UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 1 WELCOME 02 Welcome 04 Why study at a conservatoire?

Thank you for your interest in the of Music. 06 What is a BMus(Hons) degree? We have written this guide to help you with the next steps 11 Useful dates in applying to study here, and to direct you to other useful Understanding application vocabulary information you may need. 12 14 Things you should know about the RCM

18 Before you apply

22 Applying

24 Auditions

26 Next steps checklist

27 How to keep in touch

Top institution for performing arts in the UK for six consecutive years QS World University Rankings 2016–2021

2 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 3 WHY STUDY AT A CONSERVATOIRE? At a conservatoire you can study performance and composition programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Your principal study is at the heart of your The RCM’s BMus(Hons) qualification is a fully learning experience, and informs the structure accredited and internationally recognised of your programme. You will receive one-to- undergraduate degree. It is designed to be one lessons throughout the year along with a flexible, enabling you to shape your studies variety of performance opportunities. around your own skills and interests.

Successful applicants will usually have achieved There is a strong emphasis on independent a high standard in performance or composition learning and we believe that the more you put at the time of assessment. into your studies at the Royal College of Music, the more you will get out of your time here. Our Bachelor of Music BMus(Hons) programme There are plenty of opportunities to make the blends tradition, creativity and innovation. It most of your time studying, such as taking part focuses on performance training or composition in projects, attending masterclasses and using alongside modules in contextual subjects and our wonderful resources and facilities. professional skills.

4 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 5 WHAT IS A Of the RCM alumni who graduated in 2018, 94% of survey respondents were BMUS(HONS) DEGREE? employed or engaged in further study 15 months after graduating. The BMus(Hons) is a four-year undergraduate degree Higher Education Statistics Agency Survey (2020) designed to give you a high level of performance or composition training, alongside studies relevant to your aspirations as a musician.

Teaching at the Royal College of Music is made globe and our graduates go on to work in a wide up of one-to-one tuition, performance classes, range of careers at some of the most prestigious workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting ensembles, venues, educational institutions and professors, ensemble activities, seminars and opera companies in the world. lectures, including online learning and teaching. One of the most common career paths for our Our world-class professors offer students not graduates is to be a self-employed musician, only first-rate teaching, but also mentorship and which usually includes performing and teaching networking opportunities. on a freelance basis. Graduates also work as Alongside your principal study, the first two years of orchestral musicians, musicians in the armed forces, the programme have core modules in aural, history, composers, conductors, music administrators and musicianship and professional skills, including librarians, to name a few. health and wellbeing for musicians, and career Graduates who decide to progress to further study management. Years three and four are designed do so both in and abroad, with around half to be flexible so that you can tailor your studies to deciding to return to the RCM. The most popular meet your own interests and aspirations. Throughout courses are Master of Music (MMus), Master of your studies you will develop your skills further in Performance (MPerf) and Master of Composition ensemble and solo performance, and develop an (MComp). RCM graduates also go on to study for understanding of music in different contexts. other postgraduate courses and qualifications, as Modules on offer currently include Conducting, well as conducting their own private study. Musician in the Digital Age, Innovation and In addition to the career management and Enterprise, Psychology of Performance, Sound professional elements of the course, our Creative Recording and Production, Music and Words, Careers Centre offers bespoke advice and Alexander Technique, Instrumental and Vocal guidance throughout your studies and for five years Teaching, Orchestration and Arrangement and after graduating. It offers resources, workshops many others. You can find a full list of modules on and presentations by industry specialists, plus a our website at www.rcm.ac.uk/courses broad range of professional opportunities including WHAT CAN I DO WITH A performances and teaching work. For orchestral BMUS(HONS) QUALIFICATION? musicians we also provide side-by-side ‘sit-in’ schemes with several major orchestras. For many Our priority is supporting you to reach your full students, the Creative Careers Centre helps pave potential as a musician, ensuring you have the the way to a successful lifelong career in music. resources you need to succeed in the profession of your choice. Your studies here will allow you to follow a diverse array of career paths. RCM students and graduates enjoy success in major competitions around the FIND OUT MORE www.rcm.ac.uk/creativecareers

6 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 7

MY AUDITION EXPERIENCE AT THE RCM WAS GREAT. THE STAFF ON MY AUDITION PANELS WERE EXTREMELY WELCOMING.

