Popular Music Summer School
Applications for 2027 will open in February 2027.
In July 2027 the Royal Northern College of Music will be hosting its Popular Music Summer School for students who are interested in applying for the prestigious BMus Popular Music degree programme.
The residential summer school will involve advice auditions with the Head of Popular Music, performance classes with instrumental / vocal staff, composition, production and artist development sessions, the opportunity to perform with current students, and rehearsals with musical directors in preparation for a live show. You will stay with fellow summer school delegates at Sir Charles Groves Hall of residence and dine at the RNCM café.
The school will provide the unique opportunity to work with some of the finest teachers, musicians, and students in the UK as well as the chance to meet, perform and socialize with like-minded talented musicians who aspire to be RNCM Popular Music students.
‘The Pop Summer School has motivated me even more to come to the RNCM. I enjoyed making friends with like-minded people and working with current students who are just amazing. Although I wanted to apply to RNCM before the Summer School, now I really want to apply – the course sounds fantastic!’
previous Summer School participant
Example Summer School Schedule
11am: Check-in to accommodation at Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence
12pm: Welcome meeting with Professor Andy Stott and current students
1pm: Lunch, RNCM Café
2pm: Instrumental/vocal workshops
4pm: Live performance by current RNCM students
5pm: Dinner, RNCM Café
6pm: Return to Halls
8pm: Open mic/Jam night, RNCM Café Bar
10.30pm: Return to Halls
9am: Breakfast, RNCM Café
10am: Advice auditions/band rehearsals
1pm: Lunch, RNCM Café
2pm: Advice auditions/band rehearsals
5pm: Dinner, RNCM Café
6pm: Return to Halls
8pm: Live event at 33 Oldham Street
10.30pm: Return to Halls
9am: Breakfast, RNCM Café
10am: Production workshop
11am: Composition workshop
12pm: Artist Development workshop
1pm: Lunch, RNCM café
2pm: International Student Concert, RNCM Theatre
4pm: Drinks, RNCM café
5pm: Depart
Key Information
Places available: 30, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis
Cost: £350, including all tuition, accommodation, and meals
Performance: On Day 2, you will be required to perform one solo piece in the advice audition session. You can perform unaccompanied, self-accompanied, or to a backing track. You may perform original music or a cover version/arrangement.