Pre-Junior Conservatoire of Music

Inspiring the Next Generation

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Primary Music Programmes aim to inspire and teach the next generation of musicians through the delivery of an integrated and progressive learning opportunity from Early Years (pre-school to Junior Conservatoire entry).

Instrumental Programmes

We currently offer two instrumental programmes for primary-aged children:

• Primary Instrumental Programme
  The Primary Instrumental programme is a relatively new programme which runs on a Sunday and caters for children in the earlier stages of learning an instrument.
• Pre-Junior Programme
  The Pre-Junior programme runs on Saturdays and caters for children who have attained a high standard of playing for their age and are on a clear trajectory to access a place at Junior Conservatoire.
  

The curriculum content of both courses is the same; children will receive a one-to-one lesson on their principal study instrument with the option of pursuing an additional study, they will also take part in a practical musicianship class and a choir activity.

Entry to the programme is by audition, however, we don’t have a minimum grade requirement – we look for the potential and dedication in every applicant. Applications to both primary programmes are generic and allocation to a specific programme is made at the discretion of the Head of Junior Conservatoire according to capacity and suitability.

Please note, we are only able to accept applications from students who are currently receiving instrumental lessons in their chosen principal study.

Our application form for academic session 2023/24 entry is currently closed, however, applications for session 2024/25 will be available here from November 2023. If you have any queries in the meantime, please email us at juniorsmusic@rcs.ac.uk.

The Primary Instrumental Programmes nurture students as young as eight years old with their musical development through one-to-one instrumental lessons, choir and practical musicianship classes (aural, theory and rhythm development).

We will work with our young musicians to develop their natural musical talents and help them become confident players. For those who do choose to play an orchestral instrument, there may also be the opportunity to take part in one of the instrumental training ensembles throughout the course.

We want to make the performing arts as accessible to everyone as possible. Anyone who faces financial barriers to participate in the Junior Conservatoire can apply for a bursary or scholarship. As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent a link to the bursary and scholarship application form.

These funds are currently supported by the generosity of individuals and charitable trusts and foundations including:

• James McAvoy Drama Scholarship
• Agnes Allan Bursary
• ABRSM Junior Scholarship UK
• Wolfson Foundation Scholarship
• Stevenson Scholarship
• Miss Nancy Williamson Bursary
• William R MacFarlane Scholarship
• Savoy Scholarship
• John McIntyre Memorial Scholarship

The audition will consist of the following four areas:

Principal Instrument:

• The performance of two contrasting pieces, which you feel show you to the best of your current ability.
• Scales and Arpeggios, appropriate to your current standard.
• Sight-reading, if appropriate, appropriate to your current standard.
• A selection of simple Rhythm and Pitch tests, in order to ascertain your current level of general musicianship

Subsidiary Instrument (if applicable):

• One-piece, which you feel shows you to the best of your current ability.

We are interested to hear about your musical interests, why you enjoy learning and playing music and why you would like to attend the Junior Conservatoire. We will also give you the opportunity to ask questions. There will be time for this towards the end of the audition.

Much of the Pre-Junior audition will be based around exploring potential.

Accompanist: Please note that an accompanist will be provided but you may bring your own accompanist if you wish. There will be no rehearsal with the RCS accompanist prior to the audition.

We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to apply for the Pre-Junior Conservatoire of Music programme so we will audition every student who applies on time.

Please note, we are only able to accept applications from students who are currently receiving instrumental lessons in their chosen principal study.

When to apply

Our application form for academic session 2023/24 entry is currently closed, however, applications for session 2024/25 will be available here from November 2023. If you have any queries in the meantime, please email us at juniorsmusic@rcs.ac.uk.

Audition Dates

Auditions will be scheduled to take place at the RCS between 28 February 2023 – 7 April 2023.

Please see our Junior Conservatoire Open Day page for more information on our upcoming open days.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Junior Conservatoire or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at juniorsmusic@rcs.ac.uk

Term dates 2022/23

Induction Day: Saturday, 3 September 2022

Term 1: Saturday, 10 September – Saturday, 3 December 2022

Mid-term break: Saturday, 15 October and Saturday, 22 October 2022

Term 2: Saturday, 7 January — Saturday, 25 March 2023

Mid-term break: Saturday, 11 February 2023

Term 3: Saturday, 22 April — Saturday, 10 June 2023

Tuition Fees 2022/23

The Primary Instrumental course fees for 2022/23 begin at £750 for 30 weeks of group tuition.

Pre-Junior course fees for 2022/23 begin at £1,310 for 30 weeks of group tuition. In addition to weekly 30-minute principal study lesson, this course fee is inclusive of musicianship and choir.

Students can choose to enhance their study combinations by learning a subsidiary study instrument, or by increasing their weekly one-to-one lesson time at an additional cost.