RNCM Engage
RNCM Engage encompasses our work with Under 18s, widening participation and creating pathways in music education.
We work with over 2000 children and young people each year through 10 projects, from first engagement to studying at the most advanced level, supporting transition into higher education study.
Whether taking a first step into music-making, developing skills and confidence, exploring creative projects, or preparing for advanced study, RNCM Engage provides accessible and inclusive pathways that nurture talent, creativity, and participation. Working with schools, communities, families, and aspiring young musicians, our programmes are designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of high-quality music education and artistic engagement. Many of these activities also provide valuable training and professional development opportunities for RNCM students, enabling them to build skills, gain experience, and contribute to the next generation of musicians and music-makers.
Through five interconnected areas of activity, RNCM Engage supports progression from first access and creative participation through to specialist training for the next generation of musicians.
Areas of Activity
First Access
Inspiring children, families, and communities to discover the joy of music.
First Access creates opportunities for children, young people, and families to discover music for the first time. Through initiatives including RNCM Engage Brass, RNCM Engage West Cumbria, RNCM Young Explorers, and RNCM Family Day, we inspire participation, curiosity, and creative development.
RNCM Engage Cumbria
RNCM Engage Cumbria is a five‑year programme designed to expand access to high‑quality music education for under‑18s across West Cumbria. It provides world‑class tuition, tailored support for young people, and professional development opportunities for teachers.
RNCM Engage Brass
RNCM Engage Brass is a key part of our learning and participation programme, connecting RNCM student ensembles with youth brass bands across the North West.
These collaborations give young brass musicians regular monthly support through rehearsals, side-by-side playing, and mentoring from RNCM students and leading brass specialists. They also build skills and confidence and provide current students with meaningful real-world experience in teaching and leadership. Recent Engage Brass days have welcomed more than 120 young brass players to the College for expert coaching, creative workshops, and performances for families and friends, showcasing the energy and ambition of the region’s next generation of brass talent.
Family-Friendly Events
Events such as RNCM Young Explorers and Family Day, invite children and their families to explore the world of music through interactive workshops, performances, and creative activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
Foundation Level
Building musical skills, confidence, and progression opportunities for young learners.
Foundation Level provides high-quality musical training for young people developing their skills and confidence. RNCM Young Projects and RNCM Young Strings offer structured opportunities to learn, perform and progress on their musical journey.
Targeted Support
Helping talented young people overcome barriers and realise their potential.
Targeted Support provides tailored opportunities for talented young people who may face barriers to progression. RNCM Transitions and RNCM Pathfinder help participants build confidence, develop their skills and prepare for the next stage of their musical journey.
RNCM Transitions
RNCM Transitions is a dedicated programme created to support young musicians as they prepare for specialist higher education in music. Developed in partnership with Purposeful Ventures, the initiative reflects our belief that all young people should have access to high‑quality music and arts education, empowering them to fulfil their creative potential. Designed as a bridge between RNCM Engage and the senior college, the programme currently supports students aged 16 – 18 enrolled in RNCM Junior Programmes, helping them strengthen their musical, personal, and social skills as they move towards conservatoire study.
Through personalised learning plans, specialist coaching, and a structured sequence of group activities, RNCM Transitions offers tailored guidance at every step of the journey. Students receive support with conservatoire applications, audition preparation, and contextualised audition options, alongside dedicated offer‑holder support. The programme also includes pastoral provision for students and their families, ensuring that each young person benefits from high‑quality, student‑centred teaching and mentoring that nurtures their artistic development and overall wellbeing.
If you are interested in learning more, please email Helen Kuby, Transitions Senior Tutor, at [email protected].
RNCM Pathfinder
RNCM Pathfinder is designed to increase opportunities for young people aged eight to 18 who are curious, full of potential, and love nothing more than playing music, but who face financial, social, and/or cultural barriers to their musical progression. Access to the programme is via nomination only.
Creative Engagement
Bringing people together through collaborative artistic experiences and community music-making.
Creative Engagement creates opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, and express themselves through music. RNCM Children’s Opera and the RNCM Community Chorus bring participants together to create, perform, and share exceptional musical experiences.
Advanced Training
Specialist programmes for highly motivated young musicians preparing for the next stage of study.
Forming part of our suite of Junior Programmes, advanced training includes Junior RNCM, our Saturday conservatoire for gifted musicians aged eight to 18, and RNCM Young Artists, which supports aspiring pop musicians aged 11-18 from across the North West.
Support RNCM Engage
Help us create pathways into music by nurturing talent, breaking down barriers, and ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds can realise their potential.