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Introduction
To enquire about late applications please email admissions@rcs.ac.uk
The vocal department is ambitious on your behalf and seeks to find ways for you to discover and fulfill your potential as a singer and independent, distinctive artist. The department numbers around 100 first study singers on BMus and MMus courses, with a further 20 singers taking the advanced MMus Opera route. Our team of tutors and coaches aim to help you find and healthily release your own true unique voice, establishing a technique which can serve you reliably, with a sense of freedom.
The department is led by Karen Cargill (Interim Head of Vocal Studies) and supported by Associate Head of Vocal Studies Dr Ralph Strehle. Working closely with the Head of Opera, Philip White, it has an excellent and committed team of tutors, many of whom have worked and continue to work at the highest international performing levels and who are able to offer a range of specialisms.
Underlying the performing, teaching and coaching activities within vocal studies is a simple idea: that each singer must find the mode of learning and developing which really works for them. This means that though much of the department activity will be comparable to what happens in other conservatoires throughout the world, here in Glasgow our approach is student centred and we aim to respond to the differing learning styles and needs of individual singers.In practice this means that we are a holistic and highly inclusive department.
So, if you learn best by example and demonstration (a very common way of teaching singing), that will be available to you from our team of internationally experienced singer-tutors. If you really want to understand more of the detail of how the classical voice functions and what constitutes healthy, sophisticated singing via a good working knowledge of the physiology and acoustics of the voice that is also available. If you sing better and reach artistic and technical progress via imaginative and emotional concepts this is also a proven way of accessing professional levels of singing, which is much used in the teaching and classes here. And of course, the truth for many students is that they benefit from the mixture and depth which combining these approaches can achieve.
In one session you might be refining the detail of a language and exploring the full emotional depth and connection with text. In the next you could be working on your breath technique to secure a better supported appoggio. Or you might be refining the precision and quality of resonance in your vowels using the latest analytical equipment showing precisely what your voice is doing. These elements are taught via the two singing lessons given per week and the additional classes for repertoire and performance, with also a special class called ”˜Basis of Vocal Technique’ where students work as a group on the ideas and skills which they are encountering in the one-to-one lessons. We are practical we use what works!
In addition to this very full and rounded approach to developing your voice, we believe that quick and valuable learning takes place via a multiplicity of varied performance opportunities. Each year therefore we devise a programme of concerts, operas, recitals, competitions and master-classes that enable students to participate at appropriate levels.
Our unique relationship with Scottish Opera has enabled many students to benefit from taking part in productions in fully professional theatres with the orchestra and production team from Scottish Opera, and the on-going Emerging Artist scheme provides an extra level of training beyond post-graduate work.
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Programme structure
The Master in Music in Performance (singing) and for advanced students, the Master of Opera, share some aspects. Students on both courses receive two singing lessons a week, which enables them to feel that they are in regular, frequent contact with the expert tutor who is guiding their vocal and artistic development. Whilst students who enter at this level will have already developed a level of sophistication in their singing and vocal technique, many know that they need further work and refinement to help them towards entering the profession successfully. We think this generous provision for one to one study is essential in building the advanced progress required for this level of study.
There is a wide range of ancillary work undertaken in classes (‘Supporting Studies’) for both courses. Languages taught in classes include Italian, German, French and Russian, with the mechanics of each language taught by native-speakers. There are in addition associated repertoire classes for each language coached by an expert who has specialised in that area of repertoire. The weekly classes in Performance offer coaching in a master-class-type situation where any aspect of the performance may be discussed and developed. Each student is allocated a coach for the year for them to work with on a one to one basis. There are also classes specifically in audition skills, Alexander technique, movement, acting technique and French phonetics (for those who need the latter). The range and variety of performing opportunities is extensive, with full productions of operas (usually three a year), oratorios, song recitals, and special projects which are unique to a particular year – often associated with a particular anniversary. These often bring students into contact with a range of external visiting conductors, directors, singers and coaches.
Each student is allocated a coach for the year for them to work with on a one to one basis. There are also classes specifically in audition skills, Alexander technique, movement, acting technique and French phonetics (for those who need the latter). The range and variety of performing opportunities is extensive, with full productions of operas (usually three a year), oratorios, song recitals, and special projects which are unique to a particular year – often associated with a particular anniversary. These often bring students into contact with a range of external visiting conductors, directors, singers and coaches.
