masterclasses and workshops in their specialist areas. Our students have recently worked with such high-profile visitors as

Brazilian oboist Alex Klein; hornplayer Richard Watkins; Jazz saxophonist, flautist and composer Barbara Thompson; Portuguese solo classical percussionist, marimba player and composer Pedro Carneiro and flautist Sir James Galway. The RNCM Wind Orchestra, one of the most widely-respected wind orchestras in the world, has released more than 30 commercial CDs, and may often be heard on BBC Radio 3. The orchestra performs regularly at national and international events and recently attended the World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

55 Getting in touch Admissions/audition enquiries: admissions@rncm.ac.uk Wind, Brass and Percussion course enquiries: suzy.stonefield@rncm.ac.uk

Wind, Brass and Percussion

Undergraduate Programme The undergraduate degree programme consists of three key areas of study: Principal Study, Academic Studies and Professional Studies.

Principal Study Throughout your degree you will receive intensive individual tuition per week. You will also benefit from lessons on a doubling, associated or jazz instrument. In addition you will have weekly instrument-specific classes, which will be taken by all teachers of your instrument in rotation. Students electing to undertake such studies may offer performance on these instruments and/or improvisation as part of their programme of assessments.

“

You will have many opportunities to perform within the College and will gain a wide range of orchestral experience. Opportunities include solo recitals, masterclasses, festivals, RNCM orchestras, wind, brass and percussion ensembles, Brass Band, New Ensemble and Big Band, chamber music and competitions. There are opportunities to audition for placements with leading orchestras and the Black Dyke Band. Successful students rehearse or perform with the orchestra/band and receive mentoring support from a professional player. You may also audition for external professional engagement opportunities throughout your degree.

Academic Studies You will study History of Music, Language of Music, Performance Studies and Musicianship, including aural, sight-singing and improvisation. In Year 2, you will be able to focus your historical and performance studies in one of four periods: Baroque, Classical, 19th Century and Music after 1900. In Years 3 and 4 you will continue your Performance Studies and build on the knowledge and skills you acquired in the first two years. You will also study two further academic electives per year, many of which are designed to complement the performance projects being staged at the College. Typical academic electives in Years 3 and 4 may include: • Arranging for Brass Bands • Debussy • The History of Jazz • Jazz Theory • The Modern Concerto For an indicative list of additional electives see Academic Studies on page 30.

The RNCM is the best for brass. There are so many things going on. I’m currently playing in Big Band and Opera. There’s a strong community feel and everyone is friendly and approachable. Mark Brazier, 2nd year trumpeter

”

57 Professional Studies You will perform publicly in a variety of contexts within the College and externally, working with musicians from all Schools, in large ensembles and small instrumental Collectives. You will gain the experience of applying the skills developed in Principal Study and Academic Studies in a range of professional musical contexts. Your course is designed to support your performance and prepare you for a professional life as a musician. To ensure you get the most out of your studies you will take courses in Performance Enhancement Techniques in Year 1 and Year 2, which will enable you to explore and develop a range of rehearsal, practice and self-management skills, with your tutors and fellow students. You will also focus on understanding the importance of your health, by taking part in a series of Health and Wellbeing seminars. In Years 3 and 4 you will build on your performance experiences and begin to develop specialisms.

Recent highlights •

The RNCM Wind Orchestra, which is one of the most widely-respected in the world, gave the UK première of Stockhausen’s choreographed Lucifer’s Dance at the RNCM, followed by a performance at the Royal Festival Hall which received a standing ovation. The orchestra also gave outstanding performances at the World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

•

Second year euphonium student Matthew White won the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist competition.

•

The Rising Star category at The British Jazz Awards was won by third year saxophonist Amy Roberts. In the past year she has played in Holland, Denmark and Belgium. She has released three CDs and will soon be releasing a fourth.

An indicative list of specialisms available to Wind, Brass and Percussion players may include: Music in Education and the Community, Advanced Jazz, Improvisation or Conducting.

Entry requirements

It may be that your interest in music teaching inspires you to take the Performer-Teacher pathway, leading to Qualified Teacher status (see page 6 and 7), or that you wish to pursue your own Creative Project.