RIANNA HENRIQUES Bachelor of Music (Hons)

I have always wanted to study music and had been set on the Royal College of Music as music performance really stood out to me. Attending the RCM’s Junior Department for four years really helped me to confirm my decision that the RCM was the place for me. My audition experience at the RCM was great. The staff on my audition panels were extremely welcoming.

8 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 9 USEFUL DATES The deadlines for applying to study at a conservatoire are slightly earlier than those for universities. Below is a table of the main dates you should be aware of when applying to the Royal College of Music.

DATES

15 July 2021 Applications open on UCAS Conservatoires

1 October 2021 Application deadline for candidates auditioning in London or by video

1 October 2021 Application and portfolio submission deadline for composers

29 October 2021 Video audition submission deadline

Mid November – Auditions in London mid December 2021

December 2021 Audition results published for London audition and video audition candidates

1 February 2022 Deadline for responding to offers received by 3 January 2022

As well as our London auditions, the Royal College of Music regularly holds auditions in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing and Shanghai. The latest information on audition venues can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/auditionlocations

*Audition dates and venues correct at time of publication but may be

subject to change due to latest guidance on the coronavirus outbreak. FIND OUT MORE See www.rcm.ac.uk/auditions for latest information. www.rcm.ac.uk/apply

10 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 11 UNCONDITIONAL OFFER LIVING COSTS UNDERSTANDING An unconditional offer means you are Your living costs will cover your accommodation, guaranteed a place on the course, as you have travel, food and lifestyle whilst studying. We APPLICATION already met the entry requirements. cannot say exactly how much money you will need while studying at the RCM, as different CONDITIONAL OFFER students have different needs, preferences and VOCABULARY If you receive a conditional offer it means that lifestyles. We have broken down the indicative we are guaranteed to accept you if you meet all living costs you may need to budget for at of the entry requirements. For example, you will www.rcm.ac.uk/livingcosts receive a conditional offer if you are waiting for SCHOLARSHIPS UCAS CONSERVATOIRES PRINCIPAL STUDY your A Level results. UCAS Conservatoires is the application service Your principal study is the main specialism that Any student who auditions in person or by video for courses at conservatoires in the UK, through you will pursue during your course, such as TUITION FEES for a place on a performance or composition which you apply for the RCM’s BMus(Hons) violin or composition. Students may want to programme beginning in September 2022 will All students of UK Higher Education institutions course. It is part of UCAS, which is used for take up an additional related or second study automatically be considered for a scholarship are required to make a payment to their institution most Higher Education applications in the UK. alongside their principal study, but this is not or study award. Scholarships are offered on to cover the cost of their studies. Studying at a a requirement. the merits of your performance at audition or You can use UCAS Conservatoires Track to world-class conservatoire can be expensive, follow the stages of your application, find interview. Scholarship amounts vary from student JOINT PRINCIPAL STUDY but we provide financial support to our most out when your audition is, see your results talented students through an array of awards and to student, from a contribution towards your tuition a n d c o n fi r m y o u r d e c i s i o n . F i n d o u t m o r e a t Students with an equally high level of ability scholarships. For up-to-date information on fees fees right up to full fees. For more information www..com/conservatoires in two areas may undertake joint principal and funding see www.rcm.ac.uk/fees please visit www.rcm.ac.uk/scholarships study, in which their two specialisms are ENTRY REQUIREMENTS taught and assessed with equal weight. This is a demanding option, requiring a very high You must be able to meet the minimum level of practical skill. Due to the large number qualifications in order for your application to of scheduled classes, it is not possible for be considered by the Royal College of Music. singers or percussionists to undertake joint This varies depending on the country you are principal study. applying from. For full details visit www.rcm.ac.uk/bmus RELATED STUDY

FACULTIES Related study allows instrumentalists to receive tuition on an instrument closely related to their Faculties are the different departments that principal study, such as oboe and cor anglais, make up our core teaching and learning or flute and piccolo. at the Royal College of Music. These are: Brass, Composition, Conducting*, Historical SECOND STUDY Performance, Keyboard, Percussion, Strings, Vocal & Opera and Woodwind. For Second study allows students to receive tuition more information about our faculties see in a second specialism in an area that does not www.rcm.ac.uk/faculties qualify for related study. Second study is taught and assessed at a lower intensity than principal study. Examples include piano with violin, or trumpet with composition.

*Conducting is only available as a principal study specialism at postgraduate level. Second study conducting is available to postgraduates and final year undergraduates who meet the requirements.

12 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 13 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE RCM The Royal College of Music has been ranked the top institution for performing arts in the UK for six consecutive years (QS World University Rankings 2016–2021) and no.1 in Europe in 2020 and 2021, training gifted musicians from all over the globe for a range of international careers. If you’re interested in studying at one of the world’s greatest conservatoires, here are a few things we think you should know about us…

PERFORMANCE AND EVENTS ACCOMMODATION STUDENT SUPPORT STUDENTS’ UNION The RCM aims to give students as much Our hall of residence, Prince Consort Village, The College takes pride in being an inclusive The RCM Students’ Union is here to help you performance experience as possible in venues provides high-quality accommodation for music place to study and we support equality and make the most of your time in London. It offers across London and further afield. Find out more students, featuring acoustically treated bedrooms diversity within our community. We promote a student socials, health and wellbeing services, at www.rcm.ac.uk/performance and practice spaces. It is located in leafy south- range of teaching, activities and resources to student feedback, pastoral care and supports west London and within easy travelling distance support student health and wellbeing during their student-led music, as well as hosting a variety OUTSTANDING TEACHING of the RCM. For more details on accommodation, studies. Our experienced and supportive Student of societies and events throughout the year. Find www.rcm.ac.uk/rcmsu Our exceptional teaching staff are often joined by visit www.rcm.ac.uk/accommodation Services Team offers a confidential and impartial out more at visiting professors from across the music industry. advice service to all students, dealing with a range CREATIVE CAREERS CENTRE Explore our professors for each faculty at INSPIRING LOCATION of issues including financial concerns, private www.rcm.ac.uk/faculties London is a fantastic student city with a host accommodation, musicians’ injuries, personal The RCM is a world-leader in career of opportunities to explore. The Royal College matters and more, in person and online. For more development for musicians. We emphasise the EXCELLENT FACILITIES of Music sits in the heart of South . information visit www.rcm.ac.uk/studentsupport need for students to be confident and versatile We stand proudly opposite the Royal Albert communicators, not just in their professional Our main building, the Blomfield Building, sits DISABILITIES on opposite the Royal Hall and enjoy fruitful partnerships with our engagements but in everything they do. Our Albert Hall, and is home to performance spaces, neighbours, such as the Victoria and Albert We welcome and encourage the participation Creative Careers Centre enables our musicians classrooms, rehearsal and practice facilities and Museum and . Students of students with disabilities in all aspects of life to discover their professional identity, gain new the RCM Students’ Union. We have recently can also enjoy the relaxing expanse of Hyde at the RCM, and we have particular experience skills and more. For more details see page 6 or www.rcm.ac.uk/creativecareers opened two new performance spaces; the Park, less than five minutes’ walk away. in supporting students with dyslexia and go to Performance Hall which has variable acoustics Find out more about our inspiring location at visual impairment. SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and a retractable stage suitable for a range of www.rcm.ac.uk/location Our Student Services are designed to support you performance and the smaller Performance Studio, in a way that enables you to be an independent The RCM welcomes students from all over ideal for solo and chamber performance. member of our student community. If you find that the world. About half of our students come from outside of the UK which makes the The new Royal College of Music Museum you need some extra support while you are studying at the RCM the Student Services team RCM an exciting and diverse hub of music opens in 2021 and will showcase our making. Our friendly International Team can extensive collection of historical instruments, can help you. Each student who discloses a disability or support need will be offered a tailored assist you if you have any questions about art works and manuscripts. Find out more at applying to the RCM. For more information visit www.rcm.ac.uk/facilities learning agreement. To find out more visit www.rcm.ac.uk/disabilities www.rcm.ac.uk/international

