Strings (ages 12-17)

There is no deadline to apply, however booking is first come, first serve – so we recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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

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.

Each day will consist of working in groups, smaller ensembles and individually. During the day you will:

• participate in group warm ups and technique sessions
• participate in performance classes
• participate workshops in healthy practice including daily mindfulness sessions
• receive masterclass experiences from outstanding professionals

Throughout the rest of the day, you will

• have structured activities to undertake
• receive one to one lessons
• undertake personal practice

The course will vary day-to-day, but will include a mix of sessions such as:

Daily Warm-Up

• The daily warm-up classes will focus on developing your aural and critical listening skills while preparing your mind and body for the day.

Individual Lessons and Masterclass experiences from outstanding professionals

• One to one lessons and masterclasses with instrumental specialists from RCS plus other specialists from their field.

Performance Classes and Technique Sessions

• Sessions on technique, performance pointers and workshops in healthy practice.

Mindfulness Sessions

• Learn how practising mindfulness can improve your well-being and help you cope with performance anxiety and nerves.

Insights into studying at RCS

• What it’s like studying at one of the top arts education institutions in the world.

You will find an example schedule below of how the week will be shaped. Please note this schedule may change before the course start date.

Monday

• Welcome.
• Technique Class
• 1:1 Lessons
• Chamber Music
• Historical Recordings/Masters

Tuesday

• Technique Class
• 1:1 Lessons
• Chamber Music
• Performance Class
• Trad/Jazz/Var – Accordion in traditional music of different countries.

Wednesday

• Technique Class
• 1:1 Lessons
• Staff Showcase
• Chamber Music
• Performance Class
• Q and A with degree student

Thursday

• Technique Class
• 1:1 Lessons
• Chamber Music
• Performance Class
• Around the world/new music

Friday

• Technique Class
• 1:1 Lessons
• Rehearsals
• Final Sharing – Informal concert open to family and friends.

This course is for students aged 12-17 years who are currently playing at Grade 6 and above.

Participants will be asked to submit a short recording of themselves along with their application to demonstrate their current playing level.

The recording should be no longer than 3-4 minutes. No need to worry about recording quality – you can use your mobile phone/tablet/computer.

You can submit your recording in two ways:

1. Upload to a video platform, such as YouTube, as an unlisted file and enter the URL on the last page of the online booking form.
2. Upload the file itself direct to the last page of the online booking form.

Please remember to title your file or video as: Your Name – Course Name

If you have any questions or problems with the upload, please email summerschools@rcs.ac.uk

This summer school is suitable for any young string player aged 12—17, playing at Grade 6 and above, who wishes to:

• develop musically and technically
• build repertoire and performing experiences
• become aware of various practice techniques and the importance of critical listening
• gain knowledge about their instrument
• meet other students passionate about music

Students are asked to bring your own instrument and also please ensure that you have a notebook, pencils and eraser for the duration of the course. Please also bring a piece you have been working on.

The course runs Monday, 5 August – Friday, 9 August, from 10am to 5pm.

There will be a short sharing of the work students have been engaging with on the Friday afternoon for invited family and friends.

Dr Lev Atlas, who is currently principal viola at the Scottish Opera Orchestra and a senior lecturer in strings at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, completed his Phd research on Russian Chamber Music at the University of St Andrews and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2013.

Lev has enjoyed an outstanding career as a classical musician in his native Russia, then in the USA and now in the UK. He was a member of the international award-winning Rostov String Quartet, as well as the founder and leader of the Internationally acclaimed Rachmaninov Trio. Lev also has another string to his bow – a virtuoso Klezmer and Eastern European music performer, he is a living encyclopaedia of hundreds of traditional tunes and he has influenced many musicians across Europe.

Donnie Deacon: Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Donnie Deacon began studying the violin with Robert Cairns. He then studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music with Jerre Gibson. He continued his studies at the Yehudi Menuhin School in London under the tutelage of Natasha Boyarskaya and finished his schooling at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia with Jaime Laredo and Ida Kavafian.

Mr. Deacon has performed all over the world as soloist with such distinguished orchestras as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, BT Scottish Ensemble, London Soloists, Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, Pablo de Sarasate Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Curtis Institute of Music. He has sat as principle second violin with the National Arts Centre Orchestra since 2001, the youngest player to do so in the history of the Orchestra. He has performed as guest Concertmaster of both the Vancouver Symphony and The National Arts Centre Orchestra.

Mr. Deacon was a founding member of the Zukerman Chamber Players and has performed at many renowned music festivals such as Verbier, Schleswig Holstein, Ravinia, Aspen and the BBC Proms.

As an advocate for Canadian music, he has given the world premiere of Gary Kulesha’s 2nd violin concerto and William Rowson’s violin concerto.

Summer Accommodation

We are pleased to welcome students from across the world to our Summer Schools. Our course fees do not include accommodation or food, and these should be organised by the student. Our campus is located in Glasgow city centre, and you can find the addresses below.

We recommend Base Glasgow, as purpose-built accommodation for Conservatoire students, with Rehearsal Rooms, Practice spaces and Dance Studios. Base Glasgow is perfectly suited for our summer school students; both safe and secure, with 24/7 staff presence and only 3 mins walk from our main Renfrew Street building, keeping travel costs to a minimum.

Classic En-Suite rooms come with a 3/4 bed, en-suite bathroom, ample storage, mirror, study desk and chair. The shared area includes a spacious lounge and kitchen area.

Please note that Short Courses staff are not affiliated with BASE or on site outwith the summer school teaching hours, and therefore cannot take responsibility for students outside of these hours.

For more information about booking accommodation at BASE Glasgow you can contact them directly via website BASE – Student Accommodation in Glasgow or email baseglasgow@herestudents.com.

Alternatively, there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and b’n’b options available. We are located close to transport links should you wish to stay outside the city centre. If you are travelling to Glasgow for a course, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers course fees, travel, accommodation, and cancellations due to COVID-19 – as RCS will not refund in this circumstance. You can view the Cancellations and Refund policy for full information.

For students under 18 years old, we strongly advise travelling with a responsible adult should any emergency situations arise during class. Students are only monitored by staff during class times.

Renfrew Street Campus: 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB
Wallace Studios Campus: 210 Garscube Road, Glasgow, G4 9RR