The Jazz department, led by Professor Tommy Smith OBE, internationally-renowned saxophonist and major force in European jazz, is vibrant and energetic, and continues to produce successful musicians and new voices within the UK jazz scene.

Studying Jazz at the Royal Conservatoire offers a high level of training aimed at cultivating your development as a creative and versatile jazz performer. The BMus programme explores jazz in the broadest possible terms, and provide the opportunity to play, perform, compose and record in many different jazz styles and settings.

The BMus in Jazz is a specialist pathway for a performance career in jazz. It is the first and the only full-time degree level jazz course in Scotland and offers many creative and artistic opportunities to you as a performer across a wide-ranging curriculum. You’ll receive tuition from some of the finest jazz musicians and educators in the UK. Currently we offer the highest amount of contact time offered anywhere in the UK with 90 minutes of individual lessons each week on your principal study instrument, with the opportunity to study a second instrument made available across all four years of study. This allows you to maximise your instrumental skills and nurture your creative potential as an artist.

The BMus programme is delivered to a small, focused cohort of students in each year group that form a unique ensemble and grow together throughout the BMus jazz pathway towards graduation. As a student, you are also encouraged to interact with other year groups and students from other disciplines across the RCS in the spirit of our cross-disciplinary curriculum.

Through class teaching in our dedicated jazz studios, you’ll study the essentials of chord-scale harmony, improvisation, classic repertoire, composition, history, music business and arranging. Our vision of jazz is comprehensive and inclusive, and you’ll be introduced to the full range of contexts from solo and ensemble work through to big band settings.

Studying Jazz at the Conservatoire provides numerous opportunities to perform both in and out of the institution.  On campus are our Blue Mondays concerts (also streamed live on the internet), featuring students and tutors, often performing alongside special guest performers. Past clinicians have included Makoto Ozone, Courtney Pine, Jacqui Dankworth, Branford Marsalis, David Liebman, Peter Erskine, Paolo Fresu, Bill Evans, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker and Arild Andersen. Students also take part annually in a BBC broadcast recording for Radio Scotland’s Jazz House programme, in which they perform their own compositions. In addition, 4th year students each year undertake a 3-day recording and mixing session with Nimbus Records, resulting in an album release on the record label.

The Jazz department maintains close ties with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. This relationship with what many consider Europe’s foremost contemporary big band has given students in Jazz at the Conservatoire access to performances and rehearsals by Kurt Elling, John Scofield, Gary Burton, Joe Lovano and Gunther Schuller .

Previous students of the Jazz department have been recipients of the prestigious Yamaha Jazz Scholarship, with pianists Peter Johnstone and Utsav Lal obtaining scholarships in 2013 and 2014. They also recorded a CD for the cover of Jazzwise magazine, and performed at the Houses of Parliament in London.

As a Jazz student at RCS, you will reap the full benefits of highly modern academic facilities, combined with the highest quality teaching in a city brimming with jazz, and a country resplendent with artistic opportunity.

 

Year 1

You will tackle the fundamentals of jazz composition and expand your knowledge of jazz repertoire in simulated live performance sessions. You will also develop your aural awareness, sight-reading, sight-singing and musical dictation skills. You will be given a broad overview of the history of jazz and you will look ahead to working in the music business learning how to create a biography and an invoice.

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

• Each student receives a 90-minute individual lesson on their principal study
• RCS has dedicated Jazz rehearsal spaces, and a dedicated recording studio with a full time professional sound engineer
• The BMus Jazz programme is the only full-time degree level jazz course in Scotland
• The Jazz teaching team includes many of the best educators and highly acclaimed jazz performers in the UK
• Close links to the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and its international guests will enable you to attend rehearsals and performances, and watch professionals at work
• An opportunity to audition for the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra and perform regular concerts in Scotland, as well as recording for Spartacus Records
• Our Jazz students have won the celebrated Peter Whittingham award and the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year several times
• There are many venues in Glasgow where you’ll have the opportunity to perform live
• Record and mix your own music in our recording studios with opportunities to release your own album
• Fridays at One and Blue Mondays Concerts and masterclass series featuring guest teachers; past clinicians include Bob Minzter, Mike Stern, Makoto Ozone, Courtney Pine, Branford Marsalis, David Liebman, Peter Erskine, Paolo Fresu, Randy Brecker and Arild Andersen
• ‘Jazz at the Chimp’ events feature student-led projects on a monthly basis

Tommy Smith – Head of Jazz

Tommy Smith (b.1967) is a leading light in European jazz, first and foremost as one of the finest saxophonists of his generation, and latterly as the founder and current director of The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO). These career-defining achievements are framed by his status as an international recording artist; a composer and arranger of extraordinary ambition; and not least, as a jazz educator.

His prolific career began in earnest when, aged only sixteen, he recorded his first album Giant Strides. He was rewarded with a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, an experience that has shaped his affirmative approach to jazz. Since then, he has made twenty-seven solo albums as a leader for Blue Note, Linn and his own label Spartacus Records.

