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School of Keyboard Studies

In the School of Keyboard Studies we will challenge, encourage and support you in reaching your full potential. Our high-profile and committed  international tutors create a nurturing environment in which to work, and give you the skills essential to becoming a versatile professional.

Through expert one-to-one tuition, and outstanding performance opportunities you will build your technical resources, interpretative insight and communication skills.

We attract students from all over the world, and the international diversity of the School enriches the learning experience of all our students due to the wide range of styles and approaches adopted.

The standard and number of instruments available to you is exceptional. Each piano tutorial space has two Steinways and these, alongside our Yamaha pianos, furnish the RNCM with one of the most impressive fleets in Europe. Our practice facilities are also impressive, with no piano being more than ten years old.

Organists have access to instruments in the College’s venues, and benefit from the institution’s close association with the cathedrals in Manchester, Salford and Blackburn. For historical performance we have a fine array of harpsichords and fortepianos in our collection of historical musical instruments.

Undergraduate Programme

The Undergraduate Programme at the RNCM is designed to make you a rounded musician, with the ability to thrive in the competitive musical world. The programme takes four years to complete and requires full-time attendance during term time.  Entry is by competitive audition and interview, but minimum educational requirements must normally be met.

Postgraduate Programme

There are several ways you can pursue your Keyboard studies, including principal study in Accompaniment and Repetiteur, at postgraduate level. For further information, please view the Graduate School information.  (Please note that MMus Repetiteur students are based in the School of Vocal Studies but receive tuition from School of Keyboard Studies staff).

Accompaniment Opportunities

Attachments are available for postgraduate accompanists within the School of Vocal Studies for Song Classes and opera productions, and externally with the Hallé Choir and the Hallé Youth Choir. A Junior Fellowship in Accompaniment and Postgraduate Scholarships in Accompaniment are available every year. These schemes combine studying on one of the postgraduate programmes with providing accompaniment services.

Performance Opportunities

You will have many opportunities to perform within the College including recitals, masterclasses, festivals, concerto auditions, orchestral experience, chamber music and competitions. Once you are eligible for external professional engagements you will be encouraged to create your own performing opportunities.

Recent Highlights

  • Alfred Brendel visited the College to deliver his lecture ‘The Light and Shade of Interpretation’ 
  • The RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition 2010, which is held every two years, took place with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying the finalists. Distinguished members of the jury gave masterclasses to participants in the competition and to students from the School of Keyboard Studies
  • The complete works of Frédéric Chopin were performed by students in our annual Keyboard Festival, with Jean Philippe-Collard giving the closing recital

Masterclasses

RNCM students have recently enjoyed masterclasses with International Chair Stephen Hough, as well as internationally-acclaimed visiting artists and teachers, such as Dmitry Bashkirov, Boris Berman, Andrzej Jasinski, Leslie Howard, John O’Conor, Jerome Rose and Arie Vardi.