Our staff bring a wealth of experience to their teaching and enjoy active performing and recording careers. You will benefit from their expertise in your weekly one-to-one lesson as well as participating in regular performance classes for solo and chamber music in either one of our concert halls.
Students may also elect to share their 1-1 lessons between two principal study teachers, a practice which is encouraged and supported by the department. Students also have weekly opportunities to work with other members of the keyboard faculty, either by signing up for additional 1-1 piano classes or from the teaching rota in operation for each performance class.
The department also runs an innovative, internal digital platform where all performance classes and concerts are recorded and then stored in a digital archive for our students to consult throughout their studies. This system is supported by a rich array of peer and tutor feedback and has become one of the key innovations in the department’s working practice, enabling students to watch, listen and reflect on their playing as well as supporting the work and development of their peers.
Principal study lessons and performance classes are also complemented by a wide variety of supporting study options, including classical improvisation, conducting, piano technique, organ and harpsichord seminars, and French repertoire classes with world renowned pianist and scholar, Roy Howat. Students may also make quality CD recordings in our state of the art recording studio.
Negotiated departmental activities, such as performance classes, ensembles, rehearsals and masterclasses
Practice Research (or Role Study) – 10 credits
Research project
Options – 0/10/20 credits
Range of optional classes drawn from School of Music and School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film
Term 1
20 Credits
Pass/Fail
Continous Observation
MA Stage 2
Negotiated Study – 60 credits
Individual composition, performance or academic project
Term 1
20 Credits
Pass/Fail
Continous Observation
MMus Stage 2
Principal Study 2 – 90 credits
Individual instrumental lessons
2-3 negotiated performance assessments
Supporting Studies 2 – 30/20/10 credits
Negotiated departmental activities, such as performance classes, ensembles, rehearsals and masterclasses
Options – 0/10/20 credits
Range of optional classes drawn from School of Music and School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film
Term 1
20 Credits
Pass/Fail
Continous Observation
The MMus is the standard two-year programme undertaken by most students.
The MA is a shortened version of the programme for students who wish to get a Masters degree in a single year of study.
The first three terms of the MMus and MA are identical: MA students complete a further module in term 4 in order to complete the degree in a single year. There is no difference in the nature of the degrees: both concentrate mainly on performance rather than academic work.
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is consistently ranked in the World Top 10 for performing arts education (QS World Rankings 2023)
• Competitive scholarships
• Individual lessons per week on your principal study
• Steinway Model B grands in all dedicated piano teaching and practice rooms
• Opportunity to audition to perform a concerto with the RSNO and RCS Symphony Orchestra
• Multitude of performance opportunities, including regular showcase concerts, prestigious concerto opportunities, piano festivals, competitions and chamber music
• Internal competitions with prize money opportunities
• Cutting-edge video technology, recording, documentation and peer feedback provide innovative structures for highly creative learning and development
• Varied programme of masterclasses from distinguished visiting artists; recent visitors include Nikolai Lugansky, Steven Osborne, Idil Biret, Olga Kern, Andrei Gavrilov, Richard Goode, Angela Hewitt, Bernard d’Ascoli, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Leslie Howard, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Malcolm Martineau and Pascal Rogé
Our students regularly win top prizes in many international and national competitions. During the past year alone, RCS piano students have won a total of 7 top prizes at international competitions, including 2nd Prize an Audience Prize at the Rubinstein International Piano Competition in Tel Aviv and First Prizes at the UNISA South Africa competition, Rio International Piano Competition, Ciurlionis Competition and Morocco Philharmonic Competition. Other competition successes include the Prix du Piano Interlaken Classics (Switzerland), the Sheepdrove Competition, Andre Dumortier Piano Competition (Belgium), the Royal Over-Seas League, (Overseas Prize) and Moray (1st Prize), Yamaha Competition (UK), Bromsgrove International Competition, Estonia (Tallinn 1st Prize), Lagny sur Marne and Piano Campus (France), Vines (Spain), Chieri (Italy) , Maria Callas (Greece), EU Competition (Prague) the Czech Republic,Sparkasse Chamber Music Competition (Frankfurt ) and Isidor Bajic (Serbia). We also offer an annual concerto performance opportunities with the prestigious Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the RCS Symphony Orchestra.
