Category: Music

Rhythm Theory Workshop

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

*CANCELLED* Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances this workshop will no longer be taking place. Apologies to those who had already singed up. Hopefully we can re-arrange something later in the year. Team WACI

 Rhythm Theory Workshop 

with Stephen Henderson

Calling all young musicians (aged 16+) and aspiring music teachers/facilitators!

Join us at RCS for our workshop that will look to deepen your understanding of rhythm theory and develop tools that you can apply in any musical context. Perfect for musicians looking to sharpen their rhythm and groove and aspiring teachers/facilitators looking for resources.

With percussionist Stephen Henderson you will strengthen your inner pulse by exploring the relationship between the ‘on’ and ‘off’ beat. Through Clave, body percussion, ensemble playing and singing we’ll delve in to the foundation of rhythm, harking back to its ancient routes. This will create a strong basis for young musicians to flourish in all aspects.

When: 18 June, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Age: 16+
Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

*CANCELLED*

Booking Deadline: 17 June

Percussion player sitting on stage at a kit

About Stephen

Stephen Henderson, born and raised in Ayrshire in a musical family, was immersed in music from an early age. He graduated with first-class honours in Jazz from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2015 and is currently the drummer for Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie.

Stephen is a sought-after performer and session musician across the UK, having worked with artists including Laura Jurd, Tim Garland, James Tormé, and Elchin Shirinov. He also launched his own project, Modern Vikings, in 2018, and was named “one to watch” by Jazzwise magazine the same year.

To be eligible:

You must be one or more of the following:

We also encourage applications from people living in SIMD20 postcode or SIMD40 postcode who meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Living rurally with poor transport links 
  • Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour 
  • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing 

Please note:

Fair Access prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 19, who live in an SIMD20 postcode or are care experienced. Depending on available places, we also consider college students and people who are not in education up to the age of 25 years. Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

How to Contact Us

If you have an queries or questions about this activity, you can contact the team at: 📧 waci@rcs.ac.uk

Get Into: National Programme

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Get Into: 

 National Programme 

Do you have your sights set on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland?

Two young people in a drama room with exercise balls in the background.

Whether you are applying this academic year or planning a stepping-stone through college, this programme will support you with the next steps on your creative and educational journey. We want to hear from you if you are interested in any of the following artforms:

For performers, writers, musicians, dancers, storytellers, production artists or filmmakers exploring the arts in community contexts 🔗
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Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking and Creative Filmmaking Practice 🔗
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Music performance, Composition, Music Teaching and Facilitation 🔗
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Acting, Drama Facilitation and Devising 🔗
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Stage Management, Sound, Lighting, Rigging and Automation Programming 🔗
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Scenic Art, Scenic Construction, Prop Making, Costume Construction, Set, Lighting and Costume Design 🔗

Get Into: National is perfect if –

  • You are serious about applying to RCS in the near future
  • Can demonstrate experience and commitment in your chosen artform
  • You’re looking for support, guidance, and a creative community

What will you gain? 

  • Confidence and connection: meet like-minded people who share your passion and connect with artists working in/with communities near you
  • Creativity and skill: learn through hands-on, practical sessions tailored to your artform
  • Growth and reflection: develop as an artist and individual, ready to take on your next steps
  • Insider knowledge: learn more about applying to RCS and building a sustainable future in the arts

This is a supportive, structured, and exciting opportunity that requires commitment. Although Get Into: National is designed to be flexible, we expect successful applicants to engage fully in the programme. 

A button that takes you to a form

To be eligible:

You must be one or more of the following:

and 

  • Living 2 hours or more from the RCS 
  • A determined and motivated student who is committed to applying to and auditioning/interviewing for a performing or production arts course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 

We also encourage applications from people living in SIMD20 postcode or SIMD40 postcode who meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Living rurally with poor transport links 
  • Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour 
  • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing 

Please note:

Fair Access prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 19, who live in an SIMD20 postcode or are care experienced. Depending on available places, we also consider college students and people who are not in education up to the age of 25 years. Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

How to Contact Us

If you have an queries or questions about this activity,
you can contact the team at: 📧 fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

 

Get Into: Performing and Production Arts

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Get Into: 

 Performing and Production Arts 

Performance, Production, Singing and Arts with Community

For Young People 16+

Young person smiling trying on costume

Starting Autumn 2025

Would you like to Get Into: Performing and Production Arts but not sure where to begin? Our free Get Into courses could be the perfect answer. 

We’re running four separate programmes starting this Autumn:

  • Performance (acting, devising and movement)
  • Production for Stage and Screen (sound, lighting and production arts)
  • Singing Together (singing chorally in many styles and vocal leadership)
  • Arts with Community (exploring multi-artform community projects)

These free weekly part-time sessions will be a great opportunity for you to:

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

Text: Apply Now

Please note: Fair Access will prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 19. To be eligible, you must meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • live in an SIMD20 Postcode 
  • are care experienced or estranged from, and receive no support from, family or carers
  • live in an SIMD20 Postcode or SIMD40 Postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
    – living rurally with poor transport links
    – Black, Indigenous or People of Colour 
    – D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

Depending on available places, we will also consider college students up to the age of 25 years.