14 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 15

BEFORE YOUR AUDITION, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR PIECES INSIDE OUT, AND CHOOSE REPERTOIRE THAT YOU’RE COMFORTABLE WITH.

DAFYDD JONES Bachelor of Music (Hons)

I studied two subjects at my secondary school in Wales, but travelled to a neighbouring school to study music. Although I discovered a love of music at a young age, I really began to take singing seriously during A levels. I fell in love with the RCM at audition. The facilities, students and staff made me feel at ease. Before your audition, make sure you know your pieces inside out, and choose repertoire that you’re comfortable with.

16 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 17 BEFORE YOU APPLY

REQUEST A PROSPECTUS EXPECTED PERFORMANCE STANDARD If you haven’t already, we recommend that Successful applicants to the Royal College of you read the RCM prospectus, which contains Music will usually have already achieved a high further information on our facilities, performance standard of performance or composition at the time opportunities, student life, faculties and of audition. Competition is high and we always much more. You can request or download a have more applicants than places available. We prospectus at www.rcm.ac.uk/prospectus don’t use ABRSM or other graded exams as a pre-requisite for our BMus(Hons) course. Successful applicants tend to be at a standard equivalent to EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS distinction at ABRSM grade 8 and those who have Our Open Days take place each spring and are developed much further. designed to give prospective students, parents and teachers the chance to explore what the You can see performances from our students from College has to offer. For more information visit across different year groups and faculties on our www.rcm.ac.uk/openday YouTube channel www.youtube.com/RCMLondon You can also watch our campus tour video at www.rcm.ac.uk/watchcampustour

18 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 19

I’VE NEVER FELT OUT OF PLACE SINCE I MOVED HERE, THANKS TO MY FELLOW STUDENTS AND THE LARGE POOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT THE COLLEGE.

TOBIAS ENGELBREKTSSON Bachelor of Music (Hons)

Moving away from your home country to study is a pretty daunting prospect, but I’ve never felt out of place since I moved here, thanks to my fellow students and the large pool of international students at the College. Even though I was nervous about studying abroad I haven’t regretted my decision once, and I doubt I ever will.

