RNCM OPEN DAY: Saturday 28 June @ 11.00
FREE Masterclass from Yolanda Charles (bassist for Robbie Williams, Paul Weller, Mick Jagger etc.)
Plus look round the college, meet the staff and get an advisory audition. To book freephone 0800 28 18 42 or email us.

 

'As a music artist who regularly employs session musicians, I wholeheartedly support this course as it gives a fantastic opportunity for aspiring musicians to get the training they need to work in this role.'
Jools Holland

Access to Music and the Royal Northern College of Music have joined forces to offer a unique new Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice (Session Musician): the UK’s only Foundation Degree for would-be session musicians.

The course provides vocational training for high-level musicians who intend to work as session/freelance musicians in all areas outside of the classical music sector.

 

By doing the Popular Music Practice
(Session Musician) Foundation Degree you will:

• Study at one of the world's leading music conservatoires.
• Develop and refine your musical skills to an advanced level. You will study under one of the following disciplines: guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, keyboard or vocal.
• Enhance your instrumental technique and application through intensive weekly 1.5 hour one-on-one instrumental sessions with a top professional.
• Gain valuable experience through relevant work-based learning.
• Understand the requirements of studio and live sessioning.
• Understand how to contextualise yourself and your music in relation to today's music scene.
• Learn direct from professional players.
• Learn how to network and make contacts.
• Understand how to promote and market yourself.
• Gain a recognised and relevant qualification.
• Access progression opportunities onto the Popular Music degree course at Leeds College of Music.

 

‘Back in my younger days there was nothing like this! It was generally assumed that if you were outside of classical music you had to sort it out for yourself. I firmly believe that this stuff can be taught, and that all musicians going into the music business should receive business advice. Therefore I whole-heartedly applaud and welcome the arrival of this course.’
Snake Davis, international saxophonist

Download full details below.

If you require more information on this course either:

• call FREEPHONE 0800 281 842 or
• email info@accesstomusic.co.uk

For information on being a student at RNCM and student life please contact them via email.

We have an ATM/RNCM HE Prospectus available on request.

 

 

BRYAN HARGREAVES
Bryan is an experienced and highly- skilled professional drummer and educator. He has worked with Heather Small and M People as a regular band member since 2003, touring the world and appearing on both radio and television. He has also worked with Snake Davis (Lisa Stansfield, Take That), Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), Ricky Tomlinson (Actor/ Musician) andMambito (Latin Jazz Orchestra). His television and radio work includes Michael Parkinson Show, Top Of The Pops, GMTV, Songs Of Praise, This Is Your Life and the Jonathon Ross Show.

NEIL YATES
Neil is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger with over 20 years professional experience and with his own record label. He has undertaken session work for the Lighthouse Family, Supergrass, Alison Moyet, Will Young, Brand New Heavies,Us3, Matt Bianco, Marillion, Gregory Isaacs, Black Grape, Ben Folds 5, Robbie Williams with many TV appearances including Top of the Pops, Later with Jools, T.F.I. Friday and White Room.

MAURICIO PAULY
Mauricio is an exceptionally talented bass player who has worked and toured extensively in Central America, the United States and Europe working with numerous artists and as a solo songwriter.

More tutor profiles to follow soon.

 

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be 18 years of age, or over, on September 1 in the year of entry.

All applicants will be expected to demonstrate a high level of performing ability linked to music theory.

All applicants will normally be expected to possess the following minimum qualifications:

• GCE A level (A2) in one subject, or a Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or a National Diploma in a relevant subject area (Music, Performing Arts etc.);

• Passes at GCSE level (grades A*-C) in four differente subjects, two of which must be English Language and Mathematics, or acceptable qualification equivalents.

Acceptable qualification equivalents:

• Two AS (A1) passes will be deemed equivalent to one A level (A2) pass;

• A pass in a high grade instrumental examination in combination with a pass in grade 5 Music Theory is equivalent in this instance to an A Level (A2) pass.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications are also encouraged to apply. The admissions panel will consider admitting those who do not possess the qualifications listed above, provided applicants are able to demonstrate appropriate ability through their audition and interview.

 

AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS

Sessions will last about 45 minutes and will take the following format:

• Introductions from tutors;

• Recital programme to last between 10-12 minutes demonstrating a variety of techniques through a varied choice of music;

• Each piece should be introduced with information about the music/composer – entire programme to last 10-12 minutes;

• Sight-reading test;

• Musicianship test (including aural tests, theoretical knowledge, technique, etc);

• Improvisation test;

• Interview on personal qualities and intentions for progression supported by portfolio of work (including CDs, DVDs, photos, press etc).

 

 

You must apply for this course through the Conservatoires Admissions Service UK: CUKAS:
CUKAS Registration & Application
You will needs to enter the following information:

• Conservatoire Code Name: RNCM
• Conservatoire Code: R57
• Course Code: 113F
• Short Form of Course: FdA/PMPSM

If you have a problem with this site you can also apply using our online application form.

 

Download full course information here (PDF 1.2MB):

Download student success stories here (PDF 3.5MB):

Download ATM wallpaper here (PDF 804KB):

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open these files. Download it here: