Category: Music

WACI Scholarship: Online Summer Schools

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Now open for applications

WACI are pleased to be offering fully-funded places for WACI pupils on one of the Summer Schools taking place here at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 
Taking place throughout the summer school holidays these courses offer an opportunity for you to try something new, develop your existing experience and/or gain a more in-depth understanding in a variety of art forms.

Available Summer Schools 

There are a variety of summer schools to choose from in:
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Film
  • Music
  • Production
Click here to have a look at the Short Courses Summer School’s programme to help you figure out which course is the right course for you. Some of the courses are very popular, and spaces will fill up quickly – we’ll be assessing applications as and when they come in, so get your application in as soon as possible to avoid being disappointed!

How to apply

All you need to do is fill out the application form below telling us:
  • a little bit about you
  • why you would like to do the course you’ve chosen 
If it would be easier, you can provide a voice recording or video statement in support of your application.

Apply now!

*Applications now closed*

Apply Now for the Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours at RCS

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours:
Inspiring tomorrow’s teaching
Application deadline: 15 Jan 2021

Teacher with hands raised in demonstration mode, smiling at students. Can see backs of students heads.

The Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is the only undergraduate programme in Scotland dedicated to teaching the next generation of music teachers within a conservatoire setting. This vocational programme offers musicians an alternative to a performance career – where they can study their passion for music and education for four years at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and then progress to inspire and nurture young people in classrooms.

Why choose RCS?

• Study at one of the world’s top 10 performing arts education institutions (QS World University Rankings 2020)
• Inspire and nurture young people in classrooms
• Guaranteed probationary year of employment (Scottish, UK and EU students)
• Starting salary is approx. £27K
• 100% of graduates are in employment (HESA, 2017/18)
• Gain provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland
• Have the choice to balance a part-time career in teaching with a freelance career in music

What’s it like being a Music teacher?

RCS Graduate Claire Friary tells us:

Teacher at front of the class with hand gesture towards class.“I graduated from the BEd Music course in 2017. I completed my probation year at Coatbridge High School and I was lucky enough to be kept on after this year and eventually made a permanent member of staff in early 2019. I am now in my 4th year of teaching at Coatbridge High and I absolutely love every single day of my job as a music teacher!

The BEd Music course leaves you well-equipped with all of the necessary tools to become an excellent music teacher. I undertook 5 different placements during my undergraduate degree (1 in primary, 4 in secondary) which gave me a magnitude of experience across schools with all ages and abilities.

Last year, I was appointed the Musical Director of our annual school show. I have also been involved in plenty of whole school initiatives outside of my subject, such as organising the S5/6 Winter Wonderland Ball and supervising in the Pupil Support Base and Learning Zone.

The best part of my job is watching pupils grow and flourish in music. I have witnessed so many young people come through the ranks in my department now and it is so rewarding to see their enthusiasm, determination, and progress over the years.”

Bookings are now closed.

Audition and Interview Prep Workshops

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

WACI are delighted to offer a range of workshops in November and December for those who are thinking about applying to study at college, university or conservatoire:

Person singing words saying 'Singing Audition Prep'

Two people holding paper, smiling. Words saying 'Filmmaking Interview Prep'

You’re eligible if you live in the West of Scotland are one of the following:

  • attending a FOCUS West School
  • living in an SiMD1 postcode
  • are Care Experienced or Estranged

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Bookings are now closed

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#GetReady #FocusOnFutures

Watch Our Fair Access Expo Live Sessions!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

The Fair Access Team would like to extend a warm thanks to everyone who virtually attended our recent Fair Access Expo.

It was a bit different this year –  however, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re glad so many of you found it useful. For those who couldn’t make it along on the day, our microsite contains a recording of the live sessions ready to watch back. 

Image of a website in various device screens.

Have you ever wanted to know more about Fair Access at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, including information on the Transitions and WACI Programmes? Are looking for advice in studying or working in the performing arts?

Why not head over to our microsite now to watch back our live sessions:

  • Meet The Teams, Transitions and WACI
  • Industry Interview, with Laura Waddell and Graeme Smilie
  • Student Life, a showcase and Q&A (Content Warning! Swearing)

You can also: 

  • watch pre-recorded videos from students and professionals 
  • hear from the Assistant Principal and Fair Access Manager at RCS
  • watch our Fair Access Virtual Band perform
  • find links to information on UCAS and UCAS Conservatoires, 
  • links to funding information from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
  • direct links to our programme websites

Again, thanks to everyone from all the team!

Visit the Fair Access Expo microsite here:

🌐 rcs.ac.uk/fair-access-expo

Bookings Now Open: Fair Access Expo Online

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

WHEN: Sun 25 October 11am – 3:30pm

WHERE: Online via Zoom (Participants will be sent information via email)

We know how daunting it can be pursuing a career in the creative industries, especially when no one you know has done it before. The Fair Access Expo offers an opportunity for you and your family or carers to receive support and advice about the educational and professional journey you are about to embark on.

  •   Meet the WACI and Transitions teams 
  •   Hear from those in the Creative Industries
  •   Hear from our current students
  •   Get involved in our interactive workshop

If you are a Transitions students or WACI pupil, you with your family, friends or carers are warmly invited to our Fair Access Expo. All members of your household are encouraged to join in!

This is event is free to attend but booking is essential.

