PGCE
The RNCM runs this unique Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). It is designed for graduates of universities and conservatoires who wish to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while specialising in wind, brass, percussion strings or vocal teaching.
The course is delivered jointly by the RNCM and MMU. Over the year, trainees spend time in both institutions. Tutors ensure that the trainees’ experience is a unified and joint one, integrating the various features of teaching music in different contexts. During the year, trainees complete two teaching placements at secondary schools and Music Services in the North West.
At the RNCM
Trainees have the opportunity to maintain and further develop their performance skills and are introduced to examples of integrated approaches to instrumental/vocal teaching including the methodologies of Dalcroze Eurythmics and Kodály. Wind, brass, percussion, strings and vocal pedagogy includes an introduction to related instruments within instrumental families where appropriate, teaching individual, group and whole class lessons and creative musicianship.
At MMU
Full training about how to teach music within key stages 3-4 (ages 11-16) with extension to post-16 AS and A level work is provided by MMU staff and subject mentors. Trainees study the National Curriculum in depth and explore issues such as how children acquire musical knowledge and understanding, classroom organisation, teaching mixed ability groups, equality of opportunity in schools and communication skills.
The MMU Institute of Education is a major provider of initial teacher education and continuing professional development for teachers at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level in the North West, and one of the largest teacher training establishments in the country. Much of its work is recognised as being at the forefront of developments in the sector. The PGCE training at the Institute of Education (including the existing programme delivered in collaboration with the RNCM) has received outstanding reports from its external examiners.
This one-year full-time course offers wind, brass, percussion or bowed strings players and vocalists a range of distinctive features. If you want to learn how to teach music in a secondary school context and how to teach your own instrument and related family instruments or voice in a variety of different settings through innovative methodologies, then this is the course for you. It is hard work but good fun and very rewarding!
Further information
PGCE - How to apply
Audition Guidance Wind, Brass & Strings
Associated web links
Manchester Metropolitan University
Training and Development Agency for Schools
Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)
Directgov Initial Teacher Training: student finance