RNCM Appoints Head of Popular Music

The RNCM is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Stott as its new Head of Popular Music, commencing in October.

Andy joins the College from his position as Head of Higher Education at Access to Music, in which capacity he has been directing the RNCM’s new BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree.

‘I’m delighted to be the RNCM’s first Head of Popular Music. It’s an honour to work with the exceptional students we have here and with colleagues who are such eminent professional performers, composers, academics and teachers,’ said Andy, who also directs the RNCM Session Orchestra which made its Albert Hall début last year. ‘The fact that a world class conservatoire is offering this kind of professional training is a major step forward for popular music education and I’m very much looking forward to leading on this.’

Established in 2013 the degree provides intensive training for instrumentalists and singers with a high level of performing ability who intend to work as freelance musicians in the popular music industry or as a preparation for postgraduate study.

Talking of the course, Andy said: ‘The RNCM is already at the forefront of conservatoire standard education and training for popular musicians. I believe we have the UK’s premier degree course and our collective aim is to establish the programme on a global level to bring the very best popular musicians from around the world to Manchester and the RNCM.’

In addition to the rigorous instrumental/vocal teaching, the programme also develops academic and creative skills, and cultivates business acumen and entrepreneurial activity through employment and employability training.

As Andy explained: ‘Students can look forward to studying in one of the world’s most dynamic musical cities with a vibrant popular music scene, working with a staff team that are leading experts in their field and with fellow students from a diverse range of musical backgrounds. The potential for innovative collaborative projects is literally limitless. We aim to train our students to become professional standard performers and creative artists in their own right and are looking for students who are not only the most talented, but who are musically literate, academically bright and who wish to develop their own musical identity.’

25 September 2014