For those on the M Mus Performer course there is a very wide variety of assessment options —mostly conducted at the end of each year. These include, Solo Performance, Opera Scenes, Chamber Performance, Lecture Recital, Opera Audition, Studio Recording, Song Performance, and New Work. In Year 2 in addition is the possibility of undertaking an Independent Project. In both years, if a student is cast in a role or as a soloist in a main production/concert, this can be used for formal assessment.
MMus/MA Programme Structure
The MMus/MA programme is divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 is common to both degrees, and may also lead to the exit award of PGDip. In Stage 2, MMus and MA students follow different pathways leading to their respective degrees.
Stage 1: PGDip
Principal Study 1 — 80 SCQF credits
Supporting Studies 1 — 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits
Practice Research — 10 SCQF credits
Options — 0, 10 or 20 SCQF credits
Stage 2: MMus
Principal Study 2 — 90 SCQF credits
Supporting Studies 2 — 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits
Options — 0, 10 or 20 SCQF credits
Stage 2: MA
Negotiated Study (or HIPP dissertation) — 60 SCQF credits
Principal Study
The primary focus of your learning will be the Principal Study. This core activity — and in particular, the individual lesson — will refine the skills essential to meeting the artistic and technical expectations of the programme. It will equip you with many of the skills needed to exercise independent learning and develop the autonomy necessary for a professional career. In the case of the degrees in Performance, and Historically Informed Performance Practice, the Principal Study is your instrumental or vocal discipline; for the degrees in Opera, Conducting, Repetiteurship, Piano for Dance, and Accompaniment, it refers to the full range of skills associated with those roles, including high-level performance skills. For the MMus Composition, Principal Study is the practice of composition, within which you may specialise in acoustic or electroacoustic composition. For the MMus Chamber Music, the Principal Study will comprise the ensemble work of the group. Within the credit assigned for Principal Study, the contact hours are flexibly assigned to suit your particular needs as a student.
Supporting Studies
Supporting Studies incorporates many of the distinctive features of conservatoire study, and contributes towards the creation of a near-professional learning environment. In this module, you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of negotiated activities in support both of your Principal Study and your development as an emerging professional. The emphasis is on working with your peers, whether through the presentation of performance classes or collaborative activities such as chamber music, orchestra or ensemble work. The module also incorporates a series of cohort-wide graduate seminars, addressing such areas as research skills, critical thinking, professional development, reflective practice, health and wellbeing, and equality and diversity.
Practice Research
This module challenges you to examine critically an aspect of your arts practice by means of an individually-negotiated portfolio of research, reflection and/or documentation. Over the course of your studies, with the support of a supervisor, you will assemble a portfolio of documentation and reflective writing that interrogates a self-chosen research focus and communicates your findings.
Options
Options give space within the curriculum for you to engage in studies which enhance your professional versatility, by pursuing areas of interest either close to or far away from your core discipline. The range of modules available is very wide, including otions drawn from the undergraduate programmes in both the School of Music and the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film. The design of the programme puts no restrictions on the level of the options/s chosen. There is a significant range of choice available in the amount of credit taken in this way, with students free to choose pathways which place greater weight on Supporting Studies.
MMus or MA?
The MA and MMus programmes share many similarities, with the first three terms of the programme being common to both. The chief differences are in the length and volume of study, and in the pattern of delivery in relation to the four terms that make up the academic calendar. There are also some differences in the programme aims and learning outcomes, and in the proportional number of hours available for principal study lessons.
The MA degree is designed for students who wish to achieve a Masters level qualification in one year, with 180 SCQF credits at level 11 (90 ECTS credits). The programme runs full-time for four terms, 43 weeks in total, with the fourth term being dedicated to a largely independent project. 31 weeks of 90 minutes principal study lessons are offered, to a total of 46.5 hours. (Nine extra hours may be allocated to additional study of a related instrument, where appropriate).
The MMus degree is intended for students who are seeking an extended and thorough professional grounding at Masters level in their chosen area of specialism. This is a two-year, full-time programme, leading to 240 SCQF credits at level 11 (120 ECTS credits). The majority of the teaching and learning takes place in terms one, two and three of both years, to a total of 81 hours across the two years. (Nine extra hours may be allocated to additional study of a related instrument, where appropriate).
