Category: Music

Fair Access Fair Access Expo: Community and Applied Arts Practice

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access Expo: 

 Community and Applied Arts Practice 

Friday 7 June, 10-3:30pm at The Boardwalk, Glasgow G1 1TF

Are you aged 16 – 25 and want to use your creativity to ask questions, share stories and make change? Do you think the arts can change people’s minds, opinions and lives? Are you interested in building leadership and facilitation skills? If the answer is yes, come along to find out more about Community and Applied Arts Practice at our Fair Access Expo.

At this exciting all-day event, we’re inviting you to join practical sessions with experienced community artists to:

  • Make Theatre
  • Get Moving
  • Make Music
  • Tell a Story

They’ll share their skills and show you how they work creatively with a range of communities. Come and learn about the stories that matter.

What is Community Arts Practice? 

It’s a springboard to careers in teaching, directing, performance making, youth work, community music, arts in health and wellbeing, community education, play work, arts funding, creative learning in arts and cultural organisations and so much more.

How to register

To register, please visit the Eventbrite event page where you can sign up as a young person to attend, or as a teacher to book for a group of pupils.

Ticket like button for registering

Who can attend

Fair Access prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 25 who are facing barriers in accessing the arts and who meet one or more of the following criteria:

Get in touch if you have any questions or need us to check a postcode for you.

If you are a young person living very rurally (e.g. on an island) you may also be eligible. Please get in touch with us and we will let you know if you can apply.

Note to teachers

If you are a teacher, we encourage you to attend this opportunity with your pupils. If you cannot attend, we ask that either an alternative member of staff accompanies the group, or that the students are passed on the booking link in order to book themselves a place. This will enable us to collect the details we require from the young people attending to be able to run the event effectively.

Contact WACI for More Information

You can contact the team at waci@rcs.ac.uk

A Warm Welcome to All Our Students

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Events and Activity Kickstarting 2023.24 

Get Into: Production and Guitar, Interview Skills and New Ambassadors Meeting

☀️ Fair Access are celebrating the start of the new academic year for 2023/24. We’re thrilled to have all our students back, new and returning, with a host of activities to start us off.

🔈 GET INTO: PRODUCTION

Those interested in learning about stage management, lighting, prop making, set design and more were off to a great start with their first session in sound with RCS’s Head of Production Ros Maddison.

🎸 GET INTO: GUITAR

A classroom with 5 students and tutor talking about guitars

This strand of our ‘Get Into’ programme is designed to develop performance skills and general musicianship. Embarking on a journey of discovery, delving into the fundamentals of guitar playing while fostering a love for music. Led by RCS students who are passionate about nurturing new talent, students will go on to learn everything from basic chords and strumming techniques to sightreading and improvisation. With weekly group lessons and one-to-one attention, students will build skills, gain confidence, and develop a solid foundation in guitar playing.

🎓 TRANSITIONS YOA INTERVIEW SKILLS

A studio classroom with people at tables chatting

Kickstarting the Transitions Year of Applications student activities for the year was an interview skills workshop. These are invaluable workshops in preparing our students in getting ready to apply for further study in the performance and production arts.

⭐️ FAIR ACCESS AMBASSADORS

A room of students with a tutor, standing

And lastly, a huge thank you to all our new Fair Access Ambassadors who attended the first meet-up of the year. It was great to see everyone getting to know each other and we’re looking forward to the year ahead with you all. Welcome!

 Get In Touch 

If you would like to find out more about the work that Fair Access do, visit or website at rcs.ac.uk/fair-access, sign up for our newsletter via the website or if you have any questions or queries, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Get Into: Performing and Production Arts

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Get Into: Performing and Production Arts 

Musical Theatre, Filmmaking, Production, Singing or Guitar

For ages 15+ Starting Autumn 2023

Young woman making stage props and words 'Get Into Performing and Production Arts'

Would you like to Get Into: Musical Theatre, Filmmaking, Guitar, Singing or Production Arts & Technology? Not sure where to begin? Our free ‘Get Into’ courses could be the perfect answer. 

