RNCM Young Projects
RNCM Young Projects provides young players aged eight to 18 with an exciting opportunity to develop creative, musical, and technical skills.
Available across a range of instruments, Young Projects sessions are free to attend and open to players from all background and abilities.
The programme runs on Sunday mornings between 10am and 1pm during term time and participants work with experienced RNCM tutors and guest teachers. Sessions take the form of a workshop and, while some content may vary, participants can expect to develop their musical skills through large and small group work, movement exercises (Dalcroze), and collaborative performances. They also provide opportunities to learn about how to care for your instrument.
Key Information
Age: 8 – 18
Fee: Free
Format: Workshops
When: Sundays during term time
Time: 10am – 1pm
Standard: Beginner+
RNCM Young Projects
RNCM Young Projects are available across the following instruments. Please note that while the initiative is open to players of all abilities, some instruments require participants to have a least one year of playing experience.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to answer them.
Upcoming Workshops:
4 Oct 2026
16 Nov 2026
24 Jan 2027
16 Mar 2027 (performance)
Workshops for double bass players with at least one year of playing experience, featuring sessions on jazz, orchestral, and ensemble playing in groups of various sizes. Past sessions have included meeting double bass makers, hearing ensembles from the RNCM perform, and trying out a variety of bass instruments including Baroque basses and bass guitars. The sessions are participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
13 Sep 2026
1 Nov 2026
10 Jan 2027
21 Feb 2027 (performance)
Workshops for bassoonists with at least one year of playing experience, focusing on developing your playing and musicianship through ensembles and creative activities. There will also be plenty of opportunities to listen to and talk about the bassoon. Some workshops will run alongside RNCM Young Oboes, giving the opportunity to explore the exciting double reed ensemble repertoire. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
4 Oct 2026
1 Nov 2026
24 Jan 2027
21 Mar 2027 (performance)
Workshops for electric bassists with at least one year of playing experience, focusing on building solid technique, developing fretboard knowledge and playing together as a group. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
13 Sep 2026
15 Nov 2026
10 Jan 2027
21 Mar 2027 (performance)
Workshops for harpists with at least one year of playing experience, focusing on developing creative, musical, and technical skills. The sessions will be participatory so bring your harp, a stool, and expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
20 Sep 2026
31 Jan 2027
25 Apr 2027 (performance)
16 May 2027
Workshops for horn players with at least one year of playing experience. Each session is different, looking at specific aspects of technique, but there is always an opportunity to play as part of a large horn ensemble, often playing film music. Time is spent working together with players of a similar standard in breakout groups. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
20 Sep 2026
29 Nov 2026
31 Jan 2027
25 Apr 2027 (performance)
Workshops for lower brass players (including tuba, euphonium, baritone horn, tenor horn, and flugelhorn) with at least one year of playing experience. Players will participate in sessions on breathing, warm-ups, solo playing, and brass band ensemble playing while learning the fundamentals of playing all the way to extended techniques. There will also be time to ask questions specific to your own playing. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
13 Sep 2026
1 Nov 2026
10 Jan 2027
21 Feb 2027 (performance)
Workshops for oboists with at least one year of playing experience, focusing on developing technique and musicianship. Sessions vary but will often include ensemble playing, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, masterclasses on solo performance, and learning about reeds. Some workshops will run alongside Young Bassoons, giving the opportunity to explore the exciting double reed ensemble repertoire. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
20 Sep 2026
29 Nov 2026
31 Jan 2027
25 Apr 2027 (performance)
Workshops for trombonists with at least one year of playing experience, focusing on developing technique and musicianship. Participants will work together in large and small groups, exploring music through movement, improvising with musical ideas, and developing a group piece together. As part of this, areas of technique will be explored within a musical context, and the young players will have plenty of opportunity to create their own musical choices and decisions. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
Upcoming Workshops:
4 Oct 2026
15 Nov 2026
24 Jan 2027
21 Mar 2027 (performance)
Workshops for viola players with at least one year of playing experience. Sessions focus on solo and orchestral playing, various aspects of technique, and improvisation, and there are opportunities to play with a viola ensemble. Special guests often attend, either from the RNCM or the wider music profession. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing!
The Team
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Lindsey Stoker
Professor of French Horn (Senior Tutor)
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Anne-Marie O’Farrell
Professor of Harp
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Leslie Neish
Professor of Tuba
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Geth Griffith
Lecturer in Music
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.
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RNCM Young Strings, an open-access programme that provides a thorough foundation in musical and instrumental skills while also being holistic, creative, and fun.