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Why choose us?
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 10 for performing arts education 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 (QS World Rankings)- Two 45-minute one-to-one singing lessons per week
- Unique classes specifically on the basis of vocal technique
- Students are taught how to understand the vocal mechanism
- Imagination and artistry are seen as crucial components in the curriculum
- Numerous diverse performance opportunities
- Extensive choral and ensemble activity including RCS Voices, the RCS Chamber Choir and BBC Choir of the Year, Les Sirenes
- Regular masterclass schedule featuring renowned artists; recent artists include Sir Thomas Allen CBE, Dennis O’Neill, Susan Graham, Barbara Bonney, Christine Brewer, Malcolm Martineau and Dame Gwyneth Jones
- Strong industry partnerships including Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the Bayreuth Festival, British Youth Opera, and both the Samling and Britten Pears School, all of whom regularly visit RCS to audition
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Teaching staff
Head of Vocal Performance: Karen Cargill
Associate Head of Vocal Studies: Dr Ralph Strehle
Head of Opera: Philip White
Visiting Professor
Teaching staff
- Christina Dunwoodie
- Margaret Izatt LRAM LGSM LTCL
- Scott Johnson
- Helen Lawson ARCM (Hons)
- Wilma MacDougall
- Elizabeth McCormack
- Kathleen McKellar Ferguson DRSAMD DipMusEd LRAM
- Linda Ormiston OBE
- Iain Paton
- Clare Shearer
- Marilyn Smith LRAM MBE
- Julian Tovey MA (Oxon), MLitt
- Professor Christopher Underwood
Repertoire coaches
- Julia Lynch BA CPGS
- Michael Bawtree MA, MMus, FRCO
- Robert Melling
- Geoffrey Tanti
- Ingrid Sawers
- Jonathan Swinard
Language tutors
- Heloise Bernard
- Dr Ralph Strehle
- Dr Elisabetta Toreno
- Svetlana Zvereva
Movement and Acting
- Mark Hathaway
- Rosina Bonsu
Choral Co-ordinator
- James Slimmings
Recent masterclass guests include:
- Dame Gwyneth Jones
- Dame Felicity Lott
- Patricia MacMahon
- Sir Thomas Allen CBE
- John Treleaven
- Malcolm Martineau
- Lisa Milne MBE
- Rosalind Plowright
- Barbara Bonney
- Roderick Williams
- Jane Eaglen
- Christine Brewer
Recent masterclass guests include:
- Dame Gwyneth Jones
- Dame Felicity Lott
- Patricia MacMahon
- Sir Thomas Allen CBE
- John Treleaven
- Malcolm Martineau
- Lisa Milne MBE
- Rosalind Plowright
- Barbara Bonney
- Roderick Williams
- Jane Eaglen
- Christine Brewer
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Facilities
In addition to the expected range of well-equipped teaching studios, singers have the benefit of the Alexander Gibson Opera School — including the Opera Studio. The professional venues, the Stevenson Hall, and the New Athenaeum Theatre are also used by the Vocal Studies students.
The Ledger Recital Room is used for many classes and competitions. Additionally, those involved in opera performances in collaboration with Scottish Opera would normally expect to perform in the fully professional theatres of the Theatre Royal (Glasgow) and the Festival Theatre (Edinburgh). Recently we have also undertaken performances in Glasgow City Halls (home of the BBCSSO) with a commemorative performance of Verdi’s Simone Boccanegra and Stravinksy’s Les Noces. Other venues which have housed opera and concert performances outside the RCS campus include the splendid early Gothic Glasgow Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Paisley Abbey, and the concert halls in Perth and Aberdeen.
Students also have access to expertise amongst staff in Spectrographic Analysis of resonance and vowels, with the ancillary information that can be utilised using Electroglottogram information. These two advanced software-based tools can often make yet clearer what is being studied and understood using excellent traditional methodologies.
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Graduate destinations
As RCS is Scotland’s only Conservatoire many students are involved in professional music making in the busy artistic activity outside the Conservatoire, which may range from something simple such as solo singing for a choral society or small Cathedral ensemble, or a main work with the BBC or RSNO, or at the Edinburgh Festival. The Song Studio recital series is extremely popular with audiences and provide a fully professional outlet for this repertoire.
