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Conducting

The RNCM operates a unique range of acclaimed conducting programmes at all levels. Wherever you fit within this structure, you will find yourself immersed in the widest possible range of conducting experiences and working with conductors of the highest international level. All of the RNCM’s conducting courses are underpinned by the fundamental principle that conductors can only learn by conducting other musicians in real life rehearsal and performance situations.

Junior Fellowship in Conducting

Each year, the RNCM selects a Junior Fellow in Conducting. This much sought-after Fellowship is tenable for two years and provides an opportunity for a young conductor, about to enter the profession, to gain widespread experience with the full range of the RNCM’s ensembles.

In addition to tuition from the permanent conducting staff, Junior Fellows have the opportunity to work with Sir Mark Elder, Music Director of the Hallé Orchestra and International Chair in Conducting at the RNCM.

The scheme offers extensive podium time with the RNCM's orchestras, ensembles and opera projects. The Junior Fellow also has the freedom to undertake a certain number of external professional engagements and benefit from the RNCM’s strong links with the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, the Manchester Camerata, and the Northern Sinfonia. The post attracts a yearly stipend, which is currently in the region of UK £9,000. For more information, click here.

Principal Study Postgraduate Programmes

MPhil, MMus or PGDip(Perf) in Conducting

Principal Study conducting is one of the strands which you can pursue at Diploma, Masters and MPhil level.  If you take one of these courses you will benefit from individual tuition from Clark Rundell, Head of Conducting and Director of Contemporary Music and Mark Heron, Tutor in Conducting, as well as classes from Visiting Tutor in Conducting Mark Shanahan and around 10 other guest tutors each year.

Podium opportunities are varied but will normally include opera excerpts, new music, and wind and brass ensembles. When orchestral opportunities arise, they are allocated on merit. Currently, postgraduate students take their final examination in concert with Manchester Camerata.

Audition requirements for postgraduate conducting studies

Postgraduate Conducting for Instrumentalists, Singers & Composers

A 30 credit conducting option is available within the MMus or PGDip(Perf) programmes. This course is open to all students in the Graduate School with the exception of those whose principal study is conducting, and 12 students are selected following auditions early in the academic year. The course is taught by Mark Heron and comprises classes with 2 pianists, ensemble sessions and the opportunity to observe classes forming part of the postgraduate and Junior Fellowship conducting programmes.

PGCE in Music with Specialist Instrumental Teaching

Students on the RNCM’s unique PGCE course specialising in instrumental teaching receive tuition in conducting as part of their course.

Undergraduate Programme

A conducting option is available as a course component under the Undergraduate Professional Studies scheme. The College does not admit Principal Study conductors at Undergraduate level.

Short conducting courses for non-students

The RNCM operates an extremely popular programme of short conducting courses open to all. These courses are led by Mark Heron in conjunction with a range of guest teachers and are aimed at young conductors who may be considering full time study; professional performers and educators for whom conducting is part of a wider portfolio of activities; and amateur musicians wishing to develop their skills. More information.

Conductors trained at the RNCM

The Junior Fellowship and postgraduate programmes have a proven track record in launching professional careers. Some of the conductors with established careers who were formerly Junior Fellows or Master’s students at the RNCM include: David Angus, Symphony Orchestra of Flanders; Philippe Bach, Teatro Real, Madrid and Das Theater Meiningen; Baldur Brönnimann, National Symphony Orchestra of Columbia and BIT20 Ensemble; Matthew Coorey, formerly Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; André de Ridder, formerly Hallé Orchestra; Sian Edwards, formerly English National Opera; Sachio Fujioka, Kansai Symphony Orchestra, Japan; Kevin Griffiths, formerlyOrchestra of the Age of Enlightenment; Courtney Lewis, Minnesota Orchestra; Paul Mann, Odense Symphony Orchestra, Denmark; Eduardo Portal, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment; En Shao, Macao Orchestra; Ewa Strusinska, formerly Hallé Orchestra ; Garry Walker, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Matthew Wood, formerlyBournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

If you have any further queries, please contact Esther Wakeman, Conducting Administrator T 0161 907 5334 or E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it