We’re running five separate programmes in these artforms starting Autumn 2023.

These free weekly sessions will be a great opportunity to:

  • Build your confidence
  • Develop your skills in your chosen artform
  • Meet others who love the same thing as you

Bring your energy, enthusiasm and commitment! 

Ticket like button for registering

Please note: Fair Access will prioritise those facing barriers to accessing the arts such as those:

Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

 Get In Touch 

If you have any questions or queries, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Inverclyde Music Festival Success

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Inverclyde Music Festival 

Congratulations to Thomas Williams

Young man in a blazer, holding a first in class certificate

Congratulations to Transitions Student Thomas Williams, who took part in the Inverclyde Music Festival representing Port Glasgow High School.

He came First in Class for Grade 7-8 Electric Guitar receiving 90 marks and marked as outstanding. He has been asked to compete for The Andrew Cockle memorial trophy.  

Following on from his success he was awarded the M.H Todd Trophy in piano. This led to him being invited to perform at the final concert and awarded with a further two trophies: The Musician Union Shield for Best Junior Solo Performer aged 12-18 and The Jean Rennie Trophy for the most promising string player.

Well done Thomas- we are all very proud of you! 

Self Tape Sessions

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Self Tape Sessions 

Year of Application Students

Young woman standing in front of a camera recording an interview session.

Throughout January, we had a wide selection of Transitions students come into RCS to have audition tapes filmed for their college, university, and conservatoire applications. Students ranging in disciplines from acting, musical theatre to music teaching, were accompanied by an engineer to record their self-tapes.

Working in partnership with RCS Admissions it was great to see how prepared they all were.

The feedback has been extremely positive with applicants loving their tapes and appreciating the atmosphere in the studio. It helped students feel more confident so we hope that this is something we can offer in the future again.

Transitions Student Joins National Youth Orchestra

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 CONGRATULATIONS TOM DONKIN 

Celebrating a successful audition and place in the NYO 2023

Head and shoulders of young man smiling, wearing glasses next to a port

One of our Transitions students, Tom Donkin, has been successful in his audition for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain 2023. He has gained the role of joint principal for the Bassoon section.

As part of this, Tom will be participating in a leadership programme, three residencies and a number of workshops and concerts throughout the year.   The first residency will commence on 30 December 2022 with a tour around the country including the venues such as the Barbican Concert Hall, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Warwick Arts Centre and Philharmonic Hall Liverpool. 

The orchestra will be officially launched in November.

Well done Tom!!

Apply Now To Become A Fair Access Ambassador!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 FAIR ACCESS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME 

September 2022 through to Summer 2023

⭐️ Applications are now open for our Fair Access Ambassador programme ⭐️

Young people sitting chatting in student area

 What is Fair Access? 

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is an inclusive and diverse environment. We want to encourage as many people as possible, regardless of their background, to get involved with the performing and production arts. The Fair Access department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland run two programmes – Transitions and WACI – alongside our Fair Access Outreach and Partnership programme. 📽 Watch more here.

 The work of Fair Access Ambassadors 

Our Ambassadors work alongside our staff to help promote and provide information on opportunities around entering into the performing and production arts and our Fair Access activities and events within their local schools and communities. In return, our Ambassadors gain experience within the arts sector, working with people, and developing teamwork and communication skills alongside bespoke training opportunities.

 About you! 

The Ambassador programme is aimed at those aged 16+ who are passionate about the performing and production arts. You will meet the WACI eligibility criteria or be a current Transitions student. Checking your emails regularly, having good knowledge in social media, clear communication skills and being comfortable in social situations are an advantage.

 When will I need to be available? 

Aside from normal Ambassador activities, you will be available to attend our Ambassador meetings either at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland or via Zoom:

▪️ Residential Weekend: 2 – 4 September
▪️ Meetings: 20 Nov 22, 18 Feb 23 and 17 Jun 23.

 Sounds good, where / how do I sign up? 

Our application form will ask you to fill in your personal details and write a short response to the following questions:

▪️ Why are the arts important?
▪️ How would you promote the arts within your community to young people?
▪️ Why and how would you commit to being a Fair Access Ambassador?