The department has an enviable record in achieving scholarships and places on courses beyond our own doors. In recent years these included the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, the Jacobs School of Music, Bloomington, Indiana University and the Konservatorium Wien (Vienna).
In 2017, three alumni were finalists in the Cardiff Singer of the World competition — Catriona Morison, Anush Hovhannisyan and Dominic Barberi — with Catriona winning both the song prize and the overall competition first prize, becoming the first British singer to ever win. Svetlina Stoyanova won the prestigious German competition, Neue Stimmen, whilst still a student with RCS.
Recent graduates have been offered places on the Covent Garden Jette Parker scheme, the National Opera Studio, the Welsh International Academy of Voice, the International Opera Studio Staatsoper Berlin, the Salzburg Festival Young Singers Project, Opera Studio Bregenz Festival, the Verbier Academy, as well as contracts in fully professional houses including the Royal Opera House, Staatsoper Berlin, Deutsche Oper Berlin, English National Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera North, Welsh National and Royal Opera Den Norske.
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Images and video
Masters of Performance
RCS Voices: Fridays at One
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Fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2022-23
MMus – Scottish Students
£10,872 (full-time)
£5,436(part-time)
MMus – Rest of UK (RUK) Students
£10,872 (full-time)
£5,436 (part-time)
MMus – International Students (Including EU)
£23,601 (full-time)
£11,802 (part-time)
MA – Scottish Students
£14,889
MA – Rest of UK (RUK) Students
£14,889
MA – International Students (Including EU)
£26,460
From the next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.
Scottish
New Scottish domiciled students may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan. All eligible students will be able to apply directly to Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a non-means-tested loan of up to £3,400. See the SAAS website for further details of the PSAS scheme.
Scottish domiciled postgraduate students on eligible courses can also apply for a Postgraduate Living Cost Loan up to £4,500 towards living expenses. This is in addition to the existing loan available towards the cost of their tuition fees.
English
Postgraduate students from England can benefit from a postgraduate loan of up to £11,222 (in 2020/2021) to be used towards tuition fees and/or living costs.
Northern Irish
Students from Northern Ireland may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan of up to £5,500 to help with the cost of their course fees. Please see the Student Finance NI website for more details.
Welsh
From 1 August 2019, students ordinarily resident in Wales (and those from the EU studying at a Welsh institution) may be entitled to a combination of loan and grant as a contribution to costs while studying a postgraduate Master’s degree course. The total amount of support available is non-means-tested and is paid directly to the student. The total support available to an eligible student is £17,000. A grant of up to £6,885 is available, depending upon household income. The balance of support is a loan.
Support comprises of the following elements:
- A non-means-tested contribution to costs base grant of £1,000 is available to all eligible students. ï‚·
- An additional means-tested contribution to costs grant of £5,885 is available to eligible students with a household income of up to £18,370 per annum. For every £6.937 of household income per annum above this threshold, the amount of additional means-tested grant will be reduced by £1.
- A non-means-tested contribution to costs loan is available to all eligible students. The amount of loan available will be equal to the level of total support (£17,000 in 2019/20) less the total grant (base grant plus additional grant) a student is eligible for.
For part-time study, support is allocated over the number of years the course is studied. Support is capped in each academic year; for example, £17,000 for a one year course, £8,500 per year for a course lasting two years and £4,250 per year for a course lasting four years. Full-time courses between one and two years are eligible for support. Part-time courses of up to four years are eligible for support.
EU Students
The Royal Conservatoire is resolutely international in outlook and we celebrate and are enriched by the diversity of our community of students and staff. Students from across the globe are -welcome and valued members of the RCS community and we continue to welcome applicants from across the EU and throughout the world.
Q: What is the fee situation for EU students?
A: On July 9 2020 Scotland’s Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead announced changes to the fee regime for EU students studying in Scotland. From next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.
Q: I’m an EU student looking to start my studies in 2021-22. How does this impact me?
A: From the next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.
Only EU nationals who are ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ in the UK will remain eligible to apply for home tuition fees providing they meet the residency conditions.
Other EU nationals and associated groups, starting a course of study in academic year 2021-22 or later, are not eligible to apply to SAAS for tuition fee support.
Because of a long-standing agreement between the UK and Republic of Ireland, new students from the Republic of Ireland starting their studies in 2021-22 will be eligible to pay the UK fee.