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Booking Now Closed

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Booking Deadline: Fri 23 October

If you have any question please feel free to contact us by emailing: WACI@rcs.ac.uk

Bookings Now Open: Focus on Applications

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

WACI are thrilled to announce the first round of Focus on Applications Workshops for 2020/21 are now open for bookings.

If you’re thinking about applying to study one of the following types of courses:

at college, university or conservative, this workshop is for you!

Join us for our workshops that will help you in:  

  • Choosing the right course for you 
  • Application tips 
  • Starting your personal statement 

These sessions are for S5 & S6 pupils with a focus on applying via UCAS Conservatoires, as well as other creative courses at college and/or university.   

When: Mon 31 Aug + Mon 7 Sep 
Location: Online  

Booking Deadline: Thu 27 Aug

Booking Now Closed

WACI Lockdown Picks 8

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Welcome to the final week of WACI‘s favourite Lockdown Picks. Each week we’ve taken you through some of the best online resources in dance, drama, music, film and production. We hope you have found these helpful and enjoyable. 

Dance

A Visual History of Social Dance in 25 Moves

Why do we dance? African-American social dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of inner freedom. They remain an affirmation of identity and independence. In this electric demonstration, packed with live performances, choreographer, educator and TED Fellow Camille A. Brown explores what happens when communities let loose and express themselves by dancing together.

Production

Punished Props

Punished props has over 600 tutorials on prop and costume making to explore and try out.

Music

Soundfly

Soundfly offers a range of both free and paid courses for a variety of contemporary musical topics for curious musicians. The topics are wide-ranging and key skills for today’s music maker.

Film

Let’s Make Films: Filmmaking on Mobile Devices

Have you ever wanted to make a short film but didn’t know where to start or think that you would have to buy expensive equipment to produce great video content? WACI‘s exciting online resource is a great place to learn how to create professional-quality videos with your mobile devices. We show you how to plan, create, edit and upload your videos.

Drama

Communities Task by Scottish Youth Theatre

Every Saturday, Scottish Youth Theatre share creative tasks that can be done in your own home on your own or with friends and family members digitally. These simple weekly tasks will run for the duration of isolation and quarantine with the aim to keep your devising and theatre-making skills flourishing.

That’s it for now as we start to prepare for the new school year. All our Lockdown Picks can be found in our News blog for you to search through. We’d love to hear what ones you have tried. Pop us a message or tag us on our social media profiles. Stay safe. Love Team WACI.

Launching: Let's Sing in Scots

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

The WACI Team are delighted to announce the launch of the third in a series of online toolkits, Learning Scots Song

If you have ever wanted to learn to sing in Scots but didn’t know where to start, this project is for you! We’ll take you through the steps in learning to sing ‘Sands o’ the Shore’ featuring video tutorials from folk singer Josie Duncan with downloadable resources to help you along the way.

Our toolkits are open for anyone to use, so whether you’re a teacher looking for new resources to share, a young person at home who is keen to learn Scots Song, we really hope you will enjoy learning with us.

If you’d like to send in photos of you practising or videos of you singing what you’ve learned, we’d love to see them! We are hoping to choose some of them to feature on our social media and Vimeo page.  Also if you are sharing any photos or videos on social media be sure to tag us @RCSWACI and use the hashtag #WACILetsSingInScots

To get started click here!

WACI Lockdown Picks 7

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Welcome to another week of WACI‘s favourite Lockdown Picks. Each week we take you through some of the best online resources in dance, drama, music, film and production. 

Dance

Digital Stage

Digital Stage is a programme of full-length dance performances, films and workshops online, to keep you entertained and connected through dance while live stages are dark.

Production

The Colour Lab

The Colour Lab is a browser-based lighting lab. It is a great way to examine how colour mixes both on actors and on the floor from three directions. A great way to develop your lighting knowledge.

Music

Music Theory

Musictheory.net is a great website that offers visualised resources for musicians ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced. Some of the lesson topics cover rhythm, scales, intervals, chords, and chord progressions. A great theory resource even if you just want a refresher!

Film

Film Riot

Film Riot is a how-to, DIY website about filmmaking that acts as an on-demand film school. You can engage with Film Riot through its blog, tutorial videos or podcast!

Drama

Broadway Educators

This blog post from broadway educators is a great read for young actors. It has various tips on how to be prepared for rehearsals and auditions.

We hope you enjoy this selection and check back next week for more! 

WACI Lockdown Picks 6

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Welcome to another week of WACI‘s favourite Lockdown Picks. Each week we take you through some of the best online resources in dance, drama, music, film and production. Enjoy!

Dance

Dance Magazine

The Dance Magazine has created this long list of online dance performances & rehearsal videos for all dance enthusiasts to delve into.

Production

Learn to Animate

You can use this online tutorial to create your own short stop motion film.

Music

Chrome Music Lab

This online resource uses experimental music tools to improve understanding of various musical concepts. This is so much fun to play with. 

Film

Moving Image Education

Moving Image Education is an online resource that is a way of developing literacy skills to be able to better discuss, analyse, criticise and understand moving image texts.

Drama

The NHB Playgroup

Theatres may be closed right now, but The NHB Playgroup is OPEN – you can join NHB to discover and discuss fantastic contemporary drama by today’s most exciting writers, available to read completely for free!

We hope you enjoy this selection and check back next week for more!