Offer Holders’ Events
Every January we welcome Offer Holders to the College for a range of in-person activities, designed to help you make an informed choice on whether the RNCM is right for you.
The events differ from School to School, but you’ll meet our staff and students, view our facilities, and get to know potential future classmates. Other activities include masterclasses, seminars, concerts, taster lessons, and more!
Find out below what each School offers, and if you’re interested in joining us, simply sign up through the form at the bottom of the page. A full itinerary of each day (including details of taster principal study lessons) will be emailed to you in advance.
Wind, Brass and Percussion - Thursday 8 January
Woodwind
Time: 10am – 6.30pm
You’ll have the opportunity to attend an introduction to the School with Head of Woodwind, Kevin Gowland, and attend a Wind, Brass and Percussion lunchtime concert. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to meet current students, staff, and other offer holders over lunch and enjoy two free taster principal study lessons.
If you’re unable to join us in-person, you can join an online Q&A with Kevin Gowland from 9 to 10am or 5.30 to 6.30pm on Wednesday 21 January.
Brass
Time: 10am – 6.30pm
You’ll have the opportunity to attend an introduction to the School with Head of Brass, Murray Greig, and attend a Wind, Brass and Percussion lunchtime concert. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to meet current students, staff, and other offer holders over lunch and enjoy two free taster principal study lessons.
If you’re unable to join us in-person, you can join an online Q&A with Murray Greig from 9 to 10am or 5.30 to 6.30pm on Monday 12 January.
Percussion
Time: 11.15am – 4pm
You’ll have the opportunity to attend an introduction to the School with Head of Percussion, Simone Rebello, and attend a Wind, Brass and Percussion lunchtime concert. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to meet current students, staff, and other offer holders over lunch and take part in a masterclass with Paul Turner, our Professor of Timpani and current Principal Timpanist at the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
If you’re unable to join us in-person, you can join an online Q&A with Simone Rebello from 9 to 10am on the same day.
Strings - Sunday 11 January
Time: 10.30am – 5.45pm
Our Strings Offer Holders Day runs as part of our celebrated Strings Festival. This means that, in addition to observing masterclasses, touring the College and Sir Charles Groves Halls of Residence, having lunch with staff and students, and having an introduction to the department, you’ll also be invited to attend the fantastic concerts the festival offers that day.
The online session for the Strings Offer Holders Day will be announced shortly. Please check back soon for more information.
Guitar - Sunday 11 January
Time: 10.30am – 5.45pm
Starting the day with a Guitar masterclass from Director of Guitar, Craig Ogden, you’ll then tour the College and Sir Charles Groves Halls of Residence, have lunch with staff and students, join a Guitar ensemble and workshop, have a taster principal study lesson, and attend a Guitar concert!
The online session for the Guitar Offer Holders Day will be announced shortly. Please check back soon for more information.
Popular Music - Tuesday 20 January
Time: 11am – 5pm
Year 1 Live Showcase: 7-10pm
You’ll take part in group discussions with current students and future classmates, join a Q&A with Professor Andy Stott, Head of Popular Music, participate in a band workshop, and watch performances from current students. Following this, you’re welcome to join us at the The Deaf Institute for a Year 1 live showcase.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can join an online Q&A with Professor Andy Stott from 11.30am to 12.30pm on the same day.
Composition - Wednesday 21 January
Time: 10am – 5pm
RNCM Manchester Contemporary Orchestra: 7.30-9.30pm
You’ll enjoy a composition seminar, lunch with current students, two free taster principal study lessons, a lunchtime concert and a demonstration of our state-of-the-art Studio 8. You’re also welcome to join us in the evening for a performance by the RNCM Manchester Contemporary Orchestra.
The online session for the Composition Offer Holders Day will be announced shortly. Please check back soon for more information.
Vocal Studies and Opera - Thursday 22 January
Time: 10am – 4.15pm
As well as an introduction to the School, a lunchtime concert, group taster principal study lessons, and lunch with staff and students, you’ll also get the chance to observe classes, performances, and a rehearsal for RNCM Opera Scenes.
The online session for the Vocal Studies and Opera Offer Holders Day will be announced shortly. Please check back soon for more information.
Harp - Thursday 22 January
Time: 9.30am – 5.45pm
Enjoy a masterclass in orchestral playing, an ensemble workshop, as well as a lunchtime concert (featuring harpists performing with our vocal students), tours of the building and facilities, and lunch with staff and students.
The online session for the Harp Offer Holders Day will be announced shortly. Please check back soon for more information.
Keyboard Studies - Friday 23 January
Time: 10.30am – 5pm
You’ll have an introduction to the School, as well as an individual taster lesson, lunch with staff and students, a workshop for 6 pianos, and a masterclass with Professor of Piano, Kathryn Stott.
If you’re unable to attend in-person, you can join an online Q&A with Professor Graham Scott and Dr Adam Swayne on Wednesday 15 January from 9 to 10am.
Online Programme Talks - throughout January
These sessions will introduce you to your programme of study (BMus / MPerf / GRNCM etc.). You can express your interest by filling out the form below (under the question Are you also interested in joining an online session to learn more about your chosen programme of study?) and you will be emailed a Zoom link closer to the time.
Introduction to Undergraduate Studies
with Professor Nicholas Reyland (Head of Undergraduate Programmes)
Wednesday 7 January, 12-1pm
Introduction to Graduate Diploma of the RNCM (GRNCM)
with Dr Simon Parkin (Senior Lecturer in Music and Deputy Head of Undergraduate Programmes)
Tuesday 12 January, 12-1pm
Introduction to the Graduate School
with Professor David Horne (Head of Graduate School)
Friday 16 January, 11am-12pm
Please note You will need to keep your cameras on to join any of the above sessions.
