Composition

We offer high contact time of 90 minutes one-to-one tuition each week. As working artists with various areas of expertise, our tutors bring live projects into lessons helping you to explore your own compositional voice. Together with your tutor your end of year portfolio will be negotiated, not prescribed. Every student embarks on their own learning journey; you can pursue a second study, work in the superb electroacoustic and recording studios, or devise new work in our purpose-built performance venues.

There’s also a real sense of a community among our students, staff and PhD cohort. The Composers Forum meets every Thursday and might include visiting composers and poets or perhaps a chance to discuss your work. Involving the full department, it’s an opportunity to listen to styles of music which you may not have heard or considered before and can help to challenge the orthodoxy and even your own ideas. You may also discuss work by PhD students who are engaged in larger works not experienced in earlier years of study. Our students have also set up their own Composers Collective which meets every two weeks to discuss different musical influences. Composition can be a solitary existence and at the Royal Conservatoire we develop the skills to work with other artists.

The Composition MMus degree course shares many attributes with the BMus degree and this facilitates the cross fertilisation of ideas from a similar discipline across degree structures. By design there is strong dialogue between composers of all levels of experience at the Conservatoire from undergraduate, postgraduate through to research, which creates a strong and supportive learning environment. In addition to a weekly ninety minute lessons, the Masters composers is encouraged to develop their own personal directions and these are taken into account when learning journeys are agreed at the beginning of each academic year. There is the choice for collaboration across the Conservatoire’s Schools and weekly Composers Forums and seminars.
In addition to 1:1 lessons, composers also have access to a diverse and comprehensive diet of classes each year, such as:

• Masters Studies Classes (focused, Masters-level seminars, led by Composition Department staff)
• Composers’ Forum (talks from visiting composers and practitioners)
• Cowcaddens Gramophone Society (a composers’ weekly record club)
• Music for Media (composition for TV and film)
• Orchestration
• Analysis
• Sonic Arts
• Interactive Composition (composing for mixed media)
• Contemporary Repertoire

MMus/MA Programme Structure

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.

Stage 1: PGDip

Principal Study 1 – 80 SCQF credits

Supporting Studies 1 – 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits

Approaches to Critical Artistry – 10 SCQF credits

Options – 0, 10 or 20 SCQF credits

Stage 2: MMus

Principal Study 2 – 90 SCQF credits

Supporting Studies 2 – 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits

Options – 0, 10 or 20 SCQF credits

Stage 2: MA

Negotiated Study (or HIPP dissertation) – 60 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.

Approaches to Critical Artistry

The philosophy of ‘critical artistry’ underpins all taught postgraduate programmes at RCS. This module will challenge you to critically interrogate an aspect of your arts practice by means of an individually-negotiated portfolio of research, reflection and/or documentation. The delivery is shared across all Masters programmes from both Schools.

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.

MMus or MA?

The MA and MMus programmes share many similarities, with the first three terms of the programme being common to both. The chief differences are in the length and volume of study, and in the pattern of delivery in relation to the four terms that make up the academic calendar. There are also some differences in the programme aims and learning outcomes, and in the proportional number of hours available for principal study lessons.

The MA degree is designed for students who wish to achieve a Masters level qualification in one year, with 180 SCQF credits at level 11 (90 ECTS credits). The programme runs full-time for four terms, 43 weeks in total, with the fourth term being dedicated to a largely independent project. 31 weeks of 90 minutes principal study lessons are offered, to a total of 46.5 hours. (Nine extra hours may be allocated to additional study of a related instrument, where appropriate).

The MMus degree is intended for students who are seeking an extended and thorough professional grounding at Masters level in their chosen area of specialism. This is a two-year, full-time programme, leading to 240 SCQF credits at level 11 (120 ECTS credits). The majority of the teaching and learning takes place in terms one, two and three of both years, to a total of 81 hours across the two years. (Nine extra hours may be allocated to additional study of a related instrument, where appropriate).

