The Power of Partnership

As Scotland’s national conservatoire, we are uniquely placed to partner with all of the national artistic companies and professional industries.

These professional partnerships are embedded in the curriculum of each programme, so you can benefit from learning alongside industry experts from the beginning of your studies.

Our partners bring a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience of the performing arts: a wonderful resource for you to tap into and learn from whilst studying.

We firmly believe that the freedom of exchange between our students and our partners creates an extraordinary atmosphere, where the artistic leaders of today engage with and inspire the performers of tomorrow.

Through RCS’s unique partnership with the BBC, and in particular BBC Scotland, we develop and foster collaboration between  our  students  and  staff.  By  strengthening  the  links  between us, it enhances the education of the next generation of performing artists and creative producers. The partnership focuses on a range of areas including digital, professional development, enhancing diversity and inclusion and performance training.  

RCS and the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust work  proactively in partnership, celebrating the world-class heritage, arts and cultural education of Scotland in a range of ways, including student masterclass retreats, performance and site-specific engagement.  

The partnership is promoted through education and access to the properties and collections under its care, including Drumlanrig Castle and Bowhill House in the Scottish Borders, Dalkeith Palace near Edinburgh and Boughton House in Northamptonshire, where the Trust conserves the Montagu Music Collection. 

This partnership aims to play a part in nurturing outstanding emerging artists and performers developing their skills at RCS, as well as celebrating and showcasing the historic, artistic and architectural national treasures lovingly curated, restored and conserved by the Trust. 

We also work in partnership with Gleneagles, the famous Perthshire destination, which supports RCS students through scholarship and performance opportunities. These include an annual sell-out festive performance in the Gleneagles ballroom where RCS’s modern ballet ensemble performs excerpts from classic repertoire. 

Our special and ground-breaking partnership with The Prince’s Foundation offers high-quality, free weekly lessons and training to young aspiring dancers and musicians. Established in 2016, and inspired by our Patron, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, the programme at Dumfries House in Ayrshire offers progression pathways for young people.  

Our partnership with The Prince’s Foundation has also created wonderful performance opportunities for students, including intimate Dumfries House recitals and, in 2019, dancers and musicians performed with actor Sam Heughan and mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill — both RCS alumni — in the spectacular ballroom of Buckingham Palace. 

Our professional partners include:

  • BBC Scotland
  • National Theatre of Scotland
  • BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
  • Royal Scottish National Orchestra
  • Scottish Ensemble
  • Scottish Opera
  • Scottish Ballet
  • Scottish Chamber Orchestra
  • Dumfries House
  • Citizens Theatre
  • BBC Radio 3
  • Celtic Connections
  • National Piping Centre
  • Dundee Rep
  • Solar Bear Theatre Company
  • Playwrights’ Studio Scotland
  • University of St Andrews

“It’s as though our walls are transparent. Students interface with the industry and vice versa there’s no barrier so there’s a gradual transition into employment. By the time they graduate they’ve worked with the most important players in Scotland, the UK and internationally.”

Andrew Panton, Visiting Professor