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Pre-Junior Conservatoire of Music (Primary 4 – Primary 7)

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Primary Music Programmes aims 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).

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Overview

These programmes are designed for young people between Primary 4 – 7. We currently offer two instrumental programmes for primary-aged children:

Primary Instrumental Programme

The Primary Instrumental programme is a relatively new programme that 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 of 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 that we are only able to accept applications from students who are currently receiving instrumental lessons in their chosen principal study.

The important details

Open Day:
27 January 2024

Application Deadline:
5 February 2024

Venue:
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB

Dates:
9 Sept. 2023 - 8 June 2024

Time:
Saturdays, 9.00-17.00

Audition Fee:
£45

Cost
£1375 (subject to change)

The Junior Conservatoire of Music has been teaching young musicians for more than 50 years here in the centre of Glasgow. We now have more than 350 young people travelling from across Scotland and the north of England every Saturday to access this renowned training programme and to work with our expert teachers.

The Primary Instrumental Programmes nurtures 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.

Entry Requirements

Entry to Junior Conservatoire is by audition only, and progression through the levels is not automatic — students will be assessed each year if they would like to continue with their studies.

We do not ask for any minimum grade — instead the panel will be looking for applicants of great potential who demonstrate they have the commitment and ability to work hard and become the best performer they can be.

Fees & Funding

Tuition fees

The Primary Instrumental course fees for 2023/24 begin at £790 for 30 weeks of group tuition.

Pre-Junior course fees for 2023/24 begin at £1,375 for 30 weeks of individual 1:1 tuition. In addition to weekly 30-minute principal study lessons, 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.

Funding & Scholarships

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 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

How to Apply

We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to apply for the Junior Conservatoire Music programme so we will audition everyone who applies ahead of the application deadline.

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

When to apply

Our initial application period for session 2024/25 closed on 5 February 2024, however, depending on your instrument, age and stage, we may be in a position to consider a late application. To complete our late application form, please follow the link below:

Late Application Form

We will respond by email as soon as possible and, based on the information you provide, if we can accept your application, we will then invite you to pay a separate audition fee of £45.00. Please note that it may be several weeks before you receive an update.

If you have any queries regarding this process, please email us at juniorsmusic@rcs.ac.uk

Audition Dates

Initial auditions are due to be held at the RCS in February/March 2024.

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

Audition Information

We want your audition to be an enjoyable experience and encourage you to take this opportunity to find out more about the Pre-Junior Conservatoire. Much of the Pre-Junior audition will be based around exploring potential.

The audition will consist of the following 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, 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.
Conversation:
- 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 allow you to ask questions. There will be time for this towards the end of the audition.

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