Undergraduate Woodwind Programme

Introduction

Our audition content is being updated for entry in September 2023 and will be shared soon, if you have any questions in the meantime please e-mail admissions@rcs.ac.uk.

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 lesson per 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.

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 principal study lessons, and additional lessons are available on both a related instrument and second study of choice.

1-2-1 teaching is further contextualised through the departmental supporting studies programme. Woodwind activities comprise 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 10 for performing arts education 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 (QS World Rankings)

Diverse and unique performances within RCS and externally with Scotland’s major orchestras and ensembles. Opportunities include radio broadcasts, orchestral tours, educational projects and collaborative performances
A one-to-one lesson on your principal study per week
A rich programme of masterclasses, chamber coaching and side-by-side performances offer our students a fantastic collaborative and tailored experience with each guest musician
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 previously toured India with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and annually 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)

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 houses the highest quality specialist reed-making equipment.
Exclusive use of the David Nicholson Room provides flautists with a dedicated 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.

Graduate destinations

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

Our alumni make an impact across the wide range of specialist areas in the music profession such as education, arts administration, composition, conducting, arranging, research & psychology.

Many graduates are influential tutors in Conservatoire training; specialist, private and local authorities schools; and in leading arts projects and organisations devoted to widening access and participation in music.

Jo Ashcroft & Victoria Lopez Senior Musician & Woodwind Tutor respectively, Big Noise, Sistema Scotland

Alan Bacchetti Head of Wind, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools

Graeme Brown BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Principal Bassoon No.2 & RCS Tutor

Jay Capperauld Composer & Saxophonist

Gemma Carlin Music Ensembles Manager, RCS

Richard Craig Contemporary Artist & Researcher

Rachel Drury Researcher & Educator

Peter Dykes Royal Scottish National Orchestra associate principal oboe & RCS Tutor

Lindsey Ellis BBC National Orchestra of Wales principal piccolo

Robert Fairley Orchestra of Scottish Ballet principal clarinet

Konrad Fiszer Opera Nova w Bydgoszczy flute and piccolo

Lawrence Gill Orchestra of Scottish Opera clarinet & RCS Tutor

Fraser Gordon Royal Philharmonic Orchestra principal contra bassoon

Alison Green Scottish Chamber Orchestra bassoon & RCS Tutor

John Hall BBC National Orchestra of Wales flute

Michael Hallit Macau Orchestra former principal piccolo

Samuel Hernandez Avila Tenerife Symphony Orchestra clarinet

Lee Holland Freelance Musician & Performance Coach

Gillian Horn Freelance Musician & Arranger

Jennifer Hutchinson BBC Philharmonic Orchestra principal piccolo

Mary James Orchestra of Scottish Ballet oboe

Fraser Langton BBC Philharmonic Orchestra clarinet

Janet Laird Orchestra of Scottish Ballet clarinet

Stewart MacIlwham Royal Philharmonic Orchestra principal piccolo

Michelle McCabe Orchestra of Scottish Ballet flute

Catriona McKinnon Welsh National Opera principal oboe

Kate McDermott Gothenburg Opera co-principal clarinet

John McDougall BBC Concert Orchestra principal bassoon

Lorna McGhee International soloist & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra principal flute

Chris McShane Orchestra Accademia China bassoon

Ruth Morley Scottish Flute Trio/ Red Note Ensemble flute & RCS Tutor

Sinziana Mugea National Radio Orchestra of Romania sub principal oboe and cor anglais

Heather Nicoll Head of Woodwind, RCS

Heather North Scottish Opera, Orchestra Co-ordinator

Andrew Nunn – Choral Conductor

Paul Rissmann Animateur & Composer

John Roberts Royal Philharmonic Orchestra principal oboe & RCS Visiting Artist

Ewan Robertson Orchestra of Scottish Opera flute & RCS Tutor

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

Matthew Rogers Conductor & Composer

Ian Scott Royal Ballet Sinfonia principal clarinet

June Scott Philharmonia Orchestra flute

Jennifer Stephenson Freelance Musician & Woodwind Co-ordinator, RCS

Kathleen Stevenson BBC Symphony Orchestra principal piccolo

Kenny Sturgeon BBC Philharmonic Orchestra oboe

Ryan Sullivan Head of Primary Music in Doha College

Sarah Turner Gran Teatre Del Liceu Orchestra, Barcelona former oboe

Russell Tyler Orquestra do Norte, Portugal principal oboe

Thomas Voelcker Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra former principal piccolo

Fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2022-23

Scottish Students

£1,820

Rest of UK (RUK) Students

£9,250

International (including EU)

£19,314

From 21/22 academic year 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 9 2020, 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 2021/22, 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 2022-23. How does this impact me?

A: From 2021/22, 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 2022-23 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.

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.:

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.

Auditions

All auditions are planned to take place in-person at our campus in Glasgow in November 2022. Should you apply on time, you will be e-mailed directly with details of your audition date and time, and your UCAS Conservatoires track will be updated with this information.

International applicants are welcome to submit a recorded submission via Acceptd. For those submitting a 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
Applicants	3 October 2022	17 October 2022

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 committee 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 pieces.
Please begin the recording by introducing yourself to camera and stating what you will be performing. You can take a little time between pieces so long as your body must remain in the frame.
For any pieces that were written for your instrument and piano accompaniment, you are encouraged to perform with piano accompaniment (whether live or pre-recorded) if practical for you. Be assured, however, that if this is not possible for you, then you will not be disadvantaged in any way.

For more information on recording a video audition, Guitar Lecturer Matthew McCallister reveals his top tips on recording your music audition online below:

All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition or recorded submission via UCAS Conservatoires track (you will need your username and password). We aim to post outcomes before Christmas.

Details of the repertoire requested for your in-person audition/recorded submission can be found below. Please note, all repertoire listed below is suggested repertoire only. You may choose to play a contrasting programme of your own choice.