• A high level of performing ability • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in year of entry • Passes at GCE A level (A2) in 2 subjects, normally including music, or international equivalent

Entry is by competitive audition and interview, but minimum educational requirements must usually be met:

For full details see How to Apply on page 64.

Wind, Brass and Percussion

Staff Head of School Paul Goodey BMus, MMus, DMus Deputy Head of School and Director of Brass Studies John Miller MA, FGSM, FRNCM International Chair in Brass Studies Håkan Hardenberger

Tutors in Oboe Paul Goodey BMus, MMus, DMus Melinda Maxwell BA, ARCM, LTCL, HonARAM Hugh McKenna LRAM, ARCM Jonathan Small ARCM Valerie Taylor ARAM, LRAM, ARCM

International Chair in Saxophone Vincent David

Tutors in Cor Anglais Thomas Davey BMus, MMus, ARAM

International Chair in Woodwind Studies Hansjörg Schellenberger

Rachael Pankhurst BMus, GRNCM, PPRNCM, LRSM

Director of Percussion Studies Ian Wright FRNCM Consultant in Woodwind Studies Melinda Maxwell BA, ARCM, LTCL, HonARAM Consultant in Brass Band Studies Paul Hindmarsh BMus Musical Director of RNCM Brass Band Nicholas Childs DMA, MA, FLCM, ARCM

Tutor in Baroque Oboe Anthony Robson LRAM, ARAM Tutors in Clarinet John Bradbury MA, ARAM Nicholas Cox MA, SolDip (Musikhochschule Hannover)

Christopher Swann GRSM, LRAM

Anders Ljungar-Chapelon

Tutor in Early Clarinet Barnaby Robson AGSM

Tutor in Jazz Flute Rowland Sutherland

Simon Durnford ARCM Lawrence Perkins GRNCM Graham Salvage ARAM, LRAM, ARCM Peter Wesley BA, ARCM, DipRCM(Perf) Tutors in Horn Lizzie Davis AGSM Rebecca Goldberg GRNCM, PPRNCM, PGDipRNCM Julian Plummer GRNCM, PPRNCM

Visiting Tutor in Horn Frøydis Ree Wekre

Tutor in E Flat Clarinet Christopher Swann GRSM, LRAM

Tutor in Baroque Flute and Ecosonics Stephen Preston

David Chatwin ARCM

Antonio Salguero Montesinos

Laura Jellicoe GMusRNCM, PPRNCM

Tutor in Piccolo and Alto Flute Joanne Boddington BMus, ARCM

Stefano Canuti

Lindsey Stoker GMusRNCM, PPRNCM

Tutor in Bass Clarinet Colin Pownall ARCM

Linda Verrier PPRNCM

Tutors in Bassoon and Contrabassoon Bill Boddington

Linda Merrick GRSM, MMus, PhD, FRNCM, ARAM, LRAM, FLCM, FRSA, FHEA, HonVCM, ILTM

Tutors in Flute Richard Davis

Peter Lloyd FRNCM, FGSM, ARCM

Tutor in Jazz Saxophone and Improvisation Mike Hall BSc, PGDipRNCM

Tutors in Saxophone Julian Argüelles Robert Buckland GRNCM, PPRNCM Carl Raven BMus, RNCM, PPRNCM Andy Scott GRNCM

Tutors in Trumpet John Dickinson Murray Greig GMusRNCM, MMus, PPRNCM John Miller MA, FGSM, FRNCM Rhys Owens DipRCM Tracey Redfern BMus, PPRNCM, PGRNCM Tutor in Jazz Trumpet Steve Waterman GTCL, HonARAM Tutor in Natural Trumpet David Staff

59 Tutors in Cornet Richard Marshall BA, LRSM Roger Webster MMus, PhD Martin Winter Tutors in Trombone Simon Cowen BMus Roger Cutts AGSM Robert Holliday GRNCM PPRNCM Visiting Tutors in Trombone Mark Frost Christopher Houlding MMus, GGSM, LRAM Tutor in Bass Trombone Adrian Morris PPRNCM Tutor in Sackbutt and Classical Trombone Susan Addison Tutors in Tuba Mel Culbertson Ewan Easton Robin Haggart BMus, LRAM, ARAM Brian Kingsley ARCM

