RNCM Young Artists
RNCM Young Artists is a programme of training and support for pop musicians aged 11-18 from across the North West.
Launched in 2022, the initiative provides young people with life-changing opportunities to explore their talent and achieve their potential, while receiving music training from the very best artists accessible to all.
Designed and delivered by the RNCM’s world-renowned Popular Music Department, RNCM Young Artists offers year-round weekly sessions focused on technique, musicianship, and artistic identity, led by the RNCM Young Artists Tutors and student mentors.
With full access to the fully equipped, state-of-the-art recording and producing studios situated in the College’s central Manchester campus, Young Artists work in bands, creating, recording, and distributing original music and sharing their work in informal, friendly gigs and showcases.
The RNCM is determined to reach and support young people from all backgrounds and works with partners in local communities to grow a diverse and creative community of musicians, with financial support in place where needed.
Who is it for?
The programme is designed for five main instrumental disciplines: bass guitar, drums, guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Other disciplines eg. pop-focused orchestral musicians, will be considered on application. Above all, the programme aims to work with young musicians with ideas, talent and drive. They might have received previous tuition or coaching, or be self-taught ‘bedroom musicians’, accessing structured training for the first time. Whatever their prior experience, potential, commitment, and creativity are the most important factors – no specific qualifications are required.
Fees 2025 – 2026
There are 30 weeks in the Young Artists academic year, comprising of 30 teaching sessions and 2 Young Artist Showcases.
The fees for Young Artists 2025-26 are:
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- £1,150.00 per year
RNCM Young Artists offers significant bursary support to eligible students, aimed at those whose financial circumstances have previously prevented them from accessing music training. We understand that financial considerations are important, and RNCM are committed to making our programmes accessible to all talented musicians. Alongside transformational music training and experiences, the project will increase their confidence and open up pathways for education and development that would otherwise be out of reach.
Structure
Young Artists is inspiring, nurturing and fun. Our Young Artists cohort is split into three competency-based groups, with each group working on a specialised curriculum relevant for their experience level and skill set, with sessions consisting of theory and curriculum lectures, group tutorials and band skills workshops. Participants will work on cover material; write and workshop original music; rehearse together; and perform in showcases.
Young Artists is a place for young pop musicians to meet like-minded people and thrive in a supportive, inspiring environment where they can explore and test new creative work.
RNCM Young Artists Application
Applications for RNCM Young Artists 2025 – 2026 have now closed. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for further updates on our Young Artists programme, please email: [email protected] to register your interest.
RNCM Young Artists is generously supported by the Signatur Programme, which is the umbrella name for The Karlsson Játiva Charitable Foundation’s work for the advancement of the art of music.