Our performing, teaching and practice facilities are world class. The Stevenson Hall plays host to regular live recital broadcasts for BBC Radio 3 and the prestigious, triennial Scottish International Piano Competition. Piano students benefit from a dedicated piano corridor with 10 practice rooms and 8 teaching rooms. Each piano practice room has a Steinway Model B grand and all piano teaching rooms are equipped with two, Model B Steinways. There are also 6 Model D Steinways in our concert halls and recording studio and one Bosendorfer 280VC concert grand. Additionally, we operate a free loan system where students may take upright pianos to use in their accommodation during the academic year
A Campus Built For The Performing Arts
Explore the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in our 360 virtual tour. You’ll be able to see our rehearsal and practice rooms, professional performance venues, production workshops, editing suite, ballet studios and more.
Meet The Head Of Keyboard
Aaron Shorr has established an international career as soloist, chamber musician and educator.
He has toured extensively as a recitalist and chamber musician, recorded multiple times for broadcast and commercial release, and worked at the Royal Academy of Music in London as a professor and researcher.
In 2006, Aaron was appointed Head of Keyboard at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In 2013, he was awarded a Professorship from the RCS and from 2013-2015, also served as Acting Director of Music at the RCS.
Get an inside look at what it’s like to study Keyboard here at RCS by following the RCS Keyboard social media accounts, led and run by current department staff and students.
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
General 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
UK Applicants
3rd October 2022
17th October 2022 (for applicants unable to attend an in-person audition)
International Applicants
1st December 2022
1st December 2022
International student applicants
We are aware that international students, particularly those coming from the USA, may struggle with the UCAS deadline. As a consequence, we have set an additional deadline of 1st December 2022 for international students.
If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your application/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 may not be considered in the first round of scholarship allocation.
We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2024, 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
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 and insight. Advice lessons normally take place from late August to early October and are dependent on staff availability. Book your advice lesson here or e-mail our team for further information at hello@rcs.ac.uk.
Application Fee
There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £26. 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.
Please note that the Conservatoire is obliged to offer one audition date per application. If you are unable to submit your application/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. 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.
Audition
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
UK Applicants
3rd October 2022
17th October 2022 (for applicants unable to attend an in-person audition)
International Applicants
1st December 2022
1st December 2022
International student applicants
We are aware that international students, particularly those coming from the USA, may struggle with the UCAS deadline. As a consequence, we have set an additional deadline of 1st December 2022 for international students.
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.
Through audition, applicants will be required to demonstrate:
a high degree of technical competency on the instrument or voice in the service of specific repertoire
an ability to demonstrate a considerable degree of understanding of the repertoire performed
an ability to perform specific repertoire convincingly
a considerable degree of self-confidence and creativity with respect to the repertoire performed
a degree of self-sufficiency, initiative and independence in selecting, preparing and performing a particular programme
a developing musical personality
Details of the repertoire requested for your in-person audition/recorded submission can be found below:
Piano Solo
Performance of a programme from memory, comprising not less than three contrasting works (total playing time 25 minutes).
Harpsichord
Performance of a programme comprising not less than three contrasting works (total playing time 25 minutes).
Organ and Accordion
Performance of a programme comprising not less than three contrasting works (total playing time 25 minutes).
Following Your Audition
All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition via UCAS Conservatoires Track, (you will need your username and password). You will also receive notification from UCAS Conservatoires when decisions on all your choices are available.
UCAS Conservatoires Codes
Guaranteed Unconditional (GU) RCS is satisfied from the information you have given, that you have already met the conditions for entry. Unless your application and/or qualification are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, a guaranteed unconditional offer is binding.