20 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 21 STUDY OPTIONS SCHOLARSHIPS APPLYING If you want to apply to study more than one Currently more than 50% of full-time students instrument or specialism, there are receive some financial support thanks to the a variety of options you can consider: generosity of individuals, legators, companies and charitable trusts. Scholarships are offered UCAS CONSERVATOIRES APPLICATION • If you feel you have a high level of ability in on the merits of your performance at audition or Applications to the RCM are made via UCAS Your UCAS Conservatoires application will two areas you can apply for joint principal interview. Scholarship amounts vary from student Conservatoires. The conservatoire recruitment include your personal information, details of your study. You will need to select this option in to student, from a contribution towards your cycle is different to universities and you will previous education and a personal statement, your application. You will be auditioned in tuition fees right up to full fees. need to apply by 1 October 2021 for entry which is your opportunity to tell us more about both specialisms and may be offered a place You don’t have to apply for a scholarship – any in September 2022. Applications open in July your musical experience and achievements. to study both at equal intensity. Depending student who auditions or interviews for a place 2021, see page 11 for specific dates. There on your performance at audition, the RCM You must also provide two references, the in person or by video for September 2022 is a useful guide to completing your application may decide to offer a place on only one of practical reference should be written by entry is automatically considered. If you are on the UCAS Conservatoires website: your current principal study teacher, and the the two principal studies. offered a scholarship or study award you will www.ucas.com/conservatoires receive a confirmation letter following your offer academic reference should be from someone • You can pursue a second study which you of a place. We recognise that the audition process can seem who can comment on your academic ability. will audition for when you commence your stressful and expensive. To avoid putting yourself You will be asked to enter your referees’ studies in September. Or you can choose under too much pressure we recommend that you contact details into the application form, and to take a related study, this is subject to the research your options carefully and consider only an automated request for a reference will be approval of the relevant Head of Faculty preparing auditions for three or four conservatoires. sent to them. If it is not possible to obtain your when you start your course. You don’t need to references by the application deadline, you can The RCM offers audition fee waivers to UK indicate an interest in second or related study ask your referees to send them directly to the BMus(Hons) applicants from low income in your application. RCM. However, you should aim to submit them households. For more information on eligibility to UCAS by the deadline if possible. and how to request a fee waiver please visit For more information about our different study FIND OUT MORE www.rcm.ac.uk/bmus options see page 12. www.rcm.ac.uk/apply

22 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 23 COMPOSERS AUDITION ADVICE AUDITIONS Composers are primarily assessed on the Audition nerves are completely normal. Our basis of their portfolios, and only those best advice is to make sure you have prepared whose portfolios demonstrate potential will be your repertoire thoroughly. Make sure that you invited to attend an interview. A portfolio of leave enough time for your journey to the RCM In addition to our main auditions in London, we PERFORMERS between two and five contrasting examples and arrive in plenty of time to get to your warm also hold auditions in the USA and at a number The format of your audition will vary depending of your work should be submitted by the up room. It may also be useful to think of a few of venues in Asia. You can find out more at on your principal study. It will generally last application deadline. Portfolios should include questions to ask the panel, as they will be happy www.rcm.ac.uk/auditionlocations approximately 15–20 minutes and you will need scores, and you may also submit recordings to answer any queries you may have. Most of all, If you declare a disability in your application the to prepare pieces in advance. There will also if they are available. If you are invited for try to relax, breathe and enjoy your experience of RCM will contact you to discuss confidentially be a short sight reading exercise and interview, interview, your interview will last around auditioning at the Royal College of Music. whether you need any reasonable adjustments to to allow the panel to get to know you and 15 minutes. You do not have to perform YOUR AUDITION OUTCOME enable you to audition. answer any questions you may have. For some but there will be a short aural test. For more principal studies there may be a second audition information on submitting your portfolio visit All applicants auditioning during our November– YOUR AUDITION DATE or workshop which will happen on the same www.rcm.ac.uk/comprequirements December auditions will be notified of the result day. All those auditioning will be given 15–20 Once the application deadline has passed before Christmas. This will be communicated to you minutes to warm up before their audition. There is PRE-SCREENING we collate all the applications and make our via your UCAS Conservatoires Track account along no theory test. schedule for auditions and interviews. All For our auditions in London we do not with conditions of your offer, so make sure you pre-screen applications for the BMus(Hons) check your account regularly. applicants who are auditioning in London will You can check the audition requirements for your course. If you apply on time you will be be notified of their audition date and time by principal study at www.rcm.ac.uk/auditions CHOOSING YOUR PRINCIPAL the end of October. guaranteed an assessment, so please If auditioning at an overseas venue information ensure that your application is submitted by STUDY PROFESSOR Please do your best to attend the audition can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/ the deadline. Some students will have an idea of who they date given to you as this is a highly complex auditionlocations want to study with by the time they audition. Once schedule organised alongside the other UK For several of our overseas venues we do pre-screen due to the volume of applications. you are offered a place on the programme you conservatoires to try to avoid clashes. If there will have until May 2022 to submit up to three are mitigating circumstances we may be able Check the requirements for your preferred venue at www.rcm.ac.uk/auditionlocations choices for your principal study professor. If you to be flexible but in most cases we ask that are unsure about who you want to study with, you attend at your assigned time. Pre-screening videos must be submitted by you can organise consultation lessons with any of If you have any specific needs during the the application deadline for the relevant your choices prior to making this decision. All this audition and interview process, please let audition venue. information will be given to you with your offer. us know. Your enquiries will be dealt ACCOMPANISTS with confidentially. FURTHER SUPPORT If you are auditioning in London, an accompanist If you are successful in your application and will be provided for your audition, although you decide to accept a place at the RCM, you are are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You welcome to discuss any support needs you may do not need to request this service or send us your have with the Student Services Manager, for music ahead of time, unless you are auditioning example if you have a disability, are estranged for percussion. from your family or have caring responsibilities. If you are using an RCM accompanist make sure You may want to visit the College to assess you bring a hard copy of music for them. For most whether there are any needs you have which you other audition venues you will need to bring your might not have thought of already. Arrangements own accompanist. can then be made in advance of your arrival on your course.

