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Introduction
This is the UK’s only Bachelor of Music degree dedicated to traditional and folk music. Aspiring performers on this course explore Scotland’s unique and dynamic musical traditions as a conceptual, critical and creative framework within which to achieve a distinctively personal voice as an artist. This is interwoven with a solid basis in contemporary and eclectic performance practice.
The programme offers the following Principal Studies:
- Accordion
- Cello
- Fiddle
- Flute/Whistle
- Gaelic song
- Guitar
- Percussion (pipe band snare drum, drumkit, bodhran)
- Piano
- Scots song
- Scottish Harp (normally gut-strung)
You will work closely with some of the world’s top solo and collaborative teachers and performers to consolidate your performance technique, repertoire and personal style as a traditional musician, interwoven with development as a critical, creative, entrepreneurial and/or teaching artist. This includes exploring both the established parameters of folk and traditional music and the shared technical vocabulary that links folk to classical and jazz worlds. External learning opportunities include an Isle of Skye residency, touring, teaching placements and work placements in Scotland and overseas, as well as appearances at high-profile events, including Glasgow’s renowned Celtic Connections festival, Piping Live!, international occasions of state and a range of UK, European and North American festivals.
The BMus with Honours (Traditional Music) places emphasis on the creative development of the individual and allows the curriculum to be relevant to aspiring musicians from anywhere in the world. We have welcomed students from as far afield as Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
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Programme structure
Year 1
In your first year, you will consolidate and enhance your performance technique, repertoire and personal style in your principal study instrument or voice, interwoven with development as a critical and creative artist, able to connect and engage critically with your own experience as a traditional musician. An introduction to music theory, digital literacy and website design features, as you not only begin to construct your identity as a musician, but interpret it to the world. At the same time, you will broaden your collaborative musical experience in both a discipline-specific and cross-disciplinary bedrock of practical supporting studies, including group singing, folk ensembles, studio recording and the consolidation of your skills in programming, performing and calling a ceilidh.
Year 2
In your second year, you will continue to nurture and extend your knowledge and practical skills as a soloist and collaborative traditional musician through a broadening exploration of technique, repertoire and style relative to your instrument or vocal tradition. You will expand outwards, exploring historic and social contexts and concepts, and draw relationships between practice, perception and context. You will further nurture your soloist and collaborative composition, arrangement and performance skills and expand your entrepreneurial skillset with reference to licencing issues, intellectual property, marketing and digital music distribution. You will also begin to tap into the wider array of elective opportunities to be found in the department, the Royal Conservatoire and beyond.
Year 3
Year three will see you develop a solid musical persona through fluent knowledge and expertise informed by your principal study and a consolidation of your critical artistry in research and reflection. You will do this whilst developing your skills in teaching traditional music in a range of environments. You will address essential vocational issues in greater detail, such as self-assessed taxation, contract negotiation, creative arts funding and administration and the option of a formal work placement, in addition to an ongoing array of elective opportunities to be found in the department, the Royal Conservatoire and beyond; thereby continuing to nurture your own distinct artistic specialisms in a traditional, folk, or broader arts context.
Year 4
Year four — the Honours year — occasions a synthesis of your critical, technical and creative development as a traditional musician or piper. In addition to engaging in your own substantial project work, deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation, toward an independent and original contribution to the field, you will continue to take advantage of the array of elective opportunities to be found in the department, the Royal Conservatoire and beyond. The Honours year is student-centred: working to achieve a distinct identity and musical voice within your own established parameters, culminating in a themed final public recital.
The piping degree follows the same structure and range of contextual curriculum as in the main Traditional Music department, though its range of performance tuition is specifically dedicated to the well-rounded and in-depth development of the contemporary exponent of the Scottish Highland Bagpipe — in both folk and competition contexts. This includes core elements dedicated to solo piping, piobaireachd, pipe band work and piping in a folk ensemble context, in addition to optional tuition in bellows-blown piping and other piping-specific electives, such as piping for dancing.
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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 and 2020 (QS World Rankings)
We are uniquely placed in the UK to deliver the BMus (Hons) Traditional Music programme, working alongside professionals partners such as the National Piping Centre to really ensure our students get the very best from their education.
In addition to our position as educators and our reputation for having expert staff renowned in the field of Scottish traditional music with formidable reputations in the traditional music field, this programme offers additional benefits you won’t get studying anywhere else.
Unparalleled one-to-one tuition
Students receive 90-minute principal study lessons.