*Alternatively, you can attach a short video (2-3 mins) that answers the questions above.

 Completing you application 

To complete your application we ask that you provide a reference from someone you know who is involved in the arts. This can be a teacher, tutor, community practitioner etc.

Get in touch 

If you require further information or have any questions, get in touch with the team at: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Call Out for Participants: Bass Clef Podcasts

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 BASS CLEF PODCAST 

Call Out for Bass Clef Musicians and Those Who Love Bass Sounds

Graphic - don't really know what it is

In June 2022, artist Emmie McLuskey would like to invite you to take part in two sessions that explore the space between vibration and sound. Emmie is interested in what is at the edge of our perception as humans and wants to think of sound as a full body experience.
The sessions will be about playing with sound, experimenting with what the instruments and equipment can do and making our own sound recordings that will become part of a podcast commissioned by the Fair Access department at RCS.

Emmie is looking for musicians who play bass clef instruments including, but not limited to!

  • Bassoon
  • Contrabassoon
  • Tuba
  • Baritone Sax
  • Trombone
  • Bass Trombone
  • Contra Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Bass Guitar
  • Sousaphone
  • Harp
  • Timpani
  • Cello
  • Double Bass

Or you can also be someone who is interested in playing with bass clef sounds. No experience is required, just bring an open mind and be up for trying something new!
You must be 16+ and able to attend the following sessions at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland from 5-8pm on the following dates:

  • Thursday 2 June
  • Thursday 9 June

Book here ticket button

 Get In Touch 

If you require any further information or have any questions, get in touch with Emma McLuskey at: e.mcluskey@rcs.ac.uk

BBC Radio 3: Nicola Benedetti

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 BBC Radio 3: Nicola Benedetti 

Transitions Students Performance Trip

In February a number of our Transitions students were offered the opportunity to see the Nicola Benedetti-Elschenbroich-Grynyuk Trio in concert. 

Three musicians, cello, violin and piano

Nicola Benedetti needs no introduction at RCS with her inspiring music-making and education programme. The Benedetti-Elschenbroich–Grynyuk Trio performed on the RCS stage with chamber works from Schumann, Rihm and Brahms.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed the performance, providing us with the following feedback:

“I really loved the Brahms piano trio. it was one of the first piano trios I have ever listened to, so it meant a lot to hear it in person by amazing musicians!”

“I felt connected and just overcome with emotion. I felt so grateful to be able to listen to the music and felt such joy listening to it.”

“It reminded me why I want to pursue performance since it brings so much joy to people.”

“I felt so happy to be there. I’m so happy that I got the chance to see this performance. Also, the performance gave me so much inspiration and energy, I want to do music even more than before.”

“I was totally captivated by the whole performance, and couldn’t help but feel like this was something I wanted to do in my future career. There was such variation amongst the pieces, and each one reflected something different – be that different emotions and ideas.“

“It’s really exciting to listen to new music and see new performances/musicians and that it is also a really good learning experience as you expand your knowledge of repertoire and learn essential performance skills.”

We have more Transitions performance trips in the pipeline throughout the coming months, so be sure to keep an eye out for new opportunities to sign-up!

Applications for 2022/23 Are Open!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Applications are now open for our funded Transitions programme where students receive support to kick start their journey in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Over the next few weeks and months, you’ll be able to hear from our students and alumni on what it has meant to them to be part of the Transitions programme. First up we feature some of our music students and alumni.

Young woman sitting in front of an electronic piano. Looking away smiling.
📸 Robbie Mcfadzean

We recommend that students apply as soon as possible in order for applications to be considered for 2022/23 entry. In order to guarantee consideration for an Autumn 2022 start, applications need to be submitted by the closing dates below:

  • Music: 7 February 2022
  • Acting & Musical Theatre: 28 March 2022
  • Film & Production: 30 May 2022

Head over to our ‘Apply’ page to apply and find out more.

If you have any questions about your application, you can contact us on: transitions@rcs.ac.uk