Tutors in Euphonium and Baritone Steven Mead BA, ALCM David Thornton BA, PPRNCM Tutors in Tenor Horn Owen Farr Leslie Howie BMus RNCM Tutors in Percussion Elizabeth Gilliver GMusRNCM, PPRNCM David Hassell HonARAM Paul Patrick LRAM Ian Wright FRNCM Tutors in Pedagogy John Edward BA, LGSM, CertEd - brass Geoffrey Reed ARCM, CertEd - woodwind Andrea Vogler PGDipRNCM (Perf), BMusRNCM

For sound clips, staff biographies and up-to-date information and news, visit the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion pages of the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk

60 The Graduate School

If you decide to continue your studies at postgraduate level, the RNCM’s Graduate School offers a superb environment to pursue advanced musical studies in performance, including conducting and composition, and to carry out research. A wide range of innovative courses are available to train singers, instrumentalists, composers and conductors to a fully professional level. Flexibility is the key, and you will be given the opportunity to follow a range of specialist pathways as a soloist, an orchestral musician, a chamber musician or accompanist, or to create a bespoke programme of study.

Qualifications include: • • • • •

Postgraduate Diploma Master of Music Master of Philosophy Doctor of Philosophy RNCM International Artist Diploma (solo, chamber, opera, conducting) • Hallé/RNCM String Leadership Diploma

• Postgraduate Diploma in Performing Arts Leadership (ARTIS) • PGCE in Music with Specialist Instrumental Teaching Full details of The Graduate School courses can be found on the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk/ graduateschool

61 Student support The RNCM has a strong community of staff and students and excellent facilities and services to support you through your studies.

Library The RNCM Library has a wide range of materials to support learning, research and performance, and provides key support for all areas of your degree programme. It is wellstocked with 15,000 books, 75,000 items of printed music, 90 current journal titles and a large collection of audio and visual materials. The Library also offers online access to e-books, databases, selected journals and audio-visual streaming services. Within the Library you will have access to PCs with music software as well as standard programs, listening stations and a viewing room. Our knowledgeable Library staff have vast musical expertise and will help you make the best use of the resources. RNCM students also have access to other academic libraries both in the North West and further afield for reference purposes.

Archives & Special Collections You will be encouraged to make use of the Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archives and special collections. The RNCM Archives are of international importance and include the papers of individuals with significant connections to the

RNCM and its predecessors. The College Archivist is on hand to offer any advice. The RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, consisting of over 300 instruments, some in playing condition, is open to all RNCM students and staff by appointment.

Welfare, counselling & financial guidance Our dedicated Student Services team are your first point of contact if you need advice or guidance on anything from welfare to student finance, both before you join us and during your time at College. We also offer a free and confidential counselling service for RNCM students to discuss any personal concerns.

IT support In addition to PCs in the library, there is an IT Studio where all the PCs have the latest copy of Sibelius software installed, and wi-fi hotspots inside the College. The IT team will support your learning with tools including an online portfolio management system, video conferencing facilities and the College Intranet system.

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

Help for students with disabilities If you have a disability the RNCM will offer you support from the audition stage onwards. A copy of the College's Disability Statement is available online at www.rncm.ac.uk If you would like to discuss any of your needs, email our Student Welfare Administrator at welfare@rncm.ac.uk.

Alexander Technique One-off or regular weekly Alexander Technique classes are available for a small charge. The Alexander Technique is a tried and tested approach for improving personal performance and avoiding undue effort or stress.

Chaplaincy The College chaplains are available for confidential consultation on personal matters. There is also a chaplain specifically for international students and Mandarin speakers. For more details you can visit www.stpeters.org.uk

62 Fees and financial support The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. Fees for all UK and EU undergraduate students are regulated by the UK Government.

Financial support may be available to you through scholarships and bursaries, details of which can be found on the next page. Please note that the figures given below are for the academic year 2010-11 and that fees are reviewed annually. Fees for 2011-12 will be available on the RNCM website.

Tuition Fee Status To determine the status of students for fees purposes, the RNCM follows regulations issued by the UK Government. Broadly, in order to qualify for UK and EU status you must have lived continuously in the UK or other EU country for purposes other than full-time education for at least three years prior to September in the year in which the course starts. If you do

not qualify for UK and EU status, you will be enrolled as an international student.