Scholarships
Any potential student who auditions for a place at the Royal Conservatoire will automatically be considered for a scholarship. They are awarded on a combination of talent, potential and financial need. More information about Scholarships is available on our Fees and Funding page.
Sources of external funding
For more information about alternative funding sources, including external scholarships and bursaries, please visit our Fees and Funding page.
The Conservatoire’s International and Student Experience team are available to advise and assist applicants and current students in respect of queries about funding your studies at the Conservatoire. Please email or telephone +44 (0)141 270 8281/ +44 (0)141 270 8223 for further information.
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Entry requirements
Our admissions processes are designed to be fair, transparent and efficient. The audition/interview approach serves the dual nature of allowing the panel to assess first-hand an applicant’s suitability for their chosen programme and it also affords the applicant the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the nature of that programme and the opportunities offered by the RCS.
In arriving at its recommendation, the audition/interview panel will take account of all aspects of the applicant’s profile i.e.:
- Performance at audition/interview
- Commitment to the particular programme
- Potential to benefit from the programme
- Academic qualifications
- Personal statement
- Performance qualifications
- Performance/practical experience
- References
- Contextualised data
Academic Entry Requirements
Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.
Language of Study
The language of study is English. Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Level 6.0 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component) is required of applicants to the School of Music.
Direct Entry
Applications for direct entry beyond Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy. If you wish to apply for direct entry, please mark the point of entry on UCAS Conservatoires application as 2.
Non-standard Entry
We welcome applications from individuals whose academic qualifications or English language qualifications do not match (in terms of equivalence) or fall short of the normal entrance requirements, where specified*. Having satisfied the Audition Panel that they meet the selection criteria and demonstrated that they have the capacity to pursue the proposed course of study, such applicants will be considered through examination of contextualised data provided in accordance with the Non-Standard Entry Policy. The appropriate Head of Department/ Programme will make a case in support of the applicant for consideration by the Directors of the Schools and Convener of the Quality and Standards Committee.
*Note that UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) imposes minimum English Language qualifications in respect of international (non-EU) applicants who require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK.
Mature Students
RCS welcomes applications from mature students, i.e. students over the age of 21 at entry to the programme. Whilst the selection procedures will still be applied, consideration will be given to appropriate artistic experience not normally expected in school leavers, which is deemed to compensate for any lack of traditional entrance qualifications. Successful mature applicants, as for all other applicants, must convince auditioning panels that they have the ability and potential to cope with the demands of the programme. Their progress, especially in the early stages of the programme, will be closely monitored and appropriate advice and support given.
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Auditions
With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all auditions will take place via audition recording. This may or may not be followed by an in-person interview or further audition. The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found in the table below –
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline Audition Recording Deadline Applicants 1 October 2021 15 October 2021 Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.
All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition via UCAS Conservatoires track (you will need your username and password). We aim to post outcomes before Christmas (week commencing 13 December 2021).
Through audition, applicants will be required to demonstrate:
- a high degree of technical competency on the instrument or voice in the service of specific repertoire
- an ability to demonstrate a considerable degree of understanding of the repertoire performed
- an ability to perform specific repertoire convincingly
- a considerable degree of self-confidence and creativity with respect to the repertoire performed
- a degree of self-sufficiency, initiative and independence in selecting, preparing and performing a particular programme
- a developing musical personality
Voice Auditions
Please prepare the following for your audition recording:
- The performance of a programme lasting 15 minutes to include three or four contrasting items
Recording Guidelines:
- When setting up for your video recording, your body (typically, from about the waist up) and instrument should be the focal point of the frame. The committee wants to be able to see not just your face but how well you navigate your instrument.
- The video recording should be provided in ONE continuous shot without separate tracks for different musical pieces.
- Please begin the recording by introducing yourself to camera and stating what you will be performing. You can take a little time between pieces so long as your body must remain in the frame.
- For any pieces that were written for your instrument and piano accompaniment, you are encouraged to perform with piano accompaniment (whether live or pre-recorded) if practical for you. Be assured, however, that if this is not possible for you, then you will not be disadvantaged in any way.
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How to Apply
- Apply via UCAS conservatoires
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Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. If you wish to apply to conservatoires and universities within UCAS, you will need to register for both services.
