We are fortunate to have many opportunities for our students to perform alongside our partners. Music students may have the chance to perform in side-by-side concerts with RSNO or Scottish Ensemble, as well as perform alongside musicians from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Some examples of how you can perform with our partners include:

 

Royal Scottish National Orchestra 

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is one of Europe’s leading orchestras with a variety of work that is almost unparalleled amongst its British peers. 

This incredible partnership offers students a bridge between conservatoire training to professional experience. School of Music students are invited to audition for the RSNO/RCS Professional Experience scheme, where they receive specialised mentoring and individual feedback sessions. Performance work alongside RSNO musicians takes place in Scotland’s Studio, the RSNO’s purpose-built auditorium with world-class recording and performance facilities. The Orchestra also has a long-standing partnership with the conducting department at RCS, offering postgraduate students the opportunity to conduct a professional ensemble.  

“I know from my own experiences, as both a performer and teacher, the invaluable experience that is provided by close interaction with a group of high-level professional musicians. Performing alongside the RSNO unlocks many of the skills that cannot be learned from academic study or the practice room alone.” 

Alistair Mackie, Chief Executive, Royal Scottish National Orchestra 

 

Scottish Ballet  

Scottish Ballet is bold, adventurous and inspires audiences on stage and beyond. The BA Modern Ballet programme is co-designed and delivered by RCS in partnership with the company. 

Throughout their programme, students work with the world-renowned company, as well as acclaimed guest teachers and choreographers. This offers a unique and invaluable insight into professional life. RCS dancers take part in the weekly company class at Scottish Ballet’s home at Tramway and enjoy exclusive access to rehearsals. There is also the opportunity to join the company on tour, and recently students have performed in Scottish Ballet productions of The Scandal at Mayerling, The Snow Queen, Cinderella, and Wee Hansel & Gretel. 

“The relationship between Scottish Ballet and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is one of collaboration and respect. The ability to share our learning, anticipate future trends and challenges within the creative industries and, most importantly, to continue to inspire new generations of creative artists is vital for both organisations.”  

Christopher Hampson, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Scottish Ballet 

 

The National Piping Centre  

The National Piping Centre and RCS have a long–standing relationship and together have produced the BMus Traditional Music — Piping programme.  

Through the partnership, pipers have a unique opportunity to work in a creative environment and take inspiration from the wider musical community in Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music and global ‘home of piping’. Students gain real–world connections and professional experience, and graduate with the requisite skills to pursue a successful career in music.  

“When I look at the piping and traditional music scene, and the breadth of talent involved, I realise that the partnership between the RCS and The National Piping Centre is unique, and is at the heart of this living and ever-evolving tradition. Importantly, it allows musicians to learn and collaborate in the most positive and enriching way.” 

Finlay MacDonald, Director, The National Piping Centre 

 

National Theatre of Scotland  

National Theatre of Scotland showcases Scottish culture at home and around the world, telling stories that need to be told, in ways never seen before. The company takes work where audiences are to be found whilst breaking down barriers to prevent people from participating. 

This partnership offers individual mentoring opportunities and work placements for students to best prepare them for entering the profession. It also allows students to gain access to the important network of directors, sound technicians, stage managers and performance makers at Scotland’s national theatre. 

“RCS students and graduates have proven to be one of the most important cornerstones of National Theatre of Scotland productions over the years. They make an invaluable contribution to the vibrancy of Scottish theatre, and RCS continues to provide a vital training ground for Scottish theatre talent, both on and off the stage.” 

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, National Theatre of Scotland 

 

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra  

Our partnership with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra offers deep and meaningful connections for our students straight to the heart of Scottish broadcasting, arts and culture. 

Through this relationship, students benefit from a professional experience scheme, performing and broadcast opportunities with BBC Radio 3, as well as behind-the-scenes access. This includes the Leverhulme Conducting Programme mentored by Martyn Brabbins, Visiting Professor of Conducting. Regular projects include side–by–side rehearsals, conducting sessions and composer workshops, and, most recently, a dedicated collaborative week, featuring public concerts and open rehearsals. 

“The musicians of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are always delighted to work with the fantastic young artists who are training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Whether conductors, instrumentalists or singers, it is exciting to see the future of our industry emerging through our partnerships, and to watch their progress as their careers develop.” 

Dominic Parker, Director, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra 

 

Scottish Opera  

Scotland’s national opera company is the largest performing arts organisation in the country. 

With its production studios located next door to our Wallace Studios, Scottish Opera is one of our closest neighbours and partners. Collaborative opportunities include a professional experience scheme for opera students every two years, co-productions, side-by-side rehearsals with the Orchestra of Scottish Opera and also placements for production students within Scottish Opera’s technical departments. 

“Scottish Opera and RCS have a marvellous tradition of sharing ideas, creating performances, specialist teaching, masterclasses with our orchestra and visiting professional artists, and many strands of career pathways for singers, conductors, repetiteurs, technicians and stage management. And, best of all, we are neighbours here in Glasgow!”  

Alex Reedijk, General Director, Scottish Opera 

 

Scottish Ensemble  

Scottish Ensemble is a pioneering string orchestra, exploring adventurous ways in which diverse repertoire can be presented and shared. 

This partnership offers vital practical experience and inspiration through Ensemble Week, public side-by-side concerts and a Young Artists scheme. A small group of students are also selected to accompany Scottish Ensemble on tour, gaining invaluable experience of life as a professional touring musician.  

“The string players at RCS have always responded to the intensive nature of our side-by-side projects with enthusiasm, dedication and curiosity. It’s a real pleasure to witness these young musicians developing their individual and collaborative talents.”  

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director, Scottish Ensemble 

 

Solar Bear 

RCS worked closely with Solar Bear to establish the BA Performance in British Sign Language and English programme in 2015. This undergraduate programme is unique in the UK. It has been created for D/deaf and hard of hearing students who want to perform on stage and are interested in creating their own work. This can be through British Sign Language or English or a mixture of both. 

The partnership has involved Solar Bear co-running Deaf Performance Skills and short courses for D/deaf students, co-producing student productions, and guest tutoring on the BA Performance in British Sign Language and English programme, and with production and design students. 

“Our partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is dynamic, creative and inspirational. The BA Performance in British Sign Language and English is a groundbreaking programme that is changing the cultural landscape in Scotland and the UK. We are proud to work with many talented graduates from RCS; the partnership is vital to our artistic strategy.” 

Jonathan Lloyd, Creative Director and Chief Executive, Solar Bear 

 

Scottish Chamber Orchestra 

We partner with the internationally celebrated Scottish Chamber Orchestra to offer unique side-by-side learning and performing opportunities, placements and residency programmes. 

“We’re very proud of our ongoing partnership with RCS, providing vital professional experience and unique opportunities in ensemble performance and music-making. We’re pleased to play our part in helping these remarkable musicians not only to thrive in the profession, but shape the future of our cultural world.”  

 Gavin Reid, Chief Executive, Scottish Chamber Orchestra; RCS Fellow 

 

Dundee Rep

The School of Drama work closely with Dundee Rep Theatre and have taken shows on tour to Dundee to benefit from a longer run and playing for new audiences across Scotland. RCS students have also been successful in obtaining internships from Dundee Rep upon graduating.