Equivalent and lower qualifications According to UK Government policy, UK and EU students who are studying for a qualification which is at a level equivalent to, or lower than, a qualification which they have already gained, are ineligible for funding from the Higher Education Funding Council. You may therefore be charged the full international student tuition fee for your course of study. Please note that this regulation does not apply to students enrolling on the Foundation Degree, for whom the regulated undergraduate fee is applicable even if prior qualifications are held.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees 2010-11 per year UK and EU students

£3,290

International students and Isle of Man/ Channel Island students Undergraduate (except vocal students)/ Foundation Degree

£14,300

Undergraduate (vocal students)

£14,900

Financial support for UK students UK students may be eligible for the following support: • Student loan to cover tuition fees in full • Student loan or maintenance loan to help with accommodation and living costs • Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant which is assessed on a sliding scale dependent upon household income. The Maintenance Grant will reduce the entitlement to the repayable maintenance loan. The Special Support Grant is available to students in receipt of meanstested benefits and works in the same way as the Maintenance Grant, except it does not reduce the entitlement to the maintenance loan • Possibility of support from the Access to Learning Fund for those with very limited means • UK students with disabilities can also apply for Disabled Students Allowance for some types of condition Please visit www.direct.gov.uk/ studentfinance to access further information on financial support for students.

Financial support for international students There are a number of organisations to which international students can apply for financial support. A good place to start is the ‘Funding your studies’ section of the British Council website www.britishcouncil.org

Payment of tuition fees Tuition fees are payable at registration at the start of the academic year. Exceptionally, it may be possible to pay fees by instalments. The fees are normally payable in UK pounds, but the RNCM is also happy to accept payments from students from outside the UK in Euros or US dollars. The actual amount payable in those currencies will be determined by the Director of Finance according to exchange rates at the time of payment.

Scholarships A number of Scholarship Awards are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. You can

find out more about our scholarships on our website www.rncm.ac.uk

ABRSM Home Scholarships Each year the RNCM nominates one outstanding undergraduate applicant for an ABRSM Scholarship. The award, for UK students only, is for the duration of the undergraduate course.

ABRSM Overseas Scholarships Each year the ABRSM offers one scholarship to an international undergraduate student on the recommendation of each of the Royal Schools of Music. The scholarship covers full fees and part maintenance for the duration of the undergraduate course. Further information may be obtained from: International Department, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, 24 Portland Place, London W1B 1LU Tel: +44 (0) 20 7631 3019; email: international@abrsm.ac.uk

Bursaries UK and EU undergraduate students The RNCM may provide bursaries of up to £1,110 according to individual students’ financial circumstances. Full details can be found on our website www.rncm.ac.uk International students International applicants to the RNCM may apply for bursaries towards the cost of fees and maintenance. These awards are limited in number and are allocated on the basis of need and merit. In return, students are expected to undertake directed activities for the benefit of the College.

Further enquiries Student Finance Manager studentfinance@rncm.ac.uk

64 How to apply Before you apply

Entry requirements

You can find out more about the RNCM student experience by visiting our website www.rncm.ac.uk for up-to-date information about your course, the latest RNCM news, and podcasts about our exciting performance programme. Alternatively you could come to one of our Open Days, the perfect opportunity to make an informal visit to the RNCM, during which you can tour the College and the Halls of Residence, meet current students and members of the tutorial staff, attend a concert, observe some of the School activities, and talk to support services staff. You can find out more about our Open Days and reserve your place on our website, www.rncm.ac.uk.

BMus(Hons) CUKAS code: 300F

Advice audition

GRNCM Joint Course CUKAS code: 399F

If you want to get a better idea of whether the RNCM is the right place for you, you could come along for an advice audition. These auditions usually take place between January and June by appointment only. The fee is £50 for 2010 and enquiries should be directed to Admissions: admissions@rncm.ac.uk

Entry is by competitive audition and interview but the following educational requirements must usually be met: • A high level of performing/ compositional ability • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in the year of entry • Passes at GCE A level (A2) in two subjects, normally including music, and passes in three different subjects at GCSE level (grades A*-C) or equivalents • Candidates with Scottish, Irish or other equivalent qualifications should contact Admissions on +44 (0) 161 907 5260

Entry is highly competitive and students should meet the following requirements: • A high level of performing and academic ability • A high profile of grades (e.g. AAB) at GCE A level (A2) or equivalent

Foundation Degree (FdA) in Popular Music Practice CUKAS code: 113F For full details see page 29.

