RNCM and Chetham’s launch unique Orchestral Pathway

The RNCM is proud to partner with Chetham’s School of Music (Chetham’s) to launch an exclusive Orchestral Pathway for talented young musicians from China.

As two of the world’s leading specialist music institutions, the RNCM and Chetham’s are offering an unrivalled opportunity for Chinese orchestral students aged 10 to 17 to begin their musical journey in Manchester, the UK’s most innovative and culturally diverse city.

Orchestral musicians at Chetham’s School of Music

The groundbreaking Orchestral Pathway offers something truly unique as students start their journey at the UK’s largest specialist music school, Chetham’s, before gaining the enviable opportunity to audition for a prestigious Progression
Scholarship to join the RNCM, one of the top five conservatoires in the world for music.

Highlights include:

• Studying in Manchester, the UK’s most innovative and culturally diverse city.
• Studying at the UK’s largest specialist music school for under 18s, whilst receiving additional performance, professional development, and learning opportunities from the RNCM’s esteemed network of professors and industry partners.
• An unrivalled opportunity to audition for a prestigious Progression Scholarship to undertake an undergraduate degree at the RNCM, ranked in the top five for music in the 2025 QS World University Subject Rankings.
• Tailored and dedicated support at all stages of the journey, including admissions, finance, and visa and immigration guidance.

Professor Linda Merrick CBE, RNCM Principal, said: ‘The RNCM is proud to partner with Chetham’s School of Music to offer gifted young musicians from China an unparalleled opportunity to study at two world-leading institutions, right in the heart of one of the UK’s most culturally rich cities.’

Tom Redmond, Joint Principal and Director of Music at Chetham’s School of Music, added: ‘This partnership marks an exciting chapter for both institutions. Chetham’s has a long-standing reputation for nurturing young musical talent, including exceptional students from China, and we are delighted to create this seamless pathway into higher education with our close colleagues at the RNCM.’

To learn more, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

3 June 2025