The National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland continues to work in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to give talented young woodwind, brass and percussion musicians the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s most gifted teachers and performers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. This school is for musicians working from Grade 3 – 5 (ABRSM or equivalent)

You will be introduced to musical concepts and be encouraged to build up confidence and independence through interactive learning, as well as instilling a love of music.

The course will culminate in a concert on the final day for family and friends in the Stevenson Hall.

See also Senior level for musicians Grade 6+.

If you have any questions in advance of booking, please contact us at summerschools@rcs.ac.uk or (0044) 141 270 8213.

The National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland provides an opportunity for musicians to extend their performance experience at a national level.

Students on this summer course will all share a love of music and a desire to improve their skills in a constructive and fun environment.

Over five days, the ensemble will tackle a diverse and challenging mix of repertoire to be performed in a concert on the Friday afternoon for friends and family at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

As a student on this course you will benefit from the chance to perform in smaller ensembles as well as receive coaching from highly experienced and professional teachers.

Please see Entry Requirements tab for further information about the supporting materials which are required for application.

A deposit of £50 will be required upon application to this course, this deposit will be refunded in full if your application is unsuccessful.

Payment of the balance of the tuition fee is payable once applicants have been notified that they have been successful in their application to the course and completed their booking.

You should be a minimum of Grade 3 ABRSM or equivalent to benefit fully from this summer school.

At the time of application, participants are asked to submit a short audio recording of no longer than 3 – 4 minutes in length which best demonstrates their current playing level.

Recordings can be uploaded to your online application form as an unlisted YouTube link or mp3. This can be done using your mobile phone, tablet or any hand held recording device.  No need to worry about recording quality, it is to assess whether this course is best suited to your current level.

Music will be handed out on the first day.

Please bring pencils and a rubber as well as any expendable items relative to your instrument, i.e. reeds, value oil, mutes, etc.

Students should dress comfortably for ensemble playing and lessons. For the final concert, please bring smart/casual attire in which you will perform.

Students should bring a bottled water.

Please note this is a sample schedule which may change before the course start date:

Monday

• 9.30am – Registration Cafe Bar
• 9.45am – Welcome meeting and introduction to tutors
• 10am – Full Band
• 11.45am – Sectionals
• 12.45pm – Break for lunch
• 1.30pm – Sectionals
• 3pm- Break
• 3.30pm – Sectionals
• 5pm – Finish

Tuesday 

• 10am – Full Band
• 11.45am – Sectionals
• 12.45pm – Break for lunch
• 1.30pm – Sectionals
• 3pm- Break
• 3.30pm – Full Band
• 5pm – Finish

Wednesday 

• 10am – Sectionals
• 11.45am – Sectionals
• 12.45pm – Break for lunch
• 1.30pm – Sectionals
• 3pm- Break
• 3.30pm -Sectionals
• 5pm – Finish

Thursday 

• 10am – Full Band
• 11.45am – Sectionals
• 12.45pm – Break for lunch
• 1.30pm -Sectionals
• 3pm- Break
• 3.30pm – Full Band
• 5pm – Finish

Friday

• 10am – Full Band
• 11.45am – Sectionals
• 12.45pm – Break for lunch
• 1.30pm – Sectionals
• 3pm- Break
• 3.30pm – Tune Up
• 4pm – Concert for Family and Friends
• 6pm – Finish

“A brilliant opportunity for any woodwind, brass or percussion student.  Incredible helpful tutors, very kind staff and a chance to perform in the Stevenson hall. A great chance to meet new people and try new genres of music.” (NYWES Intermediate 2018 participant)

“A fun and inspirational experience that allows young people to get together to make music. The course extended to children from all over the world allowing the young musicians of Scotland to meet people of many different cultures.” (NYWES Intermediate 2018 participant)

“A brilliant opportunity to play fun and interesting music with others, as well as the challenge of stretching your own playing ability.” (NYWES Intermediate 2018 participant)

Agnes Allan Bursary

Agnes Allan was a teacher, passionate about inclusion, and this bursary scheme exists to offer support to students to participate in the performing or production arts.

The Agnes Allan Bursary provides some support to students who may require financial assistance to take part in a short course in dance, drama, music, production or screen.

Anyone who wishes to take part in our Short Courses and faces a financial barrier can apply for bursary support to help meet the cost of tuition fees.

More information about the Agnes Allan Bursary.