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

 Get In Touch 

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

FREE CLPL from Fair Access at RCS in March & April 2025

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Recharge Your Creative   Practice: CLPL Workshops for   Expressive Arts Secondary   Teachers 

 Energise your teaching with our spring series of free workshops led by professional practitioners

Two adults sitting at a desk designing

A man and woman working together designing a prop

Tuesday 29 April 4.30 – 6.30pm
Practical Prop Making led by Merlin Currie, RCS Props Tutor 

Join us to create a handheld prop for performance, using a practical step-by-step approach. Find out how to create simple but effective props and the best materials to have in your store cupboard. 

 

 

Two people working together at a piano

 

Tuesday 6 May 4 – 6.30pm
Ways into Composition led by Tom W. Green, RCS Lecturer in Composition  

Explore a range of compositional techniques including creative strategies for composing with pupils who have limited musical literacy, using digital and non-digital aids. 

 

 

 

A young person holding drum sticks

 

Wednesday 14 May 4.30 – 6.30pm
Accessible Music Making for BGE Learners led by Stephen Henderson, Drummer, Composer, Band leader and Educator 

Develop tools to build pupils’ confidence and musicality, without them needing to read music. Explore rhythm activities, games, simple melodies and improvisation to make BGE music lessons more engaging.

 

 

Two people standing at lighting desk in a theatre

 

Monday 19 May 4.30 – 5.45pm
Get to Know Your Lighting Desk led by Paige MacGillivray, RCS Lighting Production Student 

For teachers who have the FLX S24 desk and want a better understanding of it. Led by an RCS Lighting student, who can give an insight into BA Production Technology. 

 

 

A woman pointing with her fingers

 

Tuesday 27 May 4.30 – 6.30pm
Devising Towards Performance led by Robbie Gordon, Theatre Maker and Creative Engagement Specialist

Explore the devising and writing techniques Wonder Fools use to tell authentic stories with communities. Delve into practical ways of shaping narrative and performance and leave with tools to support your pupils’ creativity. 

 

 

Book Now button

Please Note: Fair Access prioritises those facing barriers in accessing the arts. Such as those who:

  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode 
  • are care experienced 
  • are estranged and receive no support from family or carers
  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode or SIMD2 Postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
    • living rurally with poor transport links
    • Black, Indigenous or People of Colour 
    • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

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

For this reason, our CLPL sessions prioritise places for teachers whose schools have a high percentage of SIMD1 postcodes within their catchment area.

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

Brand New Access Courses

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 New Access Courses 

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland launches brand new Access Courses for people ages 17+ starting July 2025

A man sitting while a young girl laughs holding a microphone

This eight-month accredited programme will help you discover your creative potential and take your artistic skills to the next level. It is fully funded for those who meet our Fair Access eligibility and is designed for people who are serious about studying BA Arts with Community, Music Education, or Production at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The programme is split into three areas of study and offers 40 credits at SCQF Level 6 on completion:

  • Access to Arts with Community
  • Access to Production
  • Access to Music Education

Throughout the course you will deepen your understanding and increase experience in your chosen artform. You will work collaboratively with other students to create performances and receive expert guidance on how to apply for degree programmes and prepare for auditions/interviews.

Find out more about these exciting new courses running from July 2025 – March 2026 here: Access Courses at RCS

 

Text: Apply Now

Deadline to apply: 14 March 2025

 Who Can Apply 

Our Access Courses are fully funded and specifically aimed at people who:

  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode 
  • are care experienced or estranged from, and receive no support from, family or carers
  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode or SIMD2 Postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
    • living rurally with poor transport links
    • Black, Indigenous or People of Colour 
    • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

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

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

Performance Trip: Cory Wong

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Performance Trip 

Join us for the first WACI performance trip of the year to see guitarist and composer Cory Wong.

Man holding an electric guitar

WACI are offering the opportunity to see Cory Wong perform at the Barrowlands in Glasgow.

Cory Wong is an American guitarist and composer known for his distinctive blend of funk, jazz, and electronic music. He gained prominence as a member of the Grammy-nominated band Vulfpeck, but has also established a successful solo career, releasing a series of albums showcasing his virtuosic guitar work and dynamic production style.

His style draws influences from a wide range of genres, including funk icons like Prince and James Brown, jazz pioneers such as Herbie Hancock and John Coltrane, and contemporary artists like Thundercat and Snarky Puppy. Known for his energetic performances, Cory Wong has developed a reputation as a modern ambassador for groove-driven, genre-blurring music.

This performance trip is the perfect opportunity to see a high-energy live music performance. It’s open anyone with an interest in music, performance, sound and lighting technology.

Please note that signing up does not automatically mean you will receive a place on the trip. After the signup date we will prioritise applications from the following list and contact you to let you know if you have been successful.