Sang Scuil / Sgoil nan Ã’ran
The title of this Performance Study translates as ‘Song School’ and is a singing group involving many students in the department regardless of their principal instrument. As such, it is your primary opportunity for encountering Scots and Scottish Gaelic language in the curriculum, as well as the song traditions of related cultures. Through Sang Scuil students will develop vocal musicianship and collaborative music-making, build a common canon of traditional Scottish song repertoire and develop language skills through performance. This study culminates in a major public performance in a city centre venue.
Technique and Healthy Practice
These workshops survey technical/postural/anatomical aspects to idiomatic performance practice and link them explicitly to physical and mental wellbeing (e.g. wrist issues among fiddlers, vocal control and development among singers, emotional well being and effective,safe practice strategies). This includes comparing and contrasting with technique in related genres such as jazz or classical music, where applicable and possible, in order to inform personal artistic development.
Performance Class
These weekly sessions focus on discipline-specific performance skills in a tutor- and peer-led context and are divided according to specific instrument.
Folk Ensemble
These sessions are the primary locus for developing contemporary folk and traditional repertoire and musicianship in a group context vis-Ã -vis a wide range of sub-genres: from the informal session, scratch band or pipe quartet to the professional ceilidh band or orchestrated and PA-supported ensemble.
‘InterPlay’ for Folk Musicians
These elective sessions build students’ creative musicianship through the construction of a community of practice in a secure, non-judgmental space in which to take risks and transgress ‘comfort zones’ without fear of penalty or disapproval. As such it is chiefly intended as a laboratory for the making sense of traditional/folk parameters of performance and the individual artist’s ultimate control over them. The nature of improvisatory and variational practices in Scottish traditional music are explored as a foundation but skills for unlocking creativity are drawn from a range of fields.
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Teaching staff
Our staff are professional performers, composers, and scholars of traditional music with active careers. They understand the challenges that you’ll face in your own career, and can provide help and advice as you progress. As well as working with our expert staff, you’ll get the opportunity to learn from visiting artists and academics from all over the world.
Head of Traditional Music
Professor Joshua Dickson MA PhD
Artistic Director
Prof Phil Cunningham Hon DUniv Hon DLitt MBELecturer in Practical Studies
Jenn Butterworth BA Hons PG CertLecturer (Traditional Music)
Ailie Robertson PhDAccordions
Ian Muir
John Somerville
Paddy CallaghanBagpipes
John Mulhearn (Head of Piping Studies)
Willie McCallum
Ross AinslieFrequent visiting tutors for piping include Barnaby Brown, Iain MacInnes, Fred Morrison, Hugh Cheape, Mike Katz and many more.
Cello
Alice Allen
Patsy ReidFolk Ensemble
Jenn Butterworth BA Hons PG Cert
Marc Duff
John SomervilleFiddle
Alistair McCulloch
Marie Fielding
Greg LawsonFlutes/Whistles
Anna Friel
Marc Duff
Steph Geremia
Philippe BarnesGaelic Song
Iseabail T NicDhomhnaill
MÃ iri MacInnesGuitar
Kevin MacKenzie
Ali Hutton
Jenn Butterworth
Laura-Beth Salter MacCrimmon (mandolin)Percussion
David Henderson
Fraser Stone
Martin O’NeillPiano
Mary McCarthy
James Ross BA
Alistair PatersonScottish Harp
Corrina Hewat
Heather DownieScots Song
Fiona Hunter
Rod Patterson
Creative and Contextual Studies
Professor Margaret Bennett DCE BA MA PhD
David Milligan
Findlay Napier
Duncan LyallVisiting Professor
Dr Fred FreemanOther teaching staff
Past visiting tutors in contextual studies include Mats Melin, Sheena Wellington, Ewan McVicar, Kat Davidson, Alison Kinnaird, Stuart Eydmann, Margaret Callan, Margaret Stewart and many more.
