MMus/MA Brass

The RCS Brass department works with professional partners in the national companies to give students access to unrivalled side-by-side learning opportunities.

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Important Information

Late applications may be accepted, please contact hello@rcs.ac.uk for more information

An Overview

The MMus Brass department is led by Head of Brass, John Logan. After a long playing career with many of the UK’s symphony orchestras, including a five-year tenure with Sir Simon Rattle at the CBSO, and a seventeen-year tenure as Associate Principal Horn with the RSNO, John works closely with students, sharing his extensive performance experience. John is still active in the professional performing world as a conductor and arranger especially in the area where Scottish folk and rock music collaborates alongside the symphony orchestra.

Unrivalled one-to-one tuition

Our Brass programme has a long tradition of excellence and a worldwide reputation for training leading musicians. Our team of dedicated staff includes many of Britain’s finest brass players, with international reputations as soloists, orchestral, and chamber musicians. Students receive an unparalleled two hours individual tuition a week, divided between principal study (trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba, euphonium, or cornet), and either a second study or related study such as handhorn or piccolo trumpet. It is also possible to receive lesson time from our jazz department. We have regular visiting artists from all brass disciplines and have at present an International Fellow to the department, Ian Bousfield.

Performance opportunities

On this programme you’ll get a real sense of the demands of the professional world, with weekly classes in orchestral repertoire and the opportunity to set up your own ensembles and perform in our lunchtime concert series. We also enjoy professional collaborations with Scotland’s major orchestras and operate apprenticeships with the RSNO, BBC SSO and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

In comparison to other conservatoires we run a smaller department, large enough to tackle challenging repertoire but small enough to ensure widespread performance opportunities for every student. Our students take part in Symphony, Wind, Opera, and Chamber Orchestras, and a diverse range of ensembles including Big Band and Royal Conservatoire Brass. Our Conservatoire ensembles give concerts regularly at home and abroad including countries such as China, Malta, Germany and Brazil.

Glasgow has so many great orchestras that there are a number of excellent brass players in the city who are connected to the Conservatoire. Frequently you’ll see tutors performing in professional situations and you’ll build up professional connections during your studies.

Download Brass programme brochure Apply now

Institution Code:

R58

Programme Code:

MMus: 890F / MA: 801F

UK Deadline:

1 October 2021

International Deadline:

1 October 2021

The MMus/MA programme is divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 is common to both degrees, and may also lead to the exit award of PGDip. In Stage 2, MMus and MA students follow different pathways leading to their respective degrees.

Principal Study 1 — 80 SCQF credits

Supporting Studies 1 — 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits

Practice Research — 10 SCQF credits

Options — 0, 10 or 20 SCQF credits

Principal Study

The primary focus of your learning will be the Principal Study.

This core activity — and in particular, the individual lesson — will refine the skills essential to meeting the artistic and technical expectations of the programme. It will equip you with many of the skills needed to exercise independent learning and develop the autonomy necessary for a professional career.

In the case of the degrees in Performance, and Historically Informed Performance Practice, the Principal Study is your instrumental or vocal discipline.

Within the credit assigned for Principal Study, the contact hours are flexibly assigned to suit your particular needs as a student.

Supporting Studies

Supporting Studies incorporates many of the distinctive features of conservatoire study, and contributes towards the creation of a near-professional learning environment.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of negotiated activities in support both of your Principal Study and your development as an emerging professional. The emphasis is on working with your peers, whether through the presentation of performance classes or collaborative activities such as chamber music, orchestra or ensemble work.

The module also incorporates a series of cohort-wide graduate seminars, addressing such areas as research skills, critical thinking, professional development, reflective practice, health and wellbeing, and equality and diversity.

Practice Research

This module challenges you to examine critically an aspect of your arts practice by means of an individually-negotiated portfolio of research, reflection and/or documentation. Over the course of your studies, with the support of a supervisor, you will assemble a portfolio of documentation and reflective writing that interrogates a self-chosen research focus and communicates your findings.

Options

Options give space within the curriculum for you to engage in studies which enhance your professional versatility, by pursuing areas of interest either close to or far away from your core discipline. The range of modules available is very wide, including otions drawn from the undergraduate programmes in both the School of Music and the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film. The design of the programme puts no restrictions on the level of the options/s chosen. There is a significant range of choice available in the amount of credit taken in this way, with students free to choose pathways which place greater weight on Supporting Studies.

Principal Study 2 — 90 SCQF credits

Supporting Studies 2 — 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits

Options — 0, 10 or 20 SCQF credits

Principal Study

The primary focus of your learning will be the Principal Study. This core activity — and in particular, the individual lesson — will refine the skills essential to meeting the artistic and technical expectations of the programme. It will equip you with many of the skills needed to exercise independent learning and develop the autonomy necessary for a professional career.