English language requirements If English is not your first language, you will need to provide certification from an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment or acceptable equivalent to prove that you have achieved the required level of proficiency in English. For the BMus(Hons) and Foundation Degree programmes the required level is IELTS 5.5, and for the Joint Course programme the required level is IELTS 7.0. You will need to provide proof of your IELTS score by 1 May 2011.

65 Completing your application

The audition experience

Your application will be made through the Conservatoires UK Admission Services (CUKAS) website www.cukas.ac.uk When completing your online application you will need the following information: • the RNCM institution code R57 • your course codes which can be found on the relevant programme pages 24-28, and on the CUKAS website By completing your application via the CUKAS system you will be able to easily track the progress of your application, pay your audition fee, accept offers and confirm decisions online from anywhere in the world. The deadline for applications for 2011 entry is 1 October 2010. For international applicants see page 66. Late applications may be considered subject to the availability of places.

Auditions Audition fees For most courses you will need to send an audition fee with your application. Fees are as follows: BMus(Hons)

£50

Foundation Degree

£35

Composition plus Principal Study Instrument Joint Programme

£70

Auditions usually take place in November and early December, though some international candidates’ auditions may be held later in the year. You will be notified of your audition date via the CUKAS Track System at www.cukas.ac.uk The format of auditions will vary according to Principal Study School, but generally you will be expected to prepare, in advance, up to three pieces contrasting in both period and style. An accompanist will be provided as appropriate. For full details of audition requirements visit the How to Apply pages on our website. The audition itself will last between 10 and 45 minutes, depending on instrument, and will usually include performance of your prepared pieces, a sight-reading test and an interview about your aspirations and musical interests. The panel will be looking for your potential at audition, not a completed artist. You should think about engaging the panel by keeping your performance fresh, with a wide range of mood and colour in your playing; and showing an understanding of today’s music profession. If you have a disability for which special provision may be needed before or during your audition, please contact Admissions on admissions@rncm.ac.uk so that we can do our best to help.

Late applicants will be charged an additional fee of £10.

Find out more at www.rncm.ac.uk

Assessment of academic ability You will also be assessed on your ability to successfully complete the academic requirements of the course primarily on the basis of your educational record and academic references. Some applicants may be asked to provide recent authenticated examples of their own work in history of music and theory, or take a short written test, or both. At least two weeks’ notice will be given in such cases.

Notification of audition results You will receive notification of the result of your audition via the CUKAS website by the end of December 2010. If you are offered a guaranteed place, you will also receive an offer pack by post. If you are successful at audition and offered a place you will need to confirm acceptance by 31 January 2011.

Useful contacts: Admissions/audition enquiries: admissions@rncm.ac.uk Open Day enquiries: opendays@rncm.ac.uk

66 International Students

Auditions

How to apply

If you are unable to audition in person you will need to send an authenticated good quality DVD (preferably DVD-R) and/or audio recording [VHS(UK)PAL format] of your audition pieces.

We accept applications from international students throughout the year. However, we would recommend that you submit your application by 1 October 2010 for entry in September 2011. You will need to apply via the Conservatoires UK Admission Service (CUKAS) website www.cukas.ac.uk If you have any problems applying via CUKAS or need any additional support when completing your application, you should contact the International Admissions Administrator on international@rncm.ac.uk

Entry requirements • A high level of performing/ compositional ability • At least 18 years of age on 31 December in year of entry • The potential and ability to successfully complete the RNCM course • Passes at GCE A level (A2) in two subjects, normally including music, and passes in three different subjects at GCSE level (grades A*-C) or equivalents • Successful completion of university entry level education • All teaching at the RNCM is carried out in English and you need to have sufficient fluency in both written and spoken English. You will require proficiency in English as follows: BMus(Hons) IELTS 5.5 You will need to provide proof of your IELTS score before 1 May 2011 • A certainty that you have enough funding to cover course fees and living expenses

You can find out more about the audition process and guidelines on the RNCM website www.rncm.ac.uk

Asia auditions

RNCM English Summer Course If English is not your first language, we can provide you with further support through our English Language Summer Course. The course is aimed at students who have received an offer of a place to study at the RNCM but whose level of language falls below the entry requirements for their course.