Masterclasses
The Traditional Music department offers masterclasses led by world-famous tradition-bearers, teachers and professional musicians from a broad range of traditional music. Masterclass artists of previous years include:
Fiddle
Chris Stout
Allan Henderson
Aidan O’Rourke
Douglas Lawrence
Aaron Lewis
Jamie Laval
Aonghas Grant Sr
Adam Sutherland
Liz Carroll
Nordic Fiddlers BlocAccordion
Angus Lyon
Sandy Brechin
Iain MacPhail
John Somerville
Kathleen Boyle
Luke DanielsClarsach
Mary MacMaster
Simon Chadwick
Corrina Hewat
Lily Neill
Maeve Gilchrist
Siobhán Armstrong
Bill Taylor
The Duplets (Freya Thompson and Gillian Fleetwood)Piping
Roddy J MacLeod
Fraser Fifield
John Wilson
Rona Lightfoot
Fred Morrison
Scots song
Sheila Stewart
Elizabeth Stewart
Alison McMorland
Sara Grey
Tom Spiers
Mick West
Tom McCarthy
Alistair RobertsGaelic song
Anne Lorne Gillies
Griogor Labhraidh
Margaret Stewart
Rona LightfootOther
Brendan Taaffe (American folksong)
Rannock (Danish fiddle and keyboard duet)
Fraser Fifield (whistles)
Findlay Napier (songwriting)
Violet Tulloch (Shetland piano accompaniment)
Nic Gareiss (traditional and extemporised dance)
Tigerstyle (Sikh dubstep)
Skip Gorman (American folksong and fiddling)
Pete Coe (Repertoire development, performance and presentation)
Dave Francis (Musical innovation)
Simon Thoumire
Dave Milligan
Anna Massie
Mairearad Green
Brian McAlpine
Ian Carr -
Facilities
Traditional Music is based, appropriately enough, at the heart of the Royal Conservatoire, occupying its centrally-located Studio C recording, rehearsal and teaching area. The Royal Conservatoire’s Studio C is a large yet intimate space at the heart of the Renfrew Street campus, functioning as the living hub of BMus and MA/MMus Traditional Music activity at the Royal Conservatoire (including band studies, group projects, masterclasses and informal sessions) and providing rehearsal, recording, PA and storage facilities.
Practice accommodation in the Royal Conservatoire’s Renfrew Street campus has increased prodigiously in recent years, accommodating all types of musical activity, from solo to band, singing to piping. The National Piping Centre offers further purpose-designed practice space for Highland piping students. Areas within the building have been Wi-Fi-enabled and all students have access to the network using their own laptops and portable devices.
IT provision in the Whittaker Library has increased in recent years to accommodate 16 PC workstations, (incorporating Sibelius 7), bringing the total open access student PC provision to 52 machines (and counting). This is further enhanced by the Royal Conservatoire’s Digital Training Unit and Language Lab facilities.
Students have access to over 70 relevant e-journals and 14 electronic databases and online archives, including Tobar an Dualchais / Kist o Riches, HOTBED, Oxford Music Online, IPA Source, JStor and Naxos. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Whittaker Library continues to support Scottish Music students via a dedicated full-time Music Librarian and a full-time Performance Librarian.
Just as the Traditional Music Department occupies the heart of RCS, so RCS occupies the heart of Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music. Students can take advantage of our central location to avail themselves of the National Piping Centre, the Scottish Music Centre at City Halls, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and a teeming network of folk music sessions at pubs throughout the city.
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Graduate destinations
The Traditional Music programme has an excellent track record of graduate employment or self-employment within six months of graduation — upward of 90%. The programme prepares students for a wide and varied range of careers in traditional music; not all related to performance. Our graduates have gone on to establish their own recording labels, agencies or other entrepeneurial ventures; to tour extensively around the world; to become noted composers, producers and broadcasters; and to earn teaching qualifications to become classroom teachers; even to go on to further study in psychology and law.
Some noted alumni of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Department of Traditional Music include:
- Finlay MacDonald (Head of Piping Studies at the National Piping Centre; The Finlay MacDonald Band)
- Findlay Napier (Back of the Moon; Findlay Napier and the Bar-Room Mountaineers)
- Emily Smith
- Paul McKenna and Ruairidh MacMillan (The Paul McKenna Band)
- Daniel Thorpe (The Daniel Thorpe Trio)
- Cameron Drummond (Highland Society of London Double Silver Medallist; Strathallan School)
- Calum MacCrimmon (Man’s Ruin; Seudan; Breabach)
- Siobhan Miller and Jean Leslie
- Gillian Frame (Back of the Moon, Glasgow Fiddle Workshop)
- Simon McKerrell (Lecturer, Newcastle University)
- Angus MacPhail (Skippinish)
- Jenna Reid
- Stuart Cassells (Red Hot Chilli Pipers)
- Kathleen MacInnes
- Deirdre Graham
- James Graham
- Jack Smedley, David Foley and Steven Blake (Rura)
- Robyn Stapleton (BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2014)
- Ainsley Hamill (Barluath)
- Gordon Bruce (Highland Society of London Double Silver Medallist)
- Grant McFarlane (CherryGrove)
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Fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2021-22
- Scottish Students – £1,820
- Rest of UK (RUK) Students – £9,250
- International Students (Including EU) – £18,393
From the next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.
