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RNCM Young Strings

junior programmes Portal

RNCM Young Strings is an open-access programme that provides a thorough foundation in musical and instrumental skills while also being holistic, creative, and fun.

Designed for ages five to 12 and split into three stages, the programme emphasises making music and enjoying it.

Most of our lessons are in groups, enabling pupils to learn together though musical games, singing, and movement as well as through playing their instruments.

Key Information

Age: 5-12
Fee: From £665
Format: Group classes and individual lessons
Standard: Beginner+

application form

Entry Requirements

RNCM Young Strings is a non-selective, open-access, programme and applications are welcome throughout the year via the form on this page. There is no audition when children join Young Strings at Stage 1, nor requirement of prior musical training. For Stages 2 and 3, they will need to have suitable ability on their string instrument to be offered a place learning with children of an equivalent age.

Places are limited and highly sought-after. If no places are immediately available when you apply, we’ll add you to our waiting list.

If you have any questions, please contact Bryony Taylor, Music Education Administrator, on [email protected] or 0161 907 5398.

Structure and Fees

RNCM Young Strings is divided into three stages, with classes taking place at the RNCM on Manchester’s Oxford Road and Manchester High School for Girls in Fallowfield.

We also offer an annual week-long Summer School for all bowed string players aged six to 13 who have been playing for at least one term.

When: Saturdays, 9-10.20am
Where: Manchester High School for Girls, Grangethorpe Road, Manchester M14 6HS
Fees: £665

This is a foundation year for children who are five years old by 31 August in the year of entry. During this year, children attend two 40-minute classes per week. One class focuses on pitch and rhythm training through singing (Kodály) and the other on developing musical, physical, and emotional/social skills required to be a musician through whole body movement (Dalcroze).

When: Saturdays, 9-11am
Where: Manchester High School for Girls, Grangethorpe Road, Manchester M14 6HS
Fees: £1022

At the start of their second year, children choose to begin learning violin, viola, cello, or double bass. For two years, they have three 40-minute classes per week: an instrumental lesson in a small group (usually two to four children), plus musicianship and ensemble. They will also have occasional individual lessons with their instrumental teacher.

When: Thursdays, 4.30-6.30pm
Where: RNCM, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD
Fees: £735

This stage offers a unique opportunity for emerging strings players to develop strong musicianship and ensemble skills at the RNCM – one of the top five conservatoires in the world for music. There is no instrumental tuition at this stage. Pupils play in a large string orchestra, have lessons in Dalcroze and Kodály, and are given the opportunity to take part in chamber music sessions, masterclasses, and performances.

When: July 2027
Where: Manchester High School for Girls
Applications: Open in 2027
Cost: TBC

Our RNCM Young Strings Summer School gives strings players between the ages of six and 13 who have been learning for at least one term a fantastic opportunity to develop their musical, creative, and performance skills in a fun and friendly environment.

The week-long programme takes place at Manchester High School for Girls at the end of July/early August each year. Children are grouped according to age and experience and take part in large ensembles, chamber groups, singing, movement (Dalcroze), and improvisation/composition activities, all led by a team of experienced RNCM tutors who are friendly, fun, and approachable.

Each day runs between 9.30am and 3.30pm (with ample opportunity to enjoy break times in the garden) and the week culminates in a concert performance.

To enable children to attend from lower-income families we provide subsidised places, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Course Details

RNCM Young Strings helps pupils to become confident, expressive musicians with a deep understanding of all the elements of music. This underpins our approach, which integrates instrumental, musicianship, and ensemble training.

Our experienced tutors, who are highly skilled musicians and teachers, work together to help pupils develop their co-ordination, their aural, rhythmic, and improvisation skills, and their musical knowledge, as well as a firm technical foundation on the instrument of their choice.

Additionally, we promote an environment in which pupils are supportive of each other; peer appraisal is an important part of their learning. Involvement of parents/carers is also encouraged, particularly regarding the youngest pupils, as this can aid progress significantly.

The Team

Meet our staff

Safeguarding

The RNCM is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults studying in the College by raising awareness of safeguarding and promoting a safe environment in which to learn and explore music.

The College’s Senior Designated Person responsible for safeguarding is Emma Hilton-Wood, Academic Registrar, who can be contacted on 0161 907 5361 or by email at [email protected]. You can also contact the College’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Paul Hynes on [email protected].

Our relevant policies are available for download on the College’s Safeguarding page.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form below. If you have any questions, please contact Bryony Taylor, Music Education Administrator, on [email protected].