In the case of the degrees in Performance, and Historically Informed Performance Practice, the Principal Study is your instrumental or vocal discipline; for the degrees in Opera, Conducting, Repetiteurship, Piano for Dance, and Accompaniment, it refers to the full range of skills associated with those roles, including high-level performance skills.

For the MMus Composition, Principal Study is the practice of composition, within which you may specialise in acoustic or electroacoustic composition.

For the MMus Chamber Music, the Principal Study will comprise the ensemble work of the group. Within the credit assigned for Principal Study, the contact hours are flexibly assigned to suit your particular needs as a student.

Supporting Studies

Supporting Studies incorporates many of the distinctive features of conservatoire study, and contributes towards the creation of a near-professional learning environment. In this module, you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of negotiated activities in support both of your Principal Study and your development as an emerging professional. The emphasis is on working with your peers, whether through the presentation of performance classes or collaborative activities such as chamber music, orchestra or ensemble work. The module also incorporates a series of cohort-wide graduate seminars, addressing such areas as research skills, critical thinking, professional development, reflective practice, health and wellbeing, and equality and diversity.

Options

Meet the Staff

John Logan

Head of Brass

Ian Bousfield

Visiting Professor

John Wallace CBE

Emeritus Professor in Brass

Mike Lovatt

Associate Artist

Staff by Instrument

Horn

Christopher Gough
Stephanie Jones (BBC SSO)
John Logan (Head of Brass. ex CBSO and Co-Principal RSNO)
David McClenaghan (Principal RSNO)
Alberto Manendez

Natural Horn

Beccy Goldberg

Trumpet

Nigel Boddice MBE (former Principal BBC SSO)
Peter Franks (Principal SCO)
John Gracie (DRSAMD, Principal RSNO, Paragon Ensemble)
Mark O’Keeffe (Principal, BBC SSO)

Natural Trumpet

Sandy McGrattan

Trombone

Lance Green (Sub-Principal RSNO, FTCL ARCM)
Simon Johnson (Principal BBC SSO)
Dávur Juul Magnussen

Bass Trombone

Christopher Stearn (Principal, Scottish Opera)

Tuba

Craig Anderson
Andrew Duncan (Principal Tuba BBC SSO)
Anthony Swainson (former Principal BBC SSO)

Sackbut

John Kenny

Ophicleide and Cimbasso

Tony George (Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Orchestra of the 18th Century)

Visiting Specialities

Ian Bousfield (Visiting Professor)
Mike Lovatt (Associate Artist)
John Wallace CBE (Emeritus Professor)

Intro to the Brass Department

We spoke to Head of Brass, John Logan and our students to find out what it’s like to study with us and to hear about performance opportunities, teaching contact time and our prestigious links to the international brass community.

Why Choose Us?

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 10 for performing arts education 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 (QS World Rankings)

Highest quality tuition from expert teachers, many of whom are players in the national artistic companies
Access to mentoring schemes with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera and Scottish Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Professional
Experience Scheme to learn from industry professionals
Opportunity to regularly rehearse and obtain feedback from players of the national orchestras
90-minute individual lesson per week on your principal study
Small class sizes allowing tutors more time to dedicate individual attention to each student
Opportunity to undertake an additional performance study
Access to the John Webb collection of over 450 historical brass instruments
International performing opportunities
Cross-collaboration performance opportunities with other musicians including jazz and traditional music
Undergraduate music students can take advantage of learning within this unique Scottish conservatoire and undertake a module within traditional music, enabling you to broaden your repertoire, musicality and ensemble arrangement practices
Excellent graduate employment success, with many of our students obtaining employment with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra
97% of undergraduate respondents from the School of Music are in employment or further study (HESA, 15/16)

Graduate Destinations

Many Royal Conservatoire Brass alumni occupy positions in orchestras and ensembles across the world.

John Gracie, John Logan, Dávur Juul Magnussen — Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Mark O’Keeffe, Alan Mathieson, Hedley Benson – BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Nigel Cox, Gregor Stuart – Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Simon Bird – Orchestra of Scottish Opera
Alexander McGratton, Alan Friel – Orchestra of Scottish Ballet
Martin Wright — City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Elaine Close – BBC Philharmonic
Daniel Edwards, Arlene MacFarlane — BBC National Orchestra Wales
Keith McNicol, Jonathan Durrant – Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Frances Magee, Jason Sinclair, Colme Byrne – RTÉ Symphony Orchestra
Paul Klein – Ulster Orchestra
James Mildred – Orchestra of Welsh National Opera
Laurie Gargan – Singapore Philharmonic
Dougie Waterston – Hong Kong Philharmonic
Robert Ross – Munich Philharmonic and Bayreuth Festspiel Orkester
Christopher Dicken – Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Matthew Breeze – Tenerife Symphony Orchestra
Joao Carneiro – Algarve Symphony Orchestra
Angela Whelan – Fine Arts Brass Ensemble
Lorna MacDonald – Bones Apart Trombone Quartet
Ryan Quigley, Lorna MacDonald, Michael Owers – Scottish National Jazz Orchestra

Facilities

The Brass department has access to the many facilities and resources RCS has to offer. As well as a fabulous library and several computer suites, our Brass students have access not only to a purpose-built recording studio but the use of an expert recording producer. Recordings can be made for course assessments and also at any time for personal use.

