External Masterclass and Short Courses
The RNCM operates an extremely popular programme of external conducting courses, which are open to all and attract applicants from all over the world.
Led by RNCM Professors, these events are a fantastic way to sample the world class conducting programmes which the RNCM is renowned for. You may be a young conductor considering full-time study; already on a course of study somewhere else; a professional looking to brush up your skills or receive a fresh perspective from a different teacher; a professional performer or educator for whom conducting is part of a wider portfolio of activities; or an amateur musician wishing to develop your skills.
A feature of all these courses is the absolute focus on the practical experience of conducting real live musicians. RNCM orchestras, bands, and ensembles play for the bulk of the sessions, usually with a professional concertmaster for orchestral sessions. We are delighted to welcome back KNDS Fairey Band for Masterclass 1 and in Masterclass 4 there is significant opportunity to conduct and receive feedback from professional musicians thanks to the involvement of Manchester Camerata.
Interest in these events is extremely high so please take care to provide the requested information. For the Masterclasses, you can submit your application at any time, but active participants are not selected until after the closing date. For the Music Educators course, places are confirmed on receipt so early application is recommended.
Observers are invited to watch all sessions in person. This opportunity will be of interest to conductors of any level or to anyone who is interested in how gesture and body language can be used in leadership. You can register as an observer at any time.
Masterclass 1: Wind and Brass with KNDS Fairey Band
Summary: Aimed at conductors specialising in wind & brass bands and ensembles, or those wishing to focus on improving their skills and knowledge of working with those instruments.
Date: 8 & 9 November 2025
Cost: £450
Participants: 10
Podium time: c.65 minutes
Closing date: 3 October 2025
Repertoire: Percy Grainger – Lincolnshire Posy; Jennifer Jolley – Lightway; Modest Mussorgsky, arr. Howarth – Pictures at an Exhibition
Faculty: Mark Heron
Ensembles: KNDS Fairey Band, RNCM Wind Orchestra and ensembles
Application: Please fill in the Conducting Masterclass 1 (Wind & Brass) application form
Masterclass 2: Orchestral
Summary: 2 days working with RNCM Chamber Orchestra and professional leader on these core repertoire pieces in reduced. Popular with potential Masters applicants, those currently studying a conducting degree, professional performers or composers looking to transition into conducting, and experienced amateur conductors.
Date: 9 & 10 February 2026
Cost: £450
Participants: 10
Podium time: c.65 minutes
Closing date: 5 December 2025
Repertoire: Mahler, arr. Farrington – Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen; Rachmaninov, arr. Farrington – Symphony No.2
Faculty: Mark Heron
Ensembles: RNCM ensembles
Application: Please fill in the Conducting Masterclass 2 (Orchestral) application form
Masterclass 3: Choral
Summary: Participants are often students of choral conducting programmes in the UK, Europe or further afield, professionals working in the choral or church music fields, or experienced amateur conductors.
Date: 14 & 15 February 2026
Cost: £450
Participants: 10
Podium time: c.65 minutes
Closing date: 5 December 2025
Repertoire: Fauré – Requiem, ??
Faculty: David Hill, Stuart Overington
Ensembles: RNCM Chamber Choir, University of Manchester Chamber Choir
Application: Please fill in the Conducting Masterclass 3 (Choral) application form
Masterclass 4: Orchestral with Manchester Camerata
Summary: Our highest-level course benefits from the involvement of Manchester Camerata. Participants are usually experienced conducting students or professionals.
Date: 24 – 26 April 2026
Cost: £750
Participants: 10
Podium time: c.110 minutes
Closing date: 30 January 2026
Repertoire: Brahms – Symphony No.3; Ravel – Daphnis et Chloé
Faculty: Mark Heron, Nicolás Pasquet
Ensembles: Manchester Camerata, RNCM orchestras and ensembles
Application: Please fill in the Conducting Masterclass 4 (Orchestral with Manchester Camerata) application form
Music Educators Conducting Course
Summary: This course is aimed at those working in music education, or training to do so. It is also suitable for those looking for a solid technical grounding, who may not yet have sufficient experience for Masterclasses 1-4. The October workshop is with Derbyshire County Wind Band. In January we explore specifics of working with strings, winds, and brass with small RNCM ensembles. The May workshop is with orchestras and ensembles from Junior RNCM. Use is made of our ConductIT online resource and video review of the participants conducting activity takes place during the course.
Date: 26 & 27 October 2025 (held near Lichfield, Staffordshire); 18 January 2026 (at RNCM); 2 May 2026 (at RNCM)
Cost: £650
Closing date: open until all places filled, early application is encouraged
Repertoire is confirmed after acceptance of place
Faculty: Mark Heron, Melvin Tay
Ensembles: Derbyshire City and County Youth Wind Band, RNCM ensembles, Junior RNCM Orchestras and Bands
Application: Please fill in the Conducting Course for Music Educators application form
Observers
Conducting is unique in that the benefits of watching others being taught can be incredibly helpful to one’s own development. If you are thinking of starting to conduct, observing one of these courses can be a great first step and the chance to meet and chat with our conducting tutors. We welcome U-18s as observers but do require them to be accompanied by an adult. Costs: £60 per day.
You can register as an observer at any time up to the day before a particular course by completing the observers online form.
Enquiries
If you have any further queries about these courses, please email us at [email protected].
