Woodwind

We believe that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is the Conservatoire of choice for woodwind, and here are just some of the principal reasons why:

• The amount of individual principal study tuition is 90 minutes per week – higher than any other UK Conservatoire, with an additional 30 minutes on a related family instrument, such as piccolo, Eb/Bass Clarinet, contra bassoon, baroque oboe and cor anglais.
   
• Compared to many Conservatoires, we have a relatively small Woodwind department, with approximately 45 students in total. This is sufficient to service the larger activities, such as Symphony Orchestra and Opera, but small enough to give every student numerous and diverse performance opportunities. This also allows for a highly personal and individual programme, enabling you to flourish at your own pace in a supportive environment. This also means that entry is very competitive and standards are high.
   
• Woodwind students benefit from a wide range of weekly classes delivered by an expert team of specialists. These include classes in orchestral, ensemble and solo repertoire, in contemporary and period performance, and in technique and performance. In addition, masterclasses are given by renowned international musicians and our recently appointed International Fellow is Lorna McGhee, principal flautist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
   
• Double-reed players benefit from their own practice space. This room also houses specialist reed-making equipment, and you’ll receive regular reed-making classes throughout the programme.
   
• All woodwind students are provided with a professional accompanist during their time here for recitals, performance classes, auditions, competitions and exams.    
     
• Glasgow benefits from musical activity of all types. Five orchestras are based here, and we operatesapprenticeship and mentoring schemes with several of them. Glasgow also offers unparalleled employment opportunities for woodwind players. Our students benefit from side by side schemes with Scottish Opera, RSNO and BBCSSO. In addition, there are enviable concerto opportunities with both the BBCSSO and RSNO.
   
• The Royal Conservatoire Monday @ 1 concert series provides our woodwind students with further opportunities to perform alongside staff and visiting professionals, this time in a duo, chamber or ensemble capacity.
   
• The Royal Conservatoire Stevenson Winds Ensemble, directed by illustrious staff members, offers woodwind students prestigious chamber performance opportunities, and all woodwind chamber groups are provided specialist coaching by a tutor of their own choice.
   
• Accommodation and the cost of living is much cheaper than some other major cities. Most of our students live within easy walking distance and not spend lots of time and money negotiating public transport.