Welcome to the Brass department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where we hope you can find out all you need to know about our BMus Brass programme.

The department is led by Head of Brass, John Logan. After a long playing career with many of the UK’s symphony orchestras, including a five-year tenure with Sir Simon Rattle at the CBSO, and a seventeen-year tenure as Associate Principal Horn with the RSNO, John works closely with students, sharing his extensive performance experience. John is still active in the professional performing world as a conductor and arranger especially in the area where Scottish folk and rock music collaborates alongside the symphony orchestra.

Unrivalled one-to-one tuition
The Brass programme has a long tradition of excellence and a worldwide reputation for training leading musicians. Our team of dedicated staff includes many of Britain’s finest brass players, with international reputations as soloists, orchestral, and chamber musicians. Students receive an unparalleled 90 minutes principal study tuition a week plus an added 30 minutes on a related study such as piccolo trumpet or natural horn. It is also possible to receive lesson time from our jazz department. We have regular visiting artists from all brass disciplines including Visiting Professor, Ian Bousfield.

Performance opportunities
On this programme you’ll get a real sense of the demands of the professional world, with weekly classes in orchestral repertoire and the opportunity to set up your own ensembles and perform in our lunchtime concert series. We also enjoy professional collaborations with Scotland’s major orchestras and operate mentoring schemes with the RSNO, BBC SSO and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera. Through these connections it is possible, through competitions and auditions, to be assessed by performing a concerto alongside these top professional players.

In comparison to other conservatoires we run a smaller department, large enough to tackle challenging repertoire, but small enough to ensure widespread performance opportunities for every student. Our students take part in Symphony, Wind, Opera, and Chamber Orchestras, and a diverse range of ensembles including Big Band and Royal Conservatoire Brass. Our ensembles give concerts regularly at home and abroad; recent overseas performance opportunities have included China, Malta, Germany and Brazil.

Glasgow has so many great orchestras that there are a number of excellent brass players in the city who are connected to RCS.  Frequently you’ll see tutors performing in professional situations and you’ll build up professional connections during your studies.

Detailed below you will find what is expected year by year in the BMus programme. Common to all years are your principal study lessons, performance classes and creative and contextual studies.  Throughout the programme you will be given formative feedback grades in supporting studies that will include performance classes, ensembles including chamber, orchestra, repertoire classes and tutor reports.with the opportunity to undertake a second or related study and take part in masterclasses and concerts.

As the programme progresses you are given more credits of your own choice. These may be taken as added academic modules, cross-school modules or by being involved in more performance based activities.

You will benefit from 90 minutes individual one-to-one tuition each week from our experienced staff and have the opportunity to undertake a second or related study, and also classes in Creative and Contextual Studies.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 10 for performing arts education 2016, 2017 and 2018 (QS World Rankings) 

• Highest quality tuition from expert teachers, many of whom are players in the national companies
• Our students have access to the BBC SSO Mentoring Scheme and the RSNO’s Professional Experience Scheme to learn from industry professionals
• Opportunity to regularly rehearse and obtain feedback from players of the national orchestras
• 90-minute individual lesson each week on your principal study
• Small class sizes allowing tutors more time to dedicate individual attention to each student
• Access to the John Webb collection of over 450 historical brass instruments
• International performing opportunities
• Cross-collaboration performance opportunities with other musicians including jazz and traditional music
• 97% of undergraduate respondents from the School of Music are in employment or further study (HESA, 15/16)

Our teaching staff includes principal and co-principal players of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

Head of Brass

• John Logan

Visiting Professor

Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Tuba

Period and Historical Performance

Cornetto / Natural Trumpet

Ophicleide and Cimbasso

• Tony George (Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Orchestra of the 18th Century)

Accompanist

• Scott Mitchell

Recent visiting professionals who have delivered seminars and Masterclasses include Valentin Garvie, Ewen Easton, Graham Sibley, Keith McNichol, Kristian Steenstrup, Ian Bousfield and Boston Brass.

 Distance lessons

Video conference one-to-one lessons and brass clinics can now be booked by arrangement.

For more information and bookings please contact Elizabeth Lawton: e.lawton@rcs.ac.uk

The Brass department  has access to the many facilities and resources RCS has to offer. As well as a fabulous library and several computer suites, our Brass students have access not only to a purpose-built recording studio but the use of an expert recording producer. Recordings can be made for course assessments and also at any time for personal use.

Our large venues are used regularly by brass playing in symphony orchestra, wind orchestra, opera, ballet, musical theatre and chamber-sized ensembles.

