Programme information

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Introduction

Head of Woodwind, Heather Nicoll DRSAMD MA

The Woodwind department has an international reputation for developing leading musicians. Our team of dedicated staff includes many of Britain’s finest woodwind players, with world-class reputations as soloists, orchestral, and chamber musicians. The department delivers an intensive and dynamic training and provides a supportive and collaborative environment to talented musicians from all over the world. Through our extensive one-to-one specialist care and invaluable performance exposure, the department ensures a challenging and inspiring environment to promote excellence.

Every student receives a one-to-one 90 minute lesson each week on their principal study. Weekly tuition is enhanced by visits from distinguished guest artists from across the globe.

As a Woodwind student, you will benefit from a diverse range of performance opportunities. Symphony, chamber and wind orchestra performances, opera productions, wind ensembles and chamber experiences are central to your education.

Our prestigious ensemble, Stevenson Winds, affords yet more high profile performance opportunities for you to perform alongside top professional players.

Weekly performance, technique and repertoire classes take place in our professional recital venues providing the ideal environment for your development, and professional accompanists are available to you throughout your studies.

Introduction

Head of Woodwind, Heather Nicoll DRSAMD MA

Every student receives a one-to-one 90 minute lesson each week on their principal study. Weekly tuition is enhanced by visits from distinguished guest artists from across the globe.

Our prestigious ensemble, Stevenson Winds, affords yet more high profile performance opportunities for you to perform alongside top professional players.

Programme structure

BMus – Woodwind

Our BMus Programme is a four year course designed to promote excellence in your chosen specialism.

Years 1 – 4

One-to-one tuition

At the heart of the programme our students receive an intensive training in a 1-2-1 teaching capacity. All BMus woodwind students receive 90min principal study lessons and additional 30min lessons are available on both a related instrument and second study of choice.

1-2-1 teaching isfurther contextualised through the departmental supporting studies programme. Woodwind activitiescomprise the core 1-2-1 lessons, performance, repertoire and technique classes, (reed-making if relevant), chamber music collaborations, orchestral and operatic productions, ensemble work and masterclasses.

Valuable performance experience is central to our training and students across all years of the programme benefit from the vast performance opportunities from the off. A unique strand in our programme is the huge amount of performance collaborations with professional artists. Students performing alongside their tutors or visiting artists is common place in the Woodwind Department (please see our departmental introduction and masterclasses for more details).

All BMus woodwind students are assessed in their principal discipline (and related instrument where relevant) by way of two main examinations:

Technical Examination: Year 1 – 3 students present a study, scales (with specified discipline requirements) and orchestral excerpts.

The Year 4 technical examination takes the form of an orchestral audition and students present an unaccompanied recital work, orchestral excerpts and are given sight-reading.

The specialist technique classes delivered regularly throughout the programme by our expert staff are in addition to both the 1-2-1 tuition and masterclasses. They offer added valuable training in developing technique.

Recital: Year 1 – 4 students present a programme of varied repertoire(recitals in year 3 & 4 are public).

Weekly rehearsal sessions with our professional accompanist Scott Mitchell are available for Woodwind students, and regular performance classes in our main recital venues provide students with excellent support in preparing their end of year recitals.

The BMus programme promotes RCS students as autonomous and creative learners and there is choice and flexibility built in to its design to allow students to tailor their training to support their personal ambitions.

In addition to the core performance activities and assessments, Woodwind students can choose further assessment routes from a performance folio:

Orchestral/Ensemble Performance assessed in a public orchestral /ensemble performance

(Available for Years 1 – 4)

Chamber Performance assessed in a public performance

Available for Years 1 – 4)

Studio Recording assessed in a studio CD recording comprising repertoire appropriate to the specialisms of the student. The student is responsible for the packaging of their CD (should include a promotional sleeve & programme notes.

(Available for Year 3 and 4)

Lecture Recital assessed in a lecture- recital on a relevant specialist subject

(Available for Year 3 and 4)

New Work assessed in a performance or studio recording of a new work and viva examination on the collaborative process with the composer. *

(Available for Year 3 and 4)

Concerto assessed in a concerto performance. Enviable concerto opportunities are available with the BBC SSO, RSNO and RCS Symphony Orchestra (selection by audition).

(Available for Year 3 and 4)

* Students with a passion and aptitude for contemporary performance may wish to work intensively with a student from our composition department to create a new composition for their instrument. Our prestigious contemporary festival ‘PLUG’ offers a public platform to showcase new works.

Why choose us?

