RNCM Pathfinder
RNCM Pathfinder aims to break down barriers and enable young people to progress and realise their musical potential.
The programme is designed to increase opportunities for young people aged eight to 18 who are curious, full of potential, and love nothing more than playing music, but who face financial, social, and/or cultural barriers to their musical progression.
It offers the chance to practise performance, to encounter music through composition, and to experiment through improvisation by providing workshops and creative sessions across a wide range of genres. Our bespoke pathways and core participatory activity include personalised mentorship from RNCM students, tutors, and professional musicians.
Key Information
Age (Juniors): 8-13 (approx)
Age (Seniors): 14-18 (approx)
Applications: Open all year
How to Apply: Nomination form
Course Details
RNCM Pathfinder is a programme for children and young people of all backgrounds that is committed to reflecting the various communities of Manchester and the North, and to building strong relationships with the young people and their families.
We strongly believe in creating opportunities for all young people, but Pathfinder in particular benefits those who face financial hardship, through the provision of wide-ranging and open-access creative opportunities.
Our work is centred on inclusive pedagogy, which meets young people at their starting points and promotes diverse opinions and voices. By doing so, we hope to inspire and empower Pathfinders to find their own voice, build their confidence and develop independence through ownership of learning.
The Team
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Aled Tudor
Head of Junior Programmes
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Rachael Jones
Deputy Head of Junior Programmes (Young Programmes)
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Sarah Crooks
Head of RNCM Young Strings
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Bryony Taylor
Music Education Administrator
Nominations
Applications for RNCM Pathfinder are via nomination only and are open all year round.
Please note, we only accept nominations from schools, music, hubs, and other educational organisations. There is no audition nor requirement of proof of grade, but we are looking at nominations which include the barrier to progression and are underpinned by a statement as to why that young musician would make a perfect candidate for the programme.
To nominate a young person, please complete the nomination form.
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.
You may also be interested in…
RNCM Young Projects, our free workshops for young musicians aged eight to 18.