Externally you may play in the Glasgow City Hall, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the soon to be new home of the RSNO.

Many Royal Conservatoire Brass alumni occupy positions in orchestras and ensembles across the world. Here is a sample:

• Christopher Gough Principal Horn, RSNO
• Kyle MacCorquodale Principal Bass Trombone, Hallé Orchestra
• Dávur Juul Magnussen Principal Trombone, RSNO
• Andrew McLean Associate Principal Horn with RSNO
• Martin Murphy Associate Principal Horn, RSNO
• Cillian Ó Ceallacháin Principal Trombone with Scottish Opera
• Tom Poulson Co-Principal Trumpet with the Vasteras Sinfonietta, WorldBrass and Stockholm Chamber Brass
• Martin Wright City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Principal Firth Horn
• Paul Klein Principal Horn, Ulster Orchestra
• Neil Gallie Second Trombone Ulster Orchestra
• Johnny Durrant Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
• Rachel Boddice-Brown Senior Aircraft Woman, RAF Cranwell, posted to RAF College.

Royal Conservatoire Brass Department

Wind Orchestra

Tuition fees for academic year 2019-20

Scottish/EU students

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will pay tuition fees for all eligible full-time Scottish-based and other non-UK undergraduate EU students, who are studying in Scotland at degree level for the first time. Students should apply to SAAS for payment of tuition fees even if they are not applying for any other means of support. Eligible students can also apply for student loans through SAAS . For further advice and to check eligibility contact SAAS directly on 0300 555 0505 or visit their website .

Rest of UK students

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland studying in Scotland will be eligible for the same funding/loan package that they would benefit from if they attended an institution in their home country. For further advice please visit student finance England , student financeWales , or student finance Northern Ireland as appropriate.

International students

Students from outside the EU typically fund higher education by a variety of resources, depending on the home country. More specific information on funding options relevant to specific countries can be found here .

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 here

Sources of external funding

For more information about alternative funding sources, including external scholarships and bursaries, please visit here.

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.

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

General Academic entrance requirements

• Scottish Highers – 3 passes (grade C or above)
• A Levels – 2 passes
• International Baccalaureate – minimum score of 24 with 3 subjects at Higher Level
• Recognised equivalences (EU and International Entry Requirements)

We welcome the Scottish Baccalaureate and will accept combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers.

We offer a flexible approach to students taking Higher over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.

Subjects recommended

Within the minimum academic entrance requirements listed above, the subject recommended are:

• Music at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced level or equivalent
• English at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced level or equivalent

Other Standards

A strong indication of potential is sought at the entrance audition for this programme. Successful applicants will normally be of a standard at least equivalent to Grade 8 with Distinction of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music in their Principal Study. You can apply and audition without having obtained Grade 8 with distinction, however as an indication only, applicants are normally expected to have reached this standard in their performance.

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 or 3.

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.

Head of Brass, John Logan, explains more about the audition process in the video below to give you an insight on what to expect on the day.

The main audition period is 4-8 November 2019. Please note that some auditions may run outwith this period. Applicants who apply on time (1 October) are invited to audition by email, approximately three weeks before their audition date.

Please note that the Conservatoire is obliged to offer one audition/interview date per application. Alternative dates will only be provided (subject to availability) in exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to make your allocated audition date, you should email us immediately stating the reason. We have a specific period allocated to auditions and all on time applications will receive a decision before Christmas. If an audition is delayed, there is a risk that places will already have been taken.

Where we audition

Whilst most auditions take place at the Conservatoire in Glasgow, we do hold auditions internationally. If you wish to audition overseas, please visit our International site here for further information on that particular application process as well as details about the venue and date(s): https://international.rcs.ac.uk. Should you plan on auditioning overseas, we kindly ask that you submit your application at least one month in advance of the audition date. If you apply less than a month in advance, we cannot guarantee to audition you in person, and we may ask you to submit a recording instead.

If you select ‘RCS’ as the Audition Location on on your application, your audition will take place in Glasgow. We welcome recorded auditions from non-UK applicants. If you wish to audition by recording, please select ‘recording’. If you require further information about auditioning internationally, please email hello@rcs.ac.uk.

The audition day 

Performance applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability in their Principal Study. It is important to choose music that will demonstrate present level of achievement and musical potential. The Audition Panel reserves the right to halt a performance when it has heard enough to form a judgment. Applicants will have 10 minutes (or more, dependent on their Principal Study) to warm up before the audition. RCS is not able to offer additional practice facilities before the allocated warm up time.