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

• Professional partnerships both nationally and internationally including Robin Michael, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Icebreaker, Psappha, New Music Players, Red Note, Garth Knox, Richard Craig, Kreutzer String Quartet, Scottish Ensemble, Glasgow New Music Expedition, Ensemble Modern and the Conservatoire de Paris, Hebrides Ensemble, Brodsky Quartet and Ilya Gringolts
• Annual contemporary new music festival Plug which, over the past 11 years, has premiered 500+ new works
• Visiting Professors include Sir James MacMillan CBE, Judith Weir CBE and Kate Moore
• Collaborative opportunities with artists from across the performing arts, including working with dance students to create new compositions for new choreographic works
• Study in one of the busiest performing arts venue in Scotland, with numerous opportunities for your work to be performed live
• Many opportunities for performance with Conservatoire performers and external groups
• Opportunities to collaborate with students on other programmes including Modern Ballet, Acting, Film and Contemporary Performance Practice
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• Experienced staff with international profiles, all active within the industry
• 100% of undergraduate respondents from the School of Music are in employment or further study (HESA, 16/17)

Our composition staff have a range of specialisms including opera, electroacoustic music, improvisation, inclusive music-making, zoological music and traditional music. They are all active with international commissions and performances, and are regular guest teachers and speakers at other educational institutions and venues around the world.

Dr Gordon McPherson
Head of Composition

• Dr Colin Broom
• Dr Linda Buckley
• Dr Emily Doolittle
• David Fennessy
• Tom Wilson
• Professor Alistair MacDonald
• Dr Stuart MacRae
• Dr Oliver Searle LLCM
• Dr Ailie Robertson

Visiting Professors

• Sir James MacMillan CBE
• Dr Kate Moore

Masterclasses

The Composition department has a full suite of computers which are equipped with the industry-standard versions of Sibelius, Protools, MaxMSP as well as other software designed to engage the compositional process. Composers also have access to our three electroacoustic music studios (including on with a multi-channel, immersive sound system), one recording studio, a full-sized Indonesian gamelan, and Rhythm Theory expert Dr Steve Forman’s exciting collection of working exotic percussion, which has become a permanent collection, based next to our Wallace Studios buildings.

Composers are able to book practice rooms and performance spaces for rehearsals and workshops, while collaborating with other performers and artists in the building (such as during Bridge Week – when the building is given over to collaborative work from our students every year), and are also able to access free tickets to over 300 performances of theatre, music and dance each session in the RCS, as well as free and discounted tickets to a broad range of events across Scotland.

Composition graduates work across the world in a variety of industries including orchestras, film and TV, and gaming. Graduates include:

• Amit Anand Film composer
• Jay Capperauld Member of the inaugural RSNO Composers’ Hub Scheme
• C Duncan Mercury prize nominee
• Marcos Fernandez Teacher of composition at the Trinity Music Academy
• Matthew Grouse Composer
• John Harris Co-Director of Red Note Ensemble
• Martin Keary Composer, YouTuber and software designer
• Alex Mackay Composer and touring musician for Mogwai
• Claire McKenzie Co-founder of award-winning company, Noisemaker
• Lewis Murphy Young Composer-in-Residence, Glyndebourne
• Juta Pranulyte Composer and Curator, Artistic Director of Druskomanija New Music Festival, Lithuania
• Jay Richards Producer and Composer for film, tv and musical theatre
• Matt Rogers Doctoral Composer-in-Residence at Royal Opera
• Jennifer Walshe Composer, performer and visual artist
• Gareth Williams First Composer-in-Residence for Scottish Opera
• Jessica Jones Film and TV composer
• Matthew Whiteside Composer, producer and promoter of new music concerts
• Henry Macpherson Composer and researcher at the University of New Huddersfield Center for Research in New Music
• Robert Reid Allan Composer and Scottish Award for New Music nominee

PLUG has been created to offer a professional platform for our students to showcase their works, through an annual festival of new music. PLUG has grown from strength to strength over the years, and so far over 300 new works have received their premiere performances. Many other opportunities for performances of new student work also exist elsewhere in the calendar year, and many new collaborations and working relationships are forged by our students inside and outside of the building each year.