When: 17 February
Time: 7pm
Where: Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow

Book Now button

Spaces are limited. Completing the booking form doesn’t automatically guarantee your place.
We will notify successful candidates.

Booking Deadline: Friday 14 February

Please note: WACI prioritise those facing barriers in accessing the arts such as those who are:

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

 How to Contact Us 

If you have an queries or questions about this activity, you can contact the team at: 📧waci@rcs.ac.uk

Creative Conversations in the Classroom

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Careers Talks Across Scotland 

With Accompanying Teacher Resources

Are you, or the young people you teach, interested in applying to study in the performing and production arts? Are you not sure where to start or what careers there may be? Fair Access have produced a suite of films and resources that can help making those decisions.

What is ‘Creative Conversations in the Classroom’?

Creative Conversations is a series of short films and accompanying teachers’ resources. The aim is to give young people an insight into what it’s really like to work in the creative industries.

​Each film features three professionals who work in a specific area of the performing or production arts in conversation with each other, and with an audience of secondary school pupils. At the end of each film, young people from the audience describe the impact this conversation has had on them. The Teachers’ Resources provide questions to get your own conversations in the classroom started after watching the film. ​

The Creative Conversations series includes artists working in:

All the films can be viewed at home, on your mobile devices or as a group in your classrooms or community spaces. You can also access them via our Toolkits page.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear about how you use these resources in your classroom or if you’re a young person that has found them useful in learning more about career options. You can say hello on our social media or if you have any questions about these resources, please get in touch at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

Masterclass: Live Sound for Artists

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Masterclass: Live Sound for Artists 

For those interested in studying
sound production, music or live performance

Sound artist in a venue working on a sound desk

Join us for an evening masterclass with Sound Engineer Carla Feuerstein to de-mystify the skills behind live sound engineering.

This will be particularly useful for any student interested in sound production, music or live performances. We invite students with any interest in being on stage or behind the sound desk.

When: Friday 25 October
Times: 7pm – 9pm
Where: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Book Now button
Spaces are limited.
Completing the booking form doesn’t automatically guarantee your place.
We will notify successful candidates.

 About Carla 

Carla Feuerstein is a live sound and recording engineer based in Glasgow who has extensively toured the UK and Europe over the last 10 years. While she has worked with artists from a variety of backgrounds, her main focus lies with the Folk and Traditional Music Scene of Scotland, where she has the pleasure of working with outstanding artists such as Breabach, HEISK, The Paul McKenna Band, Seàn Gray and the crossover-theatre production Hebridean Treasure – Lost and Found. Her contribution to these artists’ sound has earned her two nominations as Sound Engineer of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

In 2021, Carla joined the team at GloWorm Recording Studios in the heart of Glasgow, where she works under producer-owners Iain Hutchison and Andrea Gobbi.

Having joined the Royal Conservatoire’s School of Music part-time teaching staff Carla is now regularly leading tutorials, helping students hone their recording skills.

 Who Can Take Part 

WACI prioritise those facing barriers in accessing the arts such as those who are:

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

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

Audition and Interview Prep

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Audition and Interview Prep 

For those applying to study the performing or production arts

WACI are delighted to be offering a suite of Audition and Interview Prep sessions. These sessions will help you prepare for your interviews and auditions, help build confidence and offer tips and advice specific to your discipline.

These workshops are for those who are thinking about applying to study at a college, university or conservatoire in one of the following areas:

Acting or Musical Theatre
(Monologue Prep, 1:1 Sessions)
When: Dates between 29 October – 14 November
Times: 6pm or 7:15pm
Where: Online

Deadline to apply: Tuesday 22 October

Music Teaching
(BEd, Bachelor of Education in Music)
When: 5 & 7 November, 6:30pm – 8pm
Where: Online

Deadline to apply: 4 November

Filmmaking & TV
When: 12 & 14 November, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Online

Deadline to apply: 11 November

Production Arts or Technology
When: 19 & 21 November, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Online

Deadline to apply: 18 November

 Who Can Take Part 

WACI prioritise those facing barriers in accessing the arts such as those who are:

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

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

National Schools Workshops

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 National Schools Workshops 

School workshops in the performing and production arts

WACI are delighted to be offering a new programme of National Schools Workshops. Aimed at S5-6 classes and delivered within schools across Scotland. The workshops in performing and production arts are interactive, high-quality and delivered by industry experts.

Places are strictly limited and can be requested via the information pages for each workshop and subsequent signup forms:

All workshops will: 

  • Require two periods or equivalent 
  • Be targeted toward S5-6 
  • Be offered on a first come first served basis 
  • Provide students with an insight into the fully funded access programmes at RCS, further and high education pathways and potential career options 
  • Serve as talking point on their personal statement 
  • Provide them with transferable skills for their SQA assessments 

To be an eligible school you must be listed on our wider schools list 

 How to Contact Us 

If you have an queries or questions about this activity, you can contact the team at: 📧waci@rcs.ac.uk