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 5 for performing arts education

Numerous and unique performance opportunities including TV/radio broadcasts, public performances, worldwide tours and concerto soloist opportunities with Scotland’s major orchestras and ensembles
90-minute one-to-one lesson on your principal study each week
A rich programme of public masterclasses, individual and group coaching, side-by-side performances and CD recordings
Performance opportunities alongside professional musicians in our Mondays and Fridays at 1 concert series
A professional accompanist is provided for students throughout their training. Weekly rehearsal sessions with Scott Mitchell are available in preparation for performance classes, competitions and examinations.
Work with elite wind ensemble, Stevenson Winds, and receive intensive coaching with its expert players
National and international performing opportunities; students have toured India with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and this year will perform side-by-side with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Winds in a series of live concerts
Facilities include the David Nicholson Room, a dedicated space for flautists to rehearse and practice, and a double reed room, filled with reed-making equipment for this specialist art
97% of undergraduate respondents from the School of Music are in employment or further study (HESA, 15/16)

How to apply

Before applying we recommend that you follow our Applicant Guide journey which provides all the essential information regarding entry requirements, and the full application and audition process.

Begin your Applicant Journey here.

Making your application

Applications for the BMus programme should be made through the UCAS Conservatoires website. There is a UCAS application fee of £25 (which is in addition to the audition fee) which allows you up to six choices of programme of study.

Preparing for an interview

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

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.

Woodwind staff

Flute

Richard Blake – Principal, Orchestra of Scottish Opera

Katherine Bryan – Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Alison Mitchell – Principal, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Ruth Morley – Red Note Ensemble

Helen Brew – Associate Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Piccolo
Janet Richardson – BA Hons, Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Baroque Flute
Elisabeth Dooner – Former sub-principal, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Oboe

Rosie Staniforth – sub-principal, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Stephen West – ARCM DipPerf RCM

Amy Turner – Principal, Orchestra of Scottish Opera

Stéphane Rancourt – Principal, The Halle Orchestra

Peter Dykes – Associate Principal Oboe, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Cor anglais
Stephen West – ARCM DipPerf RCM, former Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Rosie Staniforth – Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Clarinet
John Cushing – Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Yann Ghiro – Principal BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Lawrence Gill – Orchestral of Scottish Opera

E Flat Clarinet
Josef Pacewicz LRAM, ARAM, Former Associate Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Bass Clarinet
Heather Nicoll DRSAMD MA

Saxophone
Josef Pacewicz LRAM, ARAM

Arno Bornkamp – Visiting Professor in Saxophone www.arnobornkamp.nl/uk/

Bassoon
Janet Bloxwich – Principal, Scottish Opera Orchestra

Alison Green – sub-principal, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

David Hubbard – Principal, Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Contra Bassoon
Alan Warhurst – Principal, Orchestra of Scottish Opera HonARAM LRAM

Accompanist
Scott Mitchell LRAM ARAM

Masterclasses and visiting artists

Visiting international artists work regularly with our students.

A rich programme of public masterclasses, chamber coaching, lecture recitals and side-by-side performances and professional recordings offer our students a fantastic collaborative and tailored experience with each guest musician.

2017/18 visiting artists include:

Flute

Catherine Gregory – Decoda Ensemble (masterclass)
Adam Walker – Principal, London Symphony Orchestra (masterclass)

Piccolo

Jenny Hutchinson – Principal Piccolo, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (masterclass)

Oboe

François Leleux – International Artist (masterclass)
John Roberts – Principal, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (masterclass)

Clarinet

John Bradbury – Principal, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (masterclass)

Bass Clarinet

Sarah Watts

Bassoon

Amy Harman – Principal, English National Opera and Aurora Orchestra (masterclass)
Fraser Gordon – Principal Contra Bassoon, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (masterclass)
Pascal Gallois – International artist (contemporary masterclass)

Saxophone

Arno Bornkamp – International Artist and RCS Visiting Professor in Saxophone (masterclasses/chamber coaching and Director of the Saxophone Department Concert)

Chamber Music & Ensembles

Maximiliano Martín – Principal, Scottish Chamber Orchestra (Director of the Clarinet Department Concert and concerto soloist with the Conservatoire wind orchestra in Daugherty’s Brooklyn Bridge
Timothy Lines (chamber coaching)

Upcoming events include:

Bassoon Masterclass with Amy Harman
Bassoon Masterclass with Graeme Brown
Clarinet Masterclass with John Bradbury
Flute Masterclass with Charlotte Ashton
Oboe Orchestral workshop with John Roberts
Oboe Masterclass with Steven Hudson
Saxophone Masterclass with Kyle Horch

Competitions and prizes

The students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Woodwind Department regularly demonstrate their calibre by winning prestigious competitions and awards, both within the Conservatoire and on the global stage.

Notable successes in 2017/18 include:

Hannah Foster (BMus 4 flute) – joint winner of the Conservatoire’s Classical Concerto Competition, resulting in a performance of Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Chamber Orchestra.