There is a UCAS application fee of £26.50 to register to use UCAS Conservatoires.
To begin a new UCAS Conservatoires application, you will need to register. You can read the UCAS Conservatoires’ advice on completing the UCAS Conservatoires application.
If you need assistance with your application, you can contact UCAS Conservatoires team by telephoning (Monday to Friday, 8.30 — 18.00). Phone 0371 468 0470 from within the UK or +44 330 3330 232 if you are calling from overseas.
Application deadline date
The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found in the table below –
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline Audition Recording Deadline Applicants 3 October 2022 17 October 2022 Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.
If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel. If you do want to submit a late application, you must contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications. Late applications will be considered on a case by case basis and will not be considered in the first round of scholarship allocation.
We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2023, you must apply next year.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.
MMus Performance (2 years) – 890F
MA Performance (1 year) – 801F
Book an advice lesson with one of our Music tutors (faculty)
An advice lesson gives you the chance to experience having a lesson with Conservatoire staff and provides a great opportunity for you to gain some expert advice. If you are unsure of what programme you wish to apply for, we recommend booking an advice audition with a teacher who can help advise which programme you may be suitable for. Advice lessons normally take place late August to early October and are dependent on staff availability.
- Application fee
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There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £26.50. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition assessment administration fee. For RCS, the audition assessment administration fee is £65 per programme applied for. Fees are not refundable. The fees are paid via the UCAS Conservatoires website and not directly to RCS.
Audition Assessment Administration fee
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland charges an audition assessment administration fee of £65 per course.
We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition assessment administration fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you to get in touch to ask the panel questions and find out more about the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to see if it is the best place for you.
- References
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It is your responsibility to ask two separate referees to write references and ensure that these are sent to RCS.
The references must be written by two different people and we will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can submit your UCAS Conservatoires application form and send your references at a later date, but they must be received prior to your audition date.
UCAS Conservatoires provides reference forms for you to download and send to your referees for completion.
- Entrance requirements
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Our admissions processes are designed to be fair, transparent and efficient. The audition/interview approach serves the dual nature of allowing the panel to assess first-hand an applicant’s suitability for their chosen programme and it also affords the applicant the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the nature of that programme and the opportunities offered by the RCS.
In arriving at its recommendation, the audition/interview panel will take account of all aspects of the applicant’s profile i.e.:
- Performance at audition/interview
- Commitment to the particular programme
- Potential to benefit from the programme
- Academic qualifications
- Personal statement
- Performance qualifications
- Performance/practical experience
- References
- Contextualised data
Academic Entry Requirements
Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.
Language of Study
The language of study is English. Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Level 6.0 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component) is required of applicants to the School of Music.
Direct Entry
Applications for direct entry beyond Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy. If you wish to apply for direct entry, please mark the point of entry on UCAS Conservatoires application as 2.
Non-standard Entry
We welcome applications from individuals whose academic qualifications or English language qualifications do not match (in terms of equivalence) or fall short of the normal entrance requirements, where specified*. Having satisfied the Audition Panel that they meet the selection criteria and demonstrated that they have the capacity to pursue the proposed course of study, such applicants will be considered through examination of contextualised data provided in accordance with the Non-Standard Entry Policy. The appropriate Head of Department/ Programme will make a case in support of the applicant for consideration by the Directors of the Schools and Convener of the Quality and Standards Committee.
*Note that UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) imposes minimum English Language qualifications in respect of international (non-EU) applicants who require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK.
Mature Students
RCS welcomes applications from mature students, i.e. students over the age of 21 at entry to the programme. Whilst the selection procedures will still be applied, consideration will be given to appropriate artistic experience not normally expected in school leavers, which is deemed to compensate for any lack of traditional entrance qualifications. Successful mature applicants, as for all other applicants, must convince auditioning panels that they have the ability and potential to cope with the demands of the programme. Their progress, especially in the early stages of the programme, will be closely monitored and appropriate advice and support given.
- Selection process
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Applicants who apply on time invited to upload their audition recording to Acceptd. The deadline dates can be found below –
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline Audition Recording Deadline Applicants 1 October 2021 15 October 2021 If you submit your audition recording after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel.