In addition to the performance, applicants may, at the discretion of the Audition Panel, be given a short sight-reading test. The audition will conclude with a short interview with the Audition Panel which will explore the applicant’s understanding of the demands of the programme, knowledge of repertoire, aspects of performance practice, performance experience and attitudes, and professional aspirations.

Accompanists

Instrumentalists and vocalists will be automatically allocated an official RCS accompanist to play for them at their audition (unless RCS is notified that the applicant intends to use his/ her own). Applicants will be given time with the accompanist prior to their audition in order to run through their programme.

Horn

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sight-reading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        Mozart – Horn Concerto No. 3 in Eb, K.417

•        F Strauss – Nocturno, Op. 7 (Universal)

•        R Strauss – Concerto No. 1 in Eb, Op. 11, 2nd movement: Andante (Universal)

Trumpet

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sight-reading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        H Busser – Andante et Scherzo (Leduc/UMP)

•        J Hubeau – Sonate, 1st and 2nd movements: Sarabande and Intermède (Durand/UMP)

•        Hummel – Trumpet Concerto, 1st and 2nd movements or 2nd and 3rd movements (Bb or Eb trumpet, any edition). C, A or Eb.

Cornet

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

Arban – Study No. 10 from Cornet Method (Boosey & Hawkes)

J Hubeau – Sonate, 1st and 2nd movements (Durand/UMP)

D Wright – Cornet Concerto (Studio Music)

Tenor Trombone

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        J S Bach – Menuettos 1 and 2 from Cello Suite No 1 in C (arr. Lafosse) (Leduc/UMP)

•        Galliard – Sonata No. 1, any three of the five movements

•        Guilmant – Morceau symphonique, Op. 88 (Schott 10484)

Bass Trombone

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        P McCarty – Sonata for Bass Trombone (Ensemble Publications)

•        Boutry – Tubaroque (Leduc/UMP)

•        J S Bach – Menuettos 1 and 2 from Cello Suite No. 1 in C (Leduc/UMP) (arr. Lafosse)

Euphonium

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        J Horovitz – Euphonium Concerto (Novello)

•        J S Bach – Cello Suite No. 1 in C (Leduc) (arr. Lafosse)

•        Arban – Study No. 10 from Cornet Method (Boosey & Hawkes)

Tuba

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sight-reading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        W Hartley – Suite for unaccompanied Tuba, complete (Elkan-Vogel/UMP)

•        G Jacob – Tuba Suite, 1st and 2nd movements

•        Hindemith – Tuba Sonata, 1st movement (Schott 4636)

•        V Williams – Tuba Concerto, 1st movement

 

Recordings

If you are auditioning via video recording, please read the following information before sending us your material.

Prior to submitting a recorded audition, you must apply via UCAS Conservatoires. Recorded auditions can be easily submitted online using Acceptd. You will need to create an account before uploading the recordings you wish to be considered. Recordings will not be considered until a UCAS Conservatoires application has been submitted.

Once you have completed the UCAS Conservatoires application, you should proceed to Acceptd to submit your video recording. Please check individual requirements above for what to prepare for your audition.  Applicants who are offered a place at RCS following submission of a recording will be required to undertake a supplementary audition when they arrive to start their programme of study. This is to confirm the authenticity of their recording. This audition may affect their placing on the programme.

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.

 

Apply via UCAS conservatoires

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 £25 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 closing date for all School of Music applicants (except US applicants) is 1 October 2019. The closing date for US applicants is 1 December 2019. However, if you apply before 1 October 2019, your application will be considered during the initial November audition period (either in attendance at a live audition or by assessment of a recording/portfolio) and you will receive an earlier outcome to your application as well as any scholarship offer, if applicable.

If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that you will be invited to audition. If you do consider 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.

We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2021, you must apply next year.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.

BMus (Hons) Performance: 300F

Joint Principal Study (Hons): 301F

Application fee

There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £25. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition fee. For RCS, the audition 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 fee

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland charges an audition administration fee of £65 per course.

We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you 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.

We are committed to ensuring fair access to a conservatoire education for students who have the talent and potential to benefit from it, regardless of their background. In support of this, audition fee waivers are offered to applicants whom financial hardship may be a barrier to auditioning. Please see the audition fee waivers document for more information.