PLUG Film

Composition students talk about the experience of writing music for two Conservatoire films and then showcasing them at the 2012 Plug Festival.

PLUG rehearsal

“…Scotland’s most ambitious and daring new music project .” (The Herald)

Tuition fees for academic year 2020-21

• MMus Composition (2 years) UK/EU Students – £9,174
• MMus Composition (2 years) International (non-EU) – £17,979
• MA Composition (1 year) UK/EU Students – £12,447
• MA Composition (1 year) International (non-EU) – £21,612

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 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 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.

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 Entry 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.

 

 

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 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 closing date for all School of Music applicants (except US applicants) is 1 October 2019. The closing date for US applicants is 1 December 2019. However, if you apply before 1 October 2019, your application will be considered during the initial November audition period (either in attendance at a live audition or by assessment of a recording/portfolio) and you will receive an earlier outcome to your application as well as any scholarship offer, if applicable.

If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that you will be invited to audition. If you do consider 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.

We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2021, you must apply next year.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.

MMus Composition (2 years) – 891F

MA Performance (1 year) – 820F

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. 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.

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 Entry 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.

Selection process

The main audition period is 4-8 November 2019. Please note that some auditions may run outwith this period. Applicants who apply on time (1 October) are invited to audition by email, approximately three weeks before their audition date.

Please note that the Conservatoire is obliged to offer one audition/interview date per application. Alternative dates will only be provided (subject to availability) in exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to make your allocated audition date, you should email us immediately stating the reason. We have a specific period allocated to auditions and all on time applications will receive a decision before Christmas. If an audition is delayed, there is a risk that places will already have been taken.

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.

Recorded audition

After making an application through UCAS Conservatoires, Composition applicants should submit a substantial portfolio of recent compositions together with recorded performances wherever possible. Explanatory notes can, if appropriate, be submitted. Portfolios must be submitted online using Acceptd.

If you audition by recording your portfolio will be assessed only for entry.

We will only accept portfolios submitted via Acceptd and will not accept any other format, i.e. hard copies

Audition

Through the interview, 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

An interview with Composition staff will assess the candidate’s suitability for the programme in terms of knowledge, experience and commitment.

Where we audition

Whilst most auditions take place at the Conservatoire in Glasgow, we do hold auditions internationally. If you wish to audition overseas, please visit our International site here for further information on that particular application process as well as details about the venue and date(s): https://international.rcs.ac.uk. Should you plan on auditioning overseas, we kindly ask that you submit your application at least one month in advance of the audition date. If you apply less than a month in advance, we cannot guarantee to audition you in person, and we may ask you to submit a recording instead.

If you select ‘RCS’ as the Audition Location on on your application, your audition will take place in Glasgow. We welcome recorded auditions from non-UK applicants. If you wish to audition by recording, please select ‘recording’. If you require further information about auditioning internationally, please email hello@rcs.ac.uk.

Composition Portfolio

After making an application through UCAS Conservatoires, Composition applicants should submit a substantial portfolio of recent compositions together with recorded performances wherever possible. Explanatory notes can, if appropriate, be submitted. Portfolios must be submitted online using Acceptd. An interview with the Head of Composition will assess the applicant’s suitability for the programme. It will focus on the applicant’s composition portfolio and on the provisional elective choices of study outlined in the application form.

If you audition by recording your portfolio will be assessed only for entry.

 

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 2020, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2020.

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.

 

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 2020	31 January 2020
16 March 2020	14 April 2020
14 July 2020	30 July 2020
4 August 2020	8 September 2020
After 4 August 2020	22 September 2020

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.

• Feedback policy
• Equality and diversity
• Applicants with disabilities
• Guidance for applicants with criminal convictions
• Admissions policy