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 making 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 composition, production, and performance, led by the faculty 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. Working with Sony Music Group, full-fee bursaries are presented to up to 50% of RNCM Young Artists.
Who is it for?
The programme is open to all (bass guitar, drums, guitar, keyboards, vocals, pop-focused orchestral players, DJs, MCs and producers) and above all 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 2024 – 2025
RNCM Young Artists attend for 2 hours every Saturday for a full academic year (2 x 15-week semesters).
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- £1,115.00 per year
- £557.50 per semester
Working with Sony Music Group, full-fee bursaries are presented to up to 40% of RNCM Young Artists, aimed at those whose financial circumstances have prevented them from accessing music training. Travel and tech bursaries are available to ensure the costs of transport and equipment don’t prevent participation and we will work closely with the young people’s schools and networks to create a supportive framework for their music-making. 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. Every Saturday during term-time, we run a day of creative sessions, each catering for a different age group. The young people are divided into bands and work with RNCM tutors and student mentors. They write and workshop original music, rehearse together and share new material – in person and digitally.
Participants work alongside bands from the College’s popular music programmes, 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.