Each year, the RNCM holds auditions in China, Japan and Korea. You can access details of the audition dates and venues on our website.

The course starts in late July and lasts for six weeks. It will improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The course also provides an introduction to the UK and British culture.

Applications and further details can also be obtained via our international agents:

The entry requirements for this pre-sessional course are: BMus(Hons) IELTS 5.0

China Professor Song Yi song.yi@rncm.ac.uk tel: +86 13911212507/ 13126686390 Japan and Korea Suguru Minamide suguru.minamide@rncm.ac.uk tel: +81 (0)90 6069 2866

Useful contacts: Admissions/audition enquiries: international@rncm.ac.uk International Office: international@rncm.ac.uk Visa advice and information: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/ immigration.php

67 Key dates and contacts

Term dates 2011/12

Where to apply

International Induction 14 September – 16 September 2011

Applications for our programmes are made via the Conservatoires UK Admission Services (CUKAS) website, www.cukas.ac.uk CUKAS Institution Code: R57

Important dates CUKAS Applications Open* 2 July 2010 Open Day 29 September 2010

Induction Week 19 September – 25 September 2011 Autumn Term 26 September – 18 December 2011 Spring Term 9 January – 1 April 2012 Mid Year Recess 20 February – 26 February 2012 Summer Term 23 April – 8 July 2012

Preview Day 19 January 2011 *Overseas students may apply and be auditioned at other times of the year.

President Sir Willard White CBE, OM (Jamaica) Principal Professor Jonty Stockdale BA(Hons), DPhil, FLCM Vice-Principal Professor Linda Merrick GRSM(Hons), MMus, PhD, FRNCM, ARAM, LRAM, FLCM, FRSA, FHEA, HonVCM, ILTM

Useful contacts

Dean of Academic Studies Dr Martin Harlow BA, MPhil, PhD, DipNCOS, ARCM

Admissions Office admissions@rncm.ac.uk tel: 0161 907 5260

Dean of Performance Studies Professor Malcolm Layfield DipRSAMD, FRNCM

International Office international@rncm.ac.uk tel: +44 (0)161 907 5337

Dean of Research & Enterprise Professor Richard Wistreich MA, MA Music, PhD

CUKAS Applications Deadline* 1 October 2010 Auditions* November – December 2010

Patron Her Majesty the Queen

68 How to find the RNCM Manchester is located at the heart of the UK, and is easily accessible by air, road and rail. The city is at the centre of a busy motorway and rail network, and is home to a major airport, Manchester International Airport, which serves more than 190 destinations worldwide. The RNCM is situated just 1 mile south of the city centre, and is a bus or tram ride away from Manchester International Airport, and Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road train stations.

Edinburgh

Belfast

MANCHESTER

Birmingham

Cardiff London

Royal Northern College of Music 124 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9RD UK Tel: +44 (0)161 907 5200 Fax: +44 (0)161 273 7611 www.rncm.ac.uk

The RNCM is a Higher Education Corporation under the terms of the Education Reform Act 1988 and the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. It receives public funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). 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.

Commitment to Equality and Diversity The RNCM is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity as an employer, higher education provider and as a performance venue. Our aim is that where possible our organisation will be truly representative of all sections of society and each will feel respected. Our aim is to provide equality and fairness in all our activities and not to discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender and sexual orientation. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. 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.

Designed by Copper Media Ltd www.coppermedia.co.uk Photography by Paul Cliff, Anthony Redmond, Steve Arland and Marketing Manchester Printed by Belmont Press

Royal Northern College of Music 124 Oxford Road Manchester M13 9RD UK

Tel: +44 (0)161 907 5200 Fax: +44 (0)161 273 7611 www.rncm.ac.uk

Royal Northern College of Music Undergraduate Prospectus 2011-12

Undergraduate Prospectus 2011-12