*Audition information correct at time of publication but may be subject to change due to latest guidance on the coronavirus outbreak. See www.rcm.ac.uk/auditions for FIND OUT MORE latest information. www.rcm.ac.uk/study

24 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 25 NEXT STEPS HOW TO CHECKLIST KEEP IN TOUCH Make sure you follow our handy next steps If you would like to talk to someone about applying to checklist, and tick them off as you make the Royal College of Music, our audition process or your way through the application process. expected standards, feel free to contact our friendly Good luck and we hope to see you soon! Admissions team who will be happy to advise you.

Full details about applying to the Royal College SOCIAL MEDIA of Music can be found on our website at To find out more about life at the RCM, our www.rcm.ac.uk/apply students, alumni and events, follow us on social media: APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES If you would like to discuss your particular needs /royalcollegeofmusic in confidence, you are welcome to contact our friendly and supportive Student Services team at @RCMLondon [email protected] /RCMLondon

ORDER OR DOWNLOAD A PROSPECTUS  01 @RCMLondon RCM ADMISSIONS 02 EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS  020 7591 4362 RCMLondon [email protected] Weibo.com/RCMLondon 03 RESEARCH THE CITY AND ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS  FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROFESSORS, FACILITIES AND  04 PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

05 CHECK THE APPLICATION DEADLINES 

06 APPLY VIA UCAS CONSERVATOIRES 

07 PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION OR INTERVIEW 

08 RESPOND TO YOUR OFFER 

09 CHOOSE YOUR PRINCIPAL STUDY PROFESSOR 

26 UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS’ GUIDE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 27 Prince Consort Road London SW7 2BS United Kingdom

+44(0)20 7591 4300 [email protected]

www.rcm.ac.uk

Patron Her Majesty The Queen

President His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

Chairman Lord Black of Brentwood

Director Professor CBE, MA (Oxon), MA, PhD, DMus, FRCM, FRNCM, FLCM, HonRAM

Photo Credits

Phil Rowley: 2-3, 4-5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 21, 24, 27

Chris Christodoulou: Cover, 18-19, 26

Adam Ferguson: 22-23

The Royal College of Music is a registered charity. No 309268

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information here is fair and accurate at the time of publication. Information on programmes, fees and services contained within this publication are subject to occasional changes, and no guarantee can be given that these will not be made following publication. For the most up-to-date information on our programmes visit www.rcm.ac.uk Any complaints concerning the fairness or accuracy of this publication should be addressed to [email protected]