Popular Music Summer School

We’re excited to announce our Popular Music Summer School for students aged 16+ who are interested in applying for our prestigious BMus Popular Music programme.

In July 2025 the Royal Northern College of Music will be hosting its Popular Music Summer School for students who are interested in applying for the prestigious BMus Popular Music degree programme.

Applications will open in February 2025.

The residential summer school will involve advice auditions with the Head of Popular Music, performance classes with instrumental / vocal staff, composition, production and artist development sessions, the opportunity to perform with current students, and rehearsals with musical directors in preparation for a live show. You will stay with fellow summer school delegates at Sir Charles Groves Hall of residence and dine at the RNCM café.

The school will provide the unique opportunity to work with some of the finest teachers, musicians, and students in the UK as well as the chance to meet, perform and socialize with like-minded talented musicians who aspire to be RNCM Popular Music students.

Below is an example schedule of the summer school:

Day 1

11:00 – Check-in to accommodation at Sir Charles Groves Halls of Residence

12:00 – Welcome meeting with Professor Andy Stott and current students

13:00 – Lunch RNCM café

14:00 – Instrumental / Vocal workshops

16:00 – Live performance by current RNCM students

17:00 – Dinner RNCM café

18:00 – Return to halls

20:00 – Open mic / Jam night – RNCM bar

22:30 – Return to halls

Day 2

09:00 – Breakfast RNCM café

10:00 – Advice auditions / band rehearsals

13:00 – Lunch RNCM café

14:00 – Advice auditions / band rehearsals

17:00 – Dinner at RNCM café

18:00 – Return to halls

20:00 – Live event at 33 Oldham Street

22:30 – Return to halls

Day 3

09:00 – Breakfast RNCM café

10:00 – Production workshop

11:00 – Composition workshop

12:00 – Artist Development workshop

13:00 – Lunch RNCM café

14:00 – International Student Concert – RNCM Theatre

16:00 – Drinks – RNCM café

17:00 – Depart

Notes:

• We have 30 places available on the programme which are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
• The cost of the programme is £350 and includes all tuition, accommodation, and meals.
• On the second day, you will be required to perform one solo piece in the advice audition session
• You can perform to backing track / unaccompanied / self-accompanied
• You may perform original music or a cover version / arrangement’