References

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

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

General Academic entrance requirements

• Scottish Highers – 3 passes (grade C or above)
• A Levels – 2 passes
• International Baccalaureate – minimum score of 24 with 3 subjects at Higher Level
• Recognised equivalences (EU and International Entry Requirements)

We welcome the Scottish Baccalaureate and will accept combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers.

We offer a flexible approach to students taking Higher over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.

Subjects recommended

Within the minimum academic entrance requirements listed above, the subject recommended are:

• Music at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced level or equivalent
• English at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced level or equivalent

Other Standards

A strong indication of potential is sought at the entrance audition for this programme. Successful applicants will normally be of a standard at least equivalent to Grade 8 with Distinction of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music in their Principal Study. You can apply and audition without having obtained Grade 8 with distinction, however as an indication only, applicants are normally expected to have reached this standard in their performance.

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 or 3.

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

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.

BMus Joint Principal Study (JPS)

The Joint Principal Study pathway is intended to cater for the needs of individuals who are equally accomplished in two Principal Study disciplines (e.g. Flute and Composition, or Trumpet and Conducting, etc.) and who wish to maintain this intense level of dedication in their musical studies. Please note that Conducting is only available as a Joint Principal Study and Jazz Performance is only available in conjunction with Conducting or Composition.

The selection process for applicants applying for Joint Principal Study is the same as that for other applicants; auditions on both Principal Studies will normally take place on the same day. Applicants to the Joint Principal Study pathway who are successful in only one of their Principal Studies may be offered a place on the relevant ‘single-study’ pathway (i.e. Performance, Composition or Jazz).

Recorded audition

If you are auditioning via video recording, please read the following information before sending us your material. Prior to submitting a recorded audition, you must apply via UCAS Conservatoires. Recorded auditions can be easily submitted online using Acceptd.

You will need to create an account, but then you can easily upload the recordings you wish to be considered. Recordings will not be considered until a UCAS Conservatoires application has been submitted. Once you have completed the UCAS Conservatoires application, you should proceed to Acceptd to submit your video recording. We will only accept recordings submitted via Acceptd and will not accept any other format, i.e. DVDs

Please prepare the following for your audition recording –

Horn

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

•        Mozart – Horn Concerto No. 3 in Eb, K.417

•        F Strauss – Nocturno, Op. 7 (Universal)

•        R Strauss – Concerto No. 1 in Eb, Op. 11, 2nd movement: Andante (Universal)

Trumpet

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

•        H Busser – Andante et Scherzo (Leduc/UMP)

•        J Hubeau – Sonate, 1st and 2nd movements: Sarabande and Intermède (Durand/UMP)

•        Hummel – Trumpet Concerto, 1st and 2nd movements or 2nd and 3rd movements (Bb or Eb trumpet, any edition). C, A or Eb.

Cornet

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

Arban – Study No. 10 from Cornet Method (Boosey & Hawkes)

J Hubeau – Sonate, 1st and 2nd movements (Durand/UMP)

D Wright – Cornet Concerto (Studio Music)

Tenor Trombone

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

•        J S Bach – Menuettos 1 and 2 from Cello Suite No 1 in C (arr. Lafosse) (Leduc/UMP)

•        Galliard – Sonata No. 1, any three of the five movements

•        Guilmant – Morceau symphonique, Op. 88 (Schott 10484)

Bass Trombone

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

•        P McCarty – Sonata for Bass Trombone (Ensemble Publications)

•        Boutry – Tubaroque (Leduc/UMP)

•        J S Bach – Menuettos 1 and 2 from Cello Suite No. 1 in C (Leduc/UMP) (arr. Lafosse)

Euphonium

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

•        J Horovitz – Euphonium Concerto (Novello)

•        J S Bach – Cello Suite No. 1 in C (Leduc) (arr. Lafosse)

•        Arban – Study No. 10 from Cornet Method (Boosey & Hawkes)

Tuba

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice.

•        W Hartley – Suite for unaccompanied Tuba, complete (Elkan-Vogel/UMP)

•        G Jacob – Tuba Suite, 1st and 2nd movements

•        Hindemith – Tuba Sonata, 1st movement (Schott 4636)

•        V Williams – Tuba Concerto, 1st movement

 

Audition

Head of Brass, John Logan, explains more about the audition process in the video below to give you an insight on what to expect on the day.

The main audition period is 4-8 November 2019. Please note that some auditions may run outwith this period. Applicants who apply on time (1 October) are invited to audition by email, approximately three weeks before their audition date.