Scottish 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 the SAAS 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.
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 92020, 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 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 rest of UK (RUK) fee and will be able to access a tuition fee loan from SAAS.
Please also see the SAAS website for more information.
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 Fees and Funding.
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.
Cost of Living and Associated Programme Costs
Investing in your future is important and you need to consider the cost of your tuition as well as the cost of living during your studies. In addition to tuition fees, it is estimated that you will need between £10,000 and £12,000 per year to live in Glasgow, plus programme costs. Associated programme costs can be found here.
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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
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:
- History at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced Level or equivalent
- English at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced Level or equivalent
- The study of Gaelic and/or another European language at least to National 4/5 or Standard Grade/GCSE
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.
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Auditions
With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all School of Music auditions will take place via audition recording. The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found in the table below –
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline Audition Recording Deadline Non-USA Applicants 1 October 2020 16 October 2020 USA Applicants 1 December 2020 1 December 2020* *For USA Applicants, to guarantee consideration for our first round of scholarship awards, you should submit your application and recording by 1 November 2020.
Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.
Once you submit your audition recording, this may be followed up with an interview. Interviews will take place the week of the 30 November 2020.
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 14 December 2020).
Audition 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 panel 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 selections.
Please begin the recording by introducing yourself to camera and then please introduce each set or song by title(s) as the programme progresses. You can take a little time between sets / songs so long as you remain in the frame.
For any tunes, sets or songs that are intended to be performed with or for accompaniment, it is ideal to do so (whether live or pre-recorded – see especially the notes on guitar and percussion instruments below). Be assured, however, that you will not be marked down for performing without accompaniment if doing so under present circumstances is not possible.
The audition consists of two elements:
- Performance of a programme of approximately 15 minutes on the principal study. The programme should demonstrate your present level of achievement and your musical potential, and must normally be performed from memory and unaccompanied, with the exception of guitar, piano or percussion instruments (see below), or in cases of self-accompanying for one or two items (e.g. clarsach player accompanying own singing, or singers accompanying themselves on another instrument). If in doubt, please contact us ahead of time. Applicants are asked to give brief spoken introductions to each item performed. Suggested repertoire is detailed below.
- For those that advance to a second round interview, you will be invited with the examiners to explore your aspirations, qualifications and understanding of the demands of the Traditional Music / Piping pathway. We anticipate most interviews will be scheduled for the end of November or early December.
Highland Bagpipe
Three contrasting sets: A) March, Strathspey and Reel; B) one Piobaireachd (ground and 1st variation only); and C) a final set of the applicant’s own choosing.
Accordion/Bodhran/Cello/Fiddle/Flute/Guitar/Mondolin/Piano/Scottish Harp/Whistle
A varied programme of contrasting work featuring the applicant’s own choice of traditional Scottish (or other) tunes: air, march, strathspey, reel, jig, hornpipe and self-accompaniment to singing if appropriate. For guitar, the programme should include both solo work and rhythmic accompaniment to traditional/contemporary tunes (it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide an accompanist or backing track).
Pipe Band Snare Drum
A variety of traditional and current pipe band pieces contrasting in rhythm and tempi, which should include an extract of a solo fanfare. It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange for a piper to provide accompaniment.
Scots Song
Varied programme of contrasting moods and tempi: featuring the broad range of traditional Scots song, eg classic ballad, bothy ballad, Burns or other ‘art’ song, lullaby, contemporary Scots song, nonsense, bawdy or children’s song, dance song or diddling. Good source material for the repertoire appropriate to this programme can be found and studied in depth at www.tobarandualchais.co.uk.
Gaelic Song
Varied programme of traditional songs contrasting in character and rhythm: puirt a beul, òrain luaidh, òrain bàsaidh, òran mór, contemporary Gaelic song, lullaby, lament. Good source material for the repertoire appropriate to this programme can be found and studied in depth at www.tobarandualchais.co.uk.
Drumkit / Bodhran
A varied programme demonstrating accompaniment to a variety of standard Scottish traditional/folk dance-based melodic rhythms (quicksteps, strathspeys, reels, jigs, hornpipes, etc) and the applicant’s facility with transitions between rhythms/tempi.
