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Introduction
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 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:
We will respond by email as soon as possible and, based on the information you provide, if we are able to accept your application, we will then invite you to pay a separate audition fee of £45.00. Please note, it may be a number of weeks before you receive an update.
If you have any queries regarding this process, please email us at juniorsmusic@rcs.ac.uk.
- Primary Instrumental Programme
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Programme structure
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.
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Fees and 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 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
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Auditions
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.
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How to apply
We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to apply for the Pre-Junior Conservatoire of Music programme so we will audition everyone 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 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:
We will respond by email as soon as possible and, based on the information you provide, if we are able to accept your application, we will then invite you to pay a separate audition fee of £45.00. Please note, it may be a number of 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
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Term dates and tuition fees
Term dates 2023/24
Induction Day: Saturday, 2 September 2023
Term 1: Saturday, 9 September – Saturday, 9 December 2023
Mid-term break: Saturday, 14 October and Saturday, 21 October 2023
Term 2: Saturday, 6 January — Saturday, 16 March 2024
Mid-term break: Saturday, 10 February 2024
Term 3: Saturday, 20 April — Saturday, 8 June 2024
Tuition Fees 2023/24
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.