Smith has also earned the regard, support and friendship of the many respected jazz figures with whom he has collaborated and created great jazz. They include, but are not limited to, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, Kenny, Barron, Arild Andersen, John Scofield and Trilok Gurtu. His tenure with the SNJO has seen critically acclaimed performances and recordings of programmed and commissioned works including hugely popular treatments of Ellington, Gershwin, Weather Report and Miles Davis. With the SNJO, Tommy Smith picked up their seventh Band Award in a decade at the 2019 Scottish Jazz Awards.

He also holds three honorary doctorates from Heriot-Watt, Glasgow Caledonian & Edinburgh Universities and a Professorship from the RCS. His last group album KARMA won him his seventh Scottish Jazz Award for album of the year. Tommy Smith is also founder/director of The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra [2001] and has been Head of Jazz of the first ever full-time jazz course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland since 2009. At the RCS he teaches Saxophone, Music Business, Chord Scale Harmony, Jazz Repertoire, Studio Recording, Performance of Jazz History and Notation by Hand.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2010

Students enjoy the use of two dedicated jazz ensemble spaces on campus, including a fully equipped recording facility that gives our students a tangible edge in gaining experience in professional recording and production techniques.

Each space is equipped with a Yamaha grand piano, drum set, smart TV, listening centre and amplifiers for bassists and guitarists as well as moveable acoustic dampening. The recording studio boasts an extensive array of microphones and effects units necessary for producing high fidelity recordings digitally.

Jazz graduates have been recipients of the prestigious Yamaha Jazz Scholarship, with bassist David Bowden and pianists Peter Johnstone and Utsav Lal obtaining scholarships; Peter and Utsav have also recorded a CD for the cover of Jazzwise magazine, and performed at the Houses of Parliament.

 

• Fergus McCreadie Trio which is made up of graduates including David Bowden and Stephen Henderson won a 2019 Scottish Jazz Award for Best Album.
• Utsav Lal has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City
• Graduates Brodie Jarvie and John Lowrie have performed at the London Jazz Festival, as well as presenting their own successful jazz concerts in Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Brodie Jarvie, Michael Butcher and Stephen Henderson have performed in Hanover collaborating with German jazz musicians, as part of UNESCO City of Music and Creative City Network
• Joe Williamson and his group Square One released their debut album in 2017, following their win of the prestigious Peter Whittingham Jazz Award
• Many graduates and their bands have featured on BBC Jazz at the Quay, including Square One, David Bowden’s Mezcla, Fat-Suit, Graham Costello’s Strata and Joe Williamson

 

Blue Mondays

 

 

Tuition fees for academic year 2020-21

• Scottish/EU Students – £1,820
• Rest of UK (RUK) Students – £9,250
• International (Non EU) – £17,685

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.

The BMus Jazz pathway audition is designed to assess an applicant’s improvisational skills. There are two stages to the Jazz audition.

Stage 1 – Recorded Audition Assessment

Submit a video of yourself performing the following pieces listed below with a live section or a play-a-long/minus-one backing track.

• Performance of OLEO in Bb concert, by Sonny Rollins at any tempo [Singers may alter the key to suit their range.] You must perform the OLEO melody plus a minimum of 3 improvised choruses [AABA x 3] of improvisation interacting musically with the other musicians. Drummers should play the melody rhythmically. All solos should be improvised. You should not play a transcribed solo.
• Your choice of a ‘Jazz standard’ that contrasts the Rhythm Changes.

Additional notes for vocalists (only) –

OLEO

Melody AABA 32 bars [Scat or Original Lyrics]

1st Chorus of Improvisation AABA 32 bars

2nd Chorus of Improvisation AABA 32 bars

3rd Chorus of Improvisation AABA 32 bars

Melody AABA 32 bars [Scat or Original Lyrics]

Total Length: 160 bars

• Must not perform a memorised Transcription
• Must not mime to an overdubbed recording
• Performances have to Live and in a single take

You then may be called back for a live audition conducted by a member of the RCS Jazz faculty.

The video audition must be submitted online via Acceptd. The deadline to submit your video is 1 October 2019.

Stage 2 – Live Audition and Interview

Before your live audition, you will have an additional 15 minutes in an allocated room to warm-up. Please note that no drums, guitar/bass amp will be provided in the warm-up room.

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, 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.

Please prepare the following for your audition recording –

• Performance of OLEO in Bb concert, by Sonny Rollins at any tempo [Singers may alter the key to suit their range.] You must perform the OLEO melody plus a minimum of 3 improvised choruses [AABA x 3] of improvisation interacting musically with the other musicians. Drummers should play the melody rhythmically. All solos should be improvised. You should not play a transcribed solo.
• Your choice of a ‘Jazz standard’ that contrasts the Rhythm Changes.

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) Jazz: 303F

Joint Principal Study (Hons): 301F

Book an advice lesson with one of our Music tutors (faculty)

An advice lesson gives you the chance to experience having a lesson at the Conservatoire 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 assist gauge which programme you may be suitable for. Advice lessons normally take place late August to early October and are dependent on staff availability.

Email hello@rcs.ac.uk to book a lesson.

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

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.