Please note that the Conservatoire is obliged to offer one audition recording per application. If you are unable to submit your audition recording by the deadline date above, you must email us immediately stating the reason. We have a specific period allocation to audition and all on time applications will receive a decision before Christmas (week commencing 13 December 2021). If your audition recording is delayed, there is a risk that places will already have been taken and your application may not be considered in the first round of scholarship allocation.
Applicants are selected first and foremost on the basis of merit and potential. However, due attention is also paid to the range of Principal Studies accepted in order to ensure the optimum experience for each student and to sustain the critical mass required for curricular activities, such as the symphony orchestra and choral activities.
- Audition
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With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all auditions will take place via audition recording. This may or may not be followed by an in-person interview or further audition. The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found in the table below –
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline Audition Recording Deadline Applicants 1 October 2021 15 October 2021 Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.
All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition via UCAS Conservatoires track (you will need your username and password). We aim to post outcomes before Christmas (week commencing 13 December 2021.)
Through audition, applicants will be required to demonstrate:
- a high degree of technical competency on the instrument or voice in the service of specific repertoire
- an ability to demonstrate a considerable degree of understanding of the repertoire performed
- an ability to perform specific repertoire convincingly
- a considerable degree of self-confidence and creativity with respect to the repertoire performed
- a degree of self-sufficiency, initiative and independence in selecting, preparing and performing a particular programme
- a developing musical personality
Voice Auditions
Please prepare the following for your audition recording:
- The performance of a programme lasting 15 minutes to include three or four contrasting items. These should demonstrate a variety of styles and indicate the level of language proficiency. One piece should be an aria from an opera or oratorio.
Recording Guidelines:
- When setting up for your video recording, your body (typically, from about the waist up) and instrument should be the focal point of the frame. The committee wants to be able to see not just your face but how well you navigate your instrument.
- The video recording should be provided in ONE continuous shot without separate tracks for different musical pieces.
- Please begin the recording by introducing yourself to camera and stating what you will be performing. You can take a little time between pieces so long as your body must remain in the frame.
- For any pieces that were written for your instrument and piano accompaniment, you are encouraged to perform with piano accompaniment (whether live or pre-recorded) if practical for you. Be assured, however, that if this is not possible for you, then you will not be disadvantaged in any way.
- Following your audition
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All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition via UCAS Conservatoires Track, (you will need your username and password). You will also receive notification from UCAS Conservatoires when decisions on all your choices are available.
UCAS Conservatoires Codes
Guaranteed Unconditional (GU) RCS is satisfied from the information you have given, that you have already met the conditions for entry. Unless your application and/or qualification are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, a guaranteed unconditional offer is binding.
Guaranteed Conditional (GC) RCS has made the offer subject to you meeting certain conditions such as examination results. Conditions can be viewed via UCAS Conservatoires Track. Unless your application and/or qualifications are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, the offer is binding if you accept the offer and meet the conditions. You must meet the conditions of the offer by 31 August 2021, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2021.
Reserve Unconditional (VU) RCS is satisfied from the information you have given, that you have already met the conditions for entry and you have been offered a place on our reserve pool.
Reserve Conditional (VC) RCS has offered a place on its reserve pool subject to you meeting certain conditions such as examination results. Conditions can be viewed via UCAS Conservatoires Track.
Unsuccessful (R) RCS does not wish to offer you any type of a place.
- Replying to offers
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As soon as a decision is made, UCAS Conservatoires will let you know. You must reply online via UCAS Conservatoires Track. Your reply date is displayed on Track. If you do not reply by the date given, your offers will be declined automatically. The reply date may be different to other applicants as it is based on when you receive your last decision.
Last decision by Your reply date is 3 January 2022 1 February 2022 15 March 2022 12 April 2022 15 May 2022 1 June 2022 12 July 2022 29 July 2022 2 August 2022 8 September 2022 Please see the UCAS Conservatoires website for more information on replying to offers. If you make an application through UCAS Conservatoires, UCAS or UCAS Teacher Training, you cannot hold more than one confirmed place. A confirmed place in UCAS Conservatoires is a guaranteed unconditional offer as your first choice (GU1) and in UCAS and UCAS Teacher Training it is an unconditional firm (UF) place. If you receive more than one confirmed place, UCAS will ask you to accept one offer and withdraw from any others.
- Policy
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We have a number of policies and statements which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire.
Please select the links below to read each policy.