Our large venues are used regularly by brass playing in symphony orchestra, wind orchestra, opera, ballet, musical theatre and chamber-sized ensembles.

Externally you may play in the Glasgow City Hall, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the soon to be new home of the RSNO.

RCS Presents

Watch one of the first live concerts performed under Covid restrictions in the RCS Presents series, performed in November 2020.

Entry Requirements

General Academic Entrance 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.:

- 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

Academic Entrance Requirements

Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

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.

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.

How to Apply

Apply via UCAS Conservatoires

Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. If you wish to apply to conservatoires and universities within UCAS, you will need to register for both services.

There is a UCAS application fee of £26.50 to register to use UCAS Conservatoires.

To begin a new UCAS Conservatoires application, you will need to register. You can read the UCAS Conservatoires’ advice on completing the UCAS Conservatoires application.

If you need assistance with your application, you can contact UCAS Conservatoires team by telephoning (Monday to Friday, 8.30 — 18.00). Phone 0371 468 0470 from within the UK or +44 330 3330 232 if you are calling from overseas.

Application deadline date

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	1 October 2021	15 October 2021

Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.

If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel. If you do want to submit a late application, you must contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications. Late applications will be considered on a case by case basis and will not be considered in the first round of scholarship allocation.

We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2022, you must apply next year.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.

MMus Performance (2 years) – 890F

MA Performance (1 year) – 801F

Book an advice lesson with one of our Music tutors (faculty)

An advice lesson gives you the chance to experience having a lesson at the Conservatoire and provides a great opportunity for you to gain some expert advice. If you are unsure of what programme you wish to apply for, we recommend booking an advice audition with a teacher who can assist gauge which programme you may be suitable for. Advice lessons normally take place late August to early October and are dependent on staff availability.

Email hello@rcs.ac.uk to book a lesson.

Application Fee

There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £26.50. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition assessment administration fee. For RCS, the audition assessment administration fee is £65 per programme applied for. Fees are not refundable. The fees are paid via the UCAS Conservatoires website and not directly to RCS.

Audition Assessment Administration fee

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland charges an audition assessment administration fee of £65 per course.

We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition assessment administration fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you to get in touch to ask the panel questions and find out more about the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to see if it is the best place for you.

We are committed to ensuring fair access to a conservatoire education for students who have the talent and potential to benefit from it, regardless of their background. In support of this, audition fee waivers are offered to applicants whom financial hardship may be a barrier to auditioning. Please see the audition fee waivers document for more information.

References

It is your responsibility to ask two separate referees to write references and ensure that these are sent to RCS.

The references must be written by two different people and we will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can submit your UCAS Conservatoires application form and send your references at a later date, but they must be received prior to your audition date.

UCAS Conservatoires provides reference forms for you to download and send to your referees for completion.

Selection Process

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.

Applicants who apply on time invited to upload their audition recording to Acceptd. The deadline dates can be found below –

	UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline	Audition Recording Deadline
Applicants	1 October 2021	15 October 2021

If you submit your audition recording after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel.

Please note that the Conservatoire is obliged to offer one audition recording per application. If you are unable to submit your audition recording by the deadline date above, you must email us immediately stating the reason. We have a specific period allocation to audition and all on time applications will receive a decision before Christmas (week commencing 13 December 2021). If your audition recording is delayed, there is a risk that places will already have been taken and your application may not be considered in the first round of scholarship allocation.

BMus Joint Principal Study (JPS)

The Joint Principal Study pathway is intended to cater for the needs of individuals who are equally accomplished in two Principal Study disciplines (e.g. Flute and Composition, or Trumpet and Conducting, etc.) and who wish to maintain this intense level of dedication in their musical studies. Please note that Conducting is only available as a Joint Principal Study and Jazz Performance is only available in conjunction with Conducting or Composition.

The selection process for applicants applying for Joint Principal Study is the same as that for other applicants; please submit your audition recordings via Acceptd for each principal study. Applicants to the Joint Principal Study pathway who are successful in only one of their Principal Studies may be offered a place on the relevant ‘single-study’ pathway (i.e. Performance, Composition or Jazz).

Audition

With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all auditions will take place via audition recording. This may or may not be followed up with an in-person interview or further audition. 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	1 October 2021	15 October 2021

Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.

All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition via UCAS Conservatoires track (you will need your username and password). We aim to post outcomes before Christmas (week commencing 13 December 2021).

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.