Guaranteed Conditional (GC) RCS has made the offer subject to you meeting certain conditions such as examination results. Conditions can be viewed via UCAS Conservatoires Track. Unless your application and/or qualifications are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, the offer is binding if you accept the offer and meet the conditions. You must meet the conditions of the offer by 31 August 2021, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2021.
Reserve Unconditional (VU) RCS is satisfied from the information you have given, that you have already met the conditions for entry and you have been offered a place on our reserve pool.
Reserve Conditional (VC) RCS has offered a place on its reserve pool subject to you meeting certain conditions such as examination results. Conditions can be viewed via UCAS Conservatoires Track.
Unsuccessful (R) RCS does not wish to offer you any type of a place.
Reserve Outcomes
If you have received a ‘reserve’ outcome, it means that RCS is not able to offer you a guaranteed place at the time of making our decision. A ‘reserve’ outcome indicates that RCS would like the opportunity to review its outcome to you in the light of acceptances/declines to its guaranteed offers. You will become part of a ‘pool’ of ‘reserve’ candidates and RCS may choose to make you a guaranteed offer if a suitable place becomes available. Reserve does not mean that a place has been ‘reserved’ for you. If RCS chooses not to make you a guaranteed offer, you will not have a place to start at RCS.
If you have been given a ‘reserve’ outcome, in order to be considered for a guaranteed place (should one become available) you will need to accept the outcome (and meet any conditions if applicable).
Reserve outcomes remain active until the end of August. The decision to wait and see whether a guaranteed place becomes available, or to accept an offer at another conservatoire is entirely at your discretion. As soon as your situation changes, this is updated on UCAS Conservatoires.
Replying To Offers
As soon as a decision is made, UCAS Conservatoires will let you know. You must reply online via UCAS Conservatoires Track. Your reply date is displayed on Track. If you do not reply by the date given, your offers will be declined automatically. The reply date may be different to other applicants as it is based on when you receive your last decision.
Last decision by
Your reply date is
3 January 2023
1 February 2023
15 March 2023
11 April 2023
15 May 2023
1 June 2023
11 July 2023
27 July 2023
2 August 2023
8 September 2023
Please see the UCAS Conservatoires website for more information on replying to offers. If you make an application through UCAS Conservatoires, UCAS or UCAS Teacher Training, you cannot hold more than one confirmed place. A confirmed place in UCAS Conservatoires is a guaranteed unconditional offer as your first choice (GU1) and in UCAS and UCAS Teacher Training it is an unconditional firm (UF) place. If you receive more than one confirmed place, UCAS will ask you to accept one offer and withdraw from any others.
Policy
We have a number of policies and statements which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire.
Please select the links below to read each policy.
New Scottish domiciled students may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan. All eligible students will be able to apply directly to Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a non-means-tested loan. See the SAAS website for further details of the PSAS scheme.
Scottish domiciled postgraduate students on eligible courses can also apply for a Postgraduate Living Cost Loan to contribute towards living expenses. This is in addition to the existing loan available towards the cost of their tuition fees.
English Students
Postgraduate students from England can benefit from a postgraduate loan to be used towards tuition fees and/or living costs.
Northern Irish Students
Students from Northern Ireland may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan to help with the cost of their course fees. Please see the Student Finance NI website for more details.
Welsh Students
From 1 August 2019, students ordinarily resident in Wales (and those from the EU studying at a Welsh institution) may be entitled to a combination of loan and grant as a contribution to costs while studying a postgraduate Master’s degree course. The total amount of support available is non-means-tested and is paid directly to the student. More information can be found on the Student Finance Wales website.
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 our Fees and Funding page.
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.
Tuition fees for academic year 2023-24
MMus – Scottish Students
£10,722 (full-time)
£5,361 (part-time)
MMus – Rest of UK (RUK) Students
£10,722 (full-time)
£5,361 (part-time)
MMus – International Students (Including EU)
£21,207 (full-time)
£10,605 (part-time)
MA – Scottish Students
£14,541
MA – Rest of UK (RUK) Students
£14,541
MA Performance – International Students (Including EU)
£25,491
From 21/22 academic year all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees
