Introduction

Our new MMus programme in Chamber Music is the perfect fit for advanced performers wishing to immerse themselves in the world of chamber music. This programme is designed primarily for existing chamber ensembles who wish to further their development through study at Masters level. The individuals making up the group will normally have undertaken formal study beyond undergraduate level: as a team, you should be ready to commit to working together for the duration of the programme.

We also welcome applications from individual candidates who are able to demonstrate an aptitude for and experience of chamber music, and a keen desire to work with others. The offer of a place will be dependent upon the potential for viable ensembles to be formed.

Our chamber music ensembles form part of a thriving performance community, with opportunities to collaborate both with fellow musicians and artists from other disciplines. There are a number of RCS chamber music competitions for ensembles to enter, as well as potential opportunities for performances both in RCS and around Scotland.

With the support of the family of Hilary Rosin, RCS runs a series of Sunday morning chamber music concerts given by Scotland’s very best chamber musicians, featuring principals from the national orchestras and staff and
students of RCS.

Programme Outline

The MMus degree is made up of four modules. The Principal Study is at the heart of the programme. There are ninety minutes of teaching per ensemble member per week allocated to this module, flexibly divided up between ensemble coaching and individual tuition. So, for instance, a string quartet might choose four hours of group work per week, plus one hour per fortnight each of one-to-one lessons. The assessment will comprise a number of public recitals by the group, with additional options available, including a lecture recital, studio recording, solo performance, and collaboration with a composer on the creation of a new work.

The Supporting Studies module offers a range of experiences in support of your principal study, including performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, rehearsals and concerts. The programme is completed by the Approaches to Critical Artistry module, in which you carry out a practice-based research project, and up to two Elective modules in each year of study.

The structure of the one-year MA programme is similar, including Principal Study, Supporting Studies, Approaches to Critical Artistry and the option to take one Elective. This programme is completed by the Negotiated Study module, offering the opportunity to pursue an significant period of independent study in an area of your own choosing.

Although the programme is primarily designed for existing ensembles, we will consider applications from suitably qualified individual candidates who are able to clearly demonstrate an aptitude for and experience of chamber music and a keen desire to work with others. Under these circumstances, the offer of a place will be dependent upon the potential for viable ensembles to be formed.

Full details of the structure of both the MMus and MA degrees are in the MMus-MA Guide for Applicants 2015-16, which can be found at http://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/.

How to apply

Applications for the Chamber Music programme should be made through the UCAS Conservatoires website. There is a UCAS application fee of £25 (which is in addition to the audition fee) which allows you up to six choices of programme of study.

Before applying we recommend that you read the Guide for Applicants which provides information regarding entry requirements, and the full application and audition process. Please download the Guide to Applicants – MMus/MA here.

Late applications may be considered, find out more on our Apply for Music page.

Why choose us?

• Busy schedule of masterclasses with visiting artists; recent visitors include the Brodsky Quartet and the Danish String Quartet
• Only conservatoire in Europe to offer collaboration opportunities across all the performing arts
• Opportunity to perform with resident ensembles including Stevenson Winds and Red Note Ensemble

Entry requirements

• Normally a good Honours (at least 2.2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme

Entrance to the Conservatoire is based on talent, potential and ability, therefore consideration will be given to relevant experience which is deemed to compensate for any traditional education. We accept a wide range of qualification, including international qualifications. If you wish to check the suitability of your qualification/experience, please contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk.

English Language

The language of study is English. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Other equivalent English Language qualifications may be considered, please contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk for more information.

• IELTS – 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component

Audition Requirements

Audition requirements are given in the MMus-MA Guide for Applicants 2015-16, which can be found at http://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/.

Fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2017-18

• MMus Chamber Music (2 years) UK/EU Students – £8,094
• MMus Chamber Music (2 years) International (non-EU) – £15,513
• MA Chamber Music (1 year) UK/EU Students – £10,983
• MA Chamber Music (1 year) International (non-EU) – £18,648

Scottish/EU students

New Scottish and EU 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 of up to £3,400. See the following website for further details of the PSAS scheme:

http://www.saas.gov.uk/full_time/pg/index.htm

Scottish domiciled postgraduate students on eligible courses can also apply for a Postgraduate Living Cost Loan up to £4,500 towards living expenses. This is in addition to the existing loan available towards the cost of their tuition fees.

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 here

Sources of external funding

For more information about alternative funding sources, including external scholarships and bursaries, please visit here.

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.