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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 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 Non-USA Applicants 1 October 2020 16 October 2020 USA Applicants 1 December 2020 1 December 2020* *For USA Applicants, to guarantee consideration for our first round of scholarship awards, you should submit your application and recording by 1 November 2020.
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 2022, you must apply next year.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.
BMus (Hons) Traditional Music: 250F
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
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There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £26. 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.
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
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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
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:
- History at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced Level or equivalent
- English at Higher, Advanced Higher or Advanced Level or equivalent
- The study of Gaelic and/or another European language at least to National 4/5 or Standard Grade/GCSE
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
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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 Non-USA Applicants 1 October 2020 16 October 2020 USA Applicants 1 December 2020 1 December 2020* *For USA Applicants, to guarantee consideration for our first round of scholarship awards, you should submit your application and recording by 1 November 2020.
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 14 December). 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 School of Music auditions will take place via audition recording. The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found in the table below –
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline Audition Recording Deadline Non-USA Applicants 1 October 2020 16 October 2020 USA Applicants 1 December 2020 1 December 2020* *For USA Applicants, to guarantee consideration for our first round of scholarship awards, you should submit your application and recording by 1 November 2020.
Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.
Once you submit your audition recording, this may be followed up with an interview. Interviews will take place the week of the 30 November 2020.
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 14 December 2020).
Audition 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 panel 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 selections.
Please begin the recording by introducing yourself to camera and then please introduce each set or song by title(s) as the programme progresses. You can take a little time between sets / songs so long as you remain in the frame.
For any tunes, sets or songs that are intended to be performed with or for accompaniment, it is ideal to do so (whether live or pre-recorded – see especially the notes on guitar and percussion instruments below). Be assured, however, that you will not be marked down for performing without accompaniment if doing so under present circumstances is not possible.
The audition consists of two elements:
- Performance of a programme of approximately 15 minutes on the principal study. The programme should demonstrate your present level of achievement and your musical potential, and must normally be performed from memory and unaccompanied, with the exception of guitar, piano or percussion instruments (see below), or in cases of self-accompanying for one or two items (e.g. clarsach player accompanying own singing, or singers accompanying themselves on another instrument). If in doubt, please contact us ahead of time. Applicants are asked to give brief spoken introductions to each item performed. Suggested repertoire is detailed below.
- For those that advance to a second round interview, you will be invited with the examiners to explore your aspirations, qualifications and understanding of the demands of the Traditional Music / Piping pathway. We anticipate most interviews will be scheduled for the end of November or early December.
Highland Bagpipe
Three contrasting sets: A) March, Strathspey and Reel; B) one Piobaireachd (ground and 1st variation only); and C) a final set of the applicant’s own choosing.
Accordion/Bodhran/Cello/Fiddle/Flute/Guitar/Mondolin/Piano/Scottish Harp/Whistle
A varied programme of contrasting work featuring the applicant’s own choice of traditional Scottish (or other) tunes: air, march, strathspey, reel, jig, hornpipe and self-accompaniment to singing if appropriate. For guitar, the programme should include both solo work and rhythmic accompaniment to traditional/contemporary tunes (it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide an accompanist or backing track).
Pipe Band Snare Drum
A variety of traditional and current pipe band pieces contrasting in rhythm and tempi, which should include an extract of a solo fanfare. It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange for a piper to provide accompaniment.
Scots Song
Varied programme of contrasting moods and tempi: featuring the broad range of traditional Scots song, eg classic ballad, bothy ballad, Burns or other ‘art’ song, lullaby, contemporary Scots song, nonsense, bawdy or children’s song, dance song or diddling. Good source material for the repertoire appropriate to this programme can be found and studied in depth at www.tobarandualchais.co.uk.
Gaelic Song
Varied programme of traditional songs contrasting in character and rhythm: puirt a beul, òrain luaidh, òrain bàsaidh, òran mór, contemporary Gaelic song, lullaby, lament. Good source material for the repertoire appropriate to this programme can be found and studied in depth at www.tobarandualchais.co.uk.
Drumkit / Bodhran
A varied programme demonstrating accompaniment to a variety of standard Scottish traditional/folk dance-based melodic rhythms (quicksteps, strathspeys, reels, jigs, hornpipes, etc) and the applicant’s facility with transitions between rhythms/tempi.
- 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.
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 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 4 January 2021 1 February 2021 16 March 2021 13 April 2021 15 May 2021 1 June 2021 13 July 2021 29 July 2021 4 August 2021 8 September 2021 After 4 August 2021 22 September 2021 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.