Please note that the Conservatoire is obliged to offer one audition/interview date per application. Alternative dates will only be provided (subject to availability) in exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to make your allocated audition date, you should email us immediately stating the reason. We have a specific period allocated to auditions and all on time applications will receive a decision before Christmas. If an audition is delayed, there is a risk that places will already have been taken.

Where we audition

Whilst most auditions take place at the Conservatoire in Glasgow, we do hold auditions internationally. If you wish to audition overseas, please visit our International site here for further information on that particular application process as well as details about the venue and date(s): https://international.rcs.ac.uk. Should you plan on auditioning overseas, we kindly ask that you submit your application at least one month in advance of the audition date. If you apply less than a month in advance, we cannot guarantee to audition you in person, and we may ask you to submit a recording instead.

If you select ‘RCS’ as the Audition Location on on your application, your audition will take place in Glasgow. We welcome recorded auditions from non-UK applicants. If you wish to audition by recording, please select ‘recording’. If you require further information about auditioning internationally, please email hello@rcs.ac.uk.

The audition day 

Performance applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability in their Principal Study. It is important to choose music that will demonstrate present level of achievement and musical potential. The Audition Panel reserves the right to halt a performance when it has heard enough to form a judgment. Applicants will have 10 minutes (or more, dependent on their Principal Study) to warm up before the audition. RCS is not able to offer additional practice facilities before the allocated warm up time.

In addition to the performance, applicants may, at the discretion of the Audition Panel, be given a short sight-reading test. The audition will conclude with a short interview with the Audition Panel which will explore the applicant’s understanding of the demands of the programme, knowledge of repertoire, aspects of performance practice, performance experience and attitudes, and professional aspirations.

Accompanists

Instrumentalists and vocalists will be automatically allocated an official RCS accompanist to play for them at their audition (unless RCS is notified that the applicant intends to use his/ her own). Applicants will be given time with the accompanist prior to their audition in order to run through their programme.

Horn

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sight-reading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        Mozart – Horn Concerto No. 3 in Eb, K.417

•        F Strauss – Nocturno, Op. 7 (Universal)

•        R Strauss – Concerto No. 1 in Eb, Op. 11, 2nd movement: Andante (Universal)

Trumpet

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sight-reading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        H Busser – Andante et Scherzo (Leduc/UMP)

•        J Hubeau – Sonate, 1st and 2nd movements: Sarabande and Intermède (Durand/UMP)

•        Hummel – Trumpet Concerto, 1st and 2nd movements or 2nd and 3rd movements (Bb or Eb trumpet, any edition). C, A or Eb.

Cornet

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

Arban – Study No. 10 from Cornet Method (Boosey & Hawkes)

J Hubeau – Sonate, 1st and 2nd movements (Durand/UMP)

D Wright – Cornet Concerto (Studio Music)

Tenor Trombone

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        J S Bach – Menuettos 1 and 2 from Cello Suite No 1 in C (arr. Lafosse) (Leduc/UMP)

•        Galliard – Sonata No. 1, any three of the five movements

•        Guilmant – Morceau symphonique, Op. 88 (Schott 10484)

Bass Trombone

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        P McCarty – Sonata for Bass Trombone (Ensemble Publications)

•        Boutry – Tubaroque (Leduc/UMP)

•        J S Bach – Menuettos 1 and 2 from Cello Suite No. 1 in C (Leduc/UMP) (arr. Lafosse)

Euphonium

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sightreading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        J Horovitz – Euphonium Concerto (Novello)

•        J S Bach – Cello Suite No. 1 in C (Leduc) (arr. Lafosse)

•        Arban – Study No. 10 from Cornet Method (Boosey & Hawkes)

Tuba

Performance of one piece selected from the following list, and one piece of the applicant’s own choice. Scales, arpeggios and sight-reading may be given at the discretion of the panel.

•        W Hartley – Suite for unaccompanied Tuba, complete (Elkan-Vogel/UMP)

•        G Jacob – Tuba Suite, 1st and 2nd movements

•        Hindemith – Tuba Sonata, 1st movement (Schott 4636)

•        V Williams – Tuba Concerto, 1st movement

 

Following your audition

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.

Please see below for an explanation of 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 2020, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2020.

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

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 2020	31 January 2020
16 March 2020	14 April 2020
14 July 2020	30 July 2020
4 August 2020	8 September 2020
After 4 August 2020	22 September 2020

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

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.

• Feedback policy
• Equality and diversity
• Applicants with disabilities
• Guidance for applicants with criminal convictions
• Admissions policy