Cathal Killeen (MMus clarinet) – winner of the Conservatoire’s distinguished Dunbar-Gerber Prize for Chamber Music performing in the Knokkos Trio along with Heidi van der Swaagh (cello) and Iain Clarke (piano).

Trio Arcania, comprising Sergio Vega Dominguez (CE oboe), Ronan Whitten (MMus Bassoon) & Matthew Jansen Giraldo (MMus Clarinet) – winners of the coveted Conservatoire Governors’ Recital Prize for Chamber Music.

Greg Crowley (BMus 3 Bassoon) – winner of the Conservatoire’s Classical Concerto Competition with the forthcoming opportunity to perform Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in F Major with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Symphony Orchestra.

Adam Lee (BMus 1 Clarinet) – winner in the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarships for Clarinet 2018.

Lewis Banks (MMus Saxophone) – recipient of the Making Music’s Philip & Dorothy Green Young Artist Award 2018 and finalist and runner-up in The Bromsgrove International Musicians Competition.

Richard Scholfield (BMus 4 saxophone) – winner of the Conservatoire’s Royal Scottish National Orchestra Concerto Opportunity (WW) with an upcoming performance of Gregson’s Saxophone Concerto with the RSNO.

Alumni profiles

Kate McDermott

Graduate of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland MMus with Distinction and Co-Principal Clarinet of Gothenburg Opera

I chose to return to Scotland after completing my undergraduate degree in London because of the incredible amount of performance opportunities in Glasgow. With two symphony orchestras, opera and ballet companies, and a chamber orchestra in nearby Edinburgh, it seemed the ideal place to launch my career as an orchestral musician.

Coming from a London college meant I was able to compare the two experiences, and in my opinion one of the biggest advantages the RCS offers is having one of the country’s top accompanists on hand when you need him. After an undergraduate spent searching for, and paying for accompanists, this was a privilege that removed a lot of the stress from preparing for performance classes and recitals.

The apprenticeship schemes meant I got to experience orchestral auditions early on – something that is crucial for those hoping to secure an orchestral position, and which helped me personally with the many auditions I did after I left. My apprenticeship with Scottish Opera was particularly valuable to me as I got to perform my first opera with them, something I now do as a full time job!

My best memories of my time at the RCS include symphony orchestra concerts in City Halls, and performing John Adams’ ‘Gnarly Buttons’ as a concerto soloist. Some highlights of my career since leaving the RCS have been playing principal clarinet in orchestras such as the Royal Opera, Covent Garden; English National Opera and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. As well as my job in Gothenburg I am also a regular guest with orchestras around Scandinavia and the UK, where I often come across fellow alumni from the RCS, who are playing with orchestras all over the world.

Fraser Langton

Graduate of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland MMus with Distinction and recently appointed sub-principal Clarinet with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

I chose to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland because the quality of the woodwind faculty is amongst the best anywhere. The woodwind staff are top players from Scotland’s professional orchestras and with the orchestral scene buzzing in Glasgow, there are so many chances to see your teachers perform. Already, I have had some fantastic opportunities, which I may not have experienced, had I decided to study elsewhere.

The Royal Conservatoire operates three apprenticeships in conjunction with the RSNO, BBC SSO and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera. This has given me the chance to appreciate the subtleties of the profession first hand. Those opportunities included experiencing playing 2nd clarinet in a professional orchestra, taking part in the complete run of a full opera production as part of the Scottish Opera collaboration. I was also the concerto soloist with the BBC SSO performing Francaix’s Clarinet Concerto, which was an unbelievable experience!

There are also many performance opportunities within the Conservatoire itself. The orchestral programme is diverse and highly developed and there are many other specialist chamber ensembles such as the Stevenson Winds Ensemble that brings in leading artists to direct. There are also regular performance classes and masterclasses given by amazing artists, which heighten your development as a musician.

Graeme Brown

Photo credit. BBC / Reuben Paris

Graduate of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Bassoon Principal No.2 with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Woodwind Department is ‘ simply the best’. From the word go opportunities are abound for the aspiring woodwind player – and during my time here I have been given many, which I strongly believe would never have been offered to me elsewhere. The woodwind staff are extremely friendly and supportive in helping you to become the musician you want to be.

The early years in the department are a great opportunity to build on existing technique and understand your instrument more, particularly as we are offered a generous weekly 90minute lesson on our principal study and a further 30minutes on our related instrument (in my case, Contra). It prepares you well for the growing performance opportunities, and initial appearances in the Royal Conservatoire’s Symphony and Wind Orchestra’s helped me to build my understanding of orchestral technique early on – a valuable skill.

As a bassoonist, I was also able to do lots of work on reed-making before it ‘ really mattered’. All double reed players know that making your own reeds is very important and at the Royal Conservatoire the Woodwind Department has some of the best provisions for this in the UK. We have a double reed room for exclusive use of double reed students for personal practice and lessons. It also houses the Conservatoire’s reed-making equipment where we received regular reed-making classes.

As you develop through the course more opportunities arise in the form of competitions, concerto performances, large scale symphonic orchestral programmes with internationally renowned conductors, three professional orchestral training schemes, larger scale chamber music, opera orchestra, contemporary ensembles…the list is endless. Everything, I believe, is here for the aspiring woodwind player – great opportunities in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Entry 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

Subject recommended

Music at Higher, Advanced Higher or A Level or equivalent
English at Higher, Advanced Higher or A 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 Schools of Music in their Principal Study.

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

Entrance to the Conservatoire is based on talent, potential and ability, therefore consideration will be given to relevant experience which is deemed to compensate for any traditional education. We accept a wide range of qualification, including international qualifications. If you wish to check the suitability of your qualification/experience, please contact us ( admissions@rcs.ac.uk ).

English language

The language of study is English. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Other equivalent English Language qualifications may be considered, please contact us (admissions@rcs.ac.uk ) for more information.

IELTS – 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component

Fees & scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2018-19

Scottish/EU Students – £1,820
Rest of UK (RUK) Students – £9,250
International (Non EU) – £16,026

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 finance Wales , 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.

Graduate destinations

Royal Conservatoire Woodwind alumni occupy positions in numerous prestigious orchestras and ensembles worldwide.

Elisabeth Dooner Scottish Chamber Orchestra former flute

Peter Dykes Royal Scottish National Orchestra associate principal oboe

Rosie Elliot BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra former principal flute

Robert Fairley Orchestra of Scottish Ballet principal clarinet

Lawrence Gill Orchestra of Scottish Opera clarinet

Sheena Gordon Scottish Chamber Orchestra former flute

John Grant Royal Scottish National Orchestra former principal flute

Alison Green Scottish Chamber Orchestra bassoon

John Hall BBC National Orchestra of Wales flute

Michael Hallit Macau Orchestra former principal piccolo

Mary James Orchestra of Scottish Ballet oboe

Catriona McKinnon Welsh National Opera principal oboe

Katherine Mackintosh Royal Scottish National Orchestra former oboe

Stewart MacIlwham Royal Philharmonic Orchestra principal piccolo

Michelle McCabe Orchestra of Scottish Ballet flute

John McDougall BBC Concert Orchestra principal bassoon

Lorna McGhee International soloist & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra principal flute

Jennifer Hutchinson BBC Philharmonic Orchestra principal piccolo

Bryony Middleton Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon former oboe

Ruth Morley Scottish Flute Trio/ Red Note Ensemble

Heather Nicoll Head of Woodwind, Orchestra of Scottish Ballet former principal bass clarinet

Paul Rissmann Animateur & Composer www.rissmann.co.uk

Ewan Robertson Orchestra of Scottish Opera flute

Lorraine Robertson L’ensemble Orchestral du Loir et Cher Principal flute

June Scott Philharmonia Orchestra flute

Ian Scott Royal Ballet Sinfonia principal clarinet

Kathleen Stevenson BBC Symphony Orchestra principal piccolo

Sarah Turner Gran Teatre Del Liceu Orchestra, Barcelona former oboe

RusselI Tyler Orquestra do Norte, Portugal principal oboe

Thomas Voelcker Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra former principal piccolo

Fraser Gordon Royal Philharmonic Orchestra principal contra bassoon

Samuel Hernandez Avila Tenerife Symphony Orchestra clarinet

Kate McDermott Gothenburg Opera co-principal clarinet

Graeme Brown BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra bassoon

Fraser Langton BBC Philharmonic Orchestra clarinet

Kenny Sturgeon BBC Philharmonic Orchestra oboe

John Roberts Royal Philharmonic Orchestra principal oboe

Facilities

Weekly performance, technique and repertoire classes take place in our world-class recital venues providing the ideal environment for your development.
A dedicated reed-making room provides superb equipment and facilities for regular classes in this specialist art.
The David Nicholson Room provides flautists with a devoted rehearsal and practice space.
The RCS possesses, for student use, a wide-ranging and extensive collection of specialist ancillary instruments for both modern and period performance.
State of the art studios provide our students with professional recording performance experience. Recent Woodwind Department CD’s are available from our box office (A Box of Chatter & Blow the Wind Northerly).

Auditions

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 warmup 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.

Applicants to the BMus programme are not required to perform on their Second Study instrument/voice at audition. However, discussion of Second Study options may form part of the interview.

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.