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 –

1. OLEO by Sonny Rollins 

Key: Bb [Singers may choose a key to suit their range.]

Tempo: Medium to Fast

Form: 

– Melody AABA (32 bars). (Note: you may improvise on the B section);
– 3 choruses of improvisation (i.e. 3 x AABA, 96 bars in total);
– Melody AABA (32 bars).

5 choruses in total

Your improvisation must be original, interacting musically with the other musicians. You should not play a transcribed or pre-prepared solo.

Drummers should play the melody rhythmically (32 bars), play a chorus of time (32 bars), then 2 choruses of improvisation (64 bars), then the melody (32 bars).

2. Your own choice of a Jazz ‘standard’ that contrasts OLEO. 

You should perform the melody, a number of choruses of improvisation and then the melody again to finish.

Your improvisation must be original, interacting musically with the other musicians. You should not play a transcribed or pre-prepared solo.

 

Audition

The BMus Jazz pathway audition is designed to assess an applicant’s improvisational skills.

There are two stages to the Jazz pathway audition. Stage 1 is a video recorded audition and Stage 2 is a live audition and interview. If you are successful in your stage 1 video audition you will be invited to attend a live Stage 2 audition.

Stage 1 – Video Recorded Audition and Interview

For the Stage 1 Video audition, you should submit on video your performance of two tunes/songs, performing with a live section or a playalong/minus-one backing track:

1. OLEO by Sonny Rollins 

Key: Bb [Singers may choose a key to suit their range.]

Tempo: Medium to Fast

Form: 

– Melody AABA (32 bars). (Note: you may improvise on the B section);
– 3 choruses of improvisation (i.e. 3 x AABA, 96 bars in total);
– Melody AABA (32 bars).

5 choruses in total

Your improvisation must be original, interacting musically with the other musicians. You should not play a transcribed or pre-prepared solo.

Drummers should play the melody rhythmically (32 bars), play a chorus of time (32 bars), then 2 choruses of improvisation (64 bars), then the melody (32 bars).

2. Your own choice of a Jazz ‘standard’ that contrasts OLEO. 

You should perform the melody, a number of choruses of improvisation and then the melody again to finish.

Your improvisation must be original, interacting musically with the other musicians. You should not play a transcribed or pre-prepared solo

You then may be called back for a live audition, conducted by a panel of the RCS Jazz staff.

The video audition must be submitted online via Acceptd. The deadline to submit your video is 1 October 2019.

Stage 2 – Live Audition and Interview

Before your live audition, you will have an additional 15 minutes in an allocated room to warm-up. Please note that no guitar/bass amp will be provided in the warm-up room.

Audition

Your performance must contain improvisation and you will play with a live trio from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A rhythm section will be available at the audition.

The Stage 2 live audition is in three parts:

Part 1. Performance of OLEO by Sonny Rollins 

Key: Bb [Singers may choose a key to suit their range.]

Tempo: Medium to Fast

Form: 

– Melody AABA (32 bars). (Note: you may improvise on the B section);
– a minimum of 3 choruses of improvisation (i.e. 3 x AABA, 96 bars in total);
– Melody AABA (32 bars).

5 choruses in total

Your improvisation must be original, interacting musically with the other musicians. You should not play a transcribed or pre-prepared solo.

Drummers should play the melody rhythmically (32 bars), play a chorus of time (32 bars), then 2 choruses of improvisation (64 bars), then the melody (32 bars).

Part 2. Performance of your own choice of a Jazz ‘standard’ that contrasts ‘Oleo’. 

You should perform the melody, a number of choruses of improvisation and then the melody again to finish.

Your improvisation must be original, interacting musically with the other musicians. You should not play a transcribed or pre-prepared solo.

Part 3. You will also have an informal discussion with the panel concerning your goals and aspirations, the Jazz course, the Scottish Jazz scene and Conservatoire life.

The audition room is equipped with a grand piano, jazz drum kit, vocal PA and guitar and bass amps.

Checklist

The following checklist will help remind you of items you may need for your audition:

• All acoustic and electric bass players, brass players, guitarists and saxophone players are required to bring their instruments to the audition.
• A vocal PA and microphone will be set up in the room for vocalists.
• Amplifiers for guitarists and bass players will be provided in the audition room but not in the warm up room. Guitarists and bass guitarists should bring any necessary cables.
• Drummers should bring sticks. A standard jazz drum kit (bass drum, floor tom, upper tom, snare) with two cymbals and hi-hat will be provided for drum auditions (double-bass pedals are not provided). Another kit will be available in the warm-up room. Drummers may bring their own cymbals if they wish.

Finally, the Jamey Aebersold play-a-long series provides wonderful practice materials and will help you prepare and stimulate improvisation for the audition.

Where we audition

Whilst most Stage 2 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 a Stage 2 audition you in person, and we may ask you to submit a video recording instead.

If you select ‘RCS’ as the Audition Location on on your application, your stage 2 audition will take place in Glasgow. We welcome video-recorded auditions from non-UK applicants. If you wish to audition by video recording, please select ‘recording’. If you require further information about auditioning internationally, please email hello@rcs.ac.uk.

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 2019	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