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Popular Music

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Home to the UK’s only four-year conservatoire-based undergraduate degree and exceptional postgraduate programmes, the RNCM is the premier training ground for students aspiring to be original artists, freelance musicians, and music industry professionals.

Empowering you to be ambitious and imaginative with no boundaries to your creativity, our courses focus on artistic development and teach the essential skills of performance, composition, and production.

Through a combination of intensive individual lessons, group study, and real-world experience, you’ll develop your creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills by regularly showcasing your music for, and receiving guidance from, international guest artists and industry experts.

You’ll also gain unrivalled opportunities to learn and make music with students from all Schools of Study, perform within our flagship Session Orchestra and Big Band, and work as a signed artist with our independent label.

Professional development is central to our curriculum, and our strong partnerships with pioneering organisations across the UK and enviable global network of educators, practitioners, and students at conservatoires worldwide open doors to outstanding industry experience and inside knowledge.

Principal Study Options

  • Vocals
  • Piano/Keyboards
  • Guitar (Electric)
  • Guitar (Bass)
  • Drumkit

Professors

All Staff

‘Our aim is simple: to educate, train, and develop your creative, practical, and professional skills for successful, sustainable careers that will shape the future of music.’

Professor Andy Stott

Head of Popular Music

Auditions

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This is your chance to shine, showing that you’re a communicative performer who has musical understanding and freedom of expression.

Requirements

All applicants are required to submit their Stage 1 recorded audition via Acceptd by Friday 2 October. If successful at Stage 1, you may be invited to share more of your personality and discuss your current work and future aspirations via an additional performance and/or interview at the RNCM. Online options are available for overseas applicants who cannot travel.

BMus Popular Music applicants are also required to complete an online entrance exam as part of the process. Questions will cover theory and aural skills, recording, and production.

Current RNCM students are not required to submit a Stage 1 audition video. Instead, they must submit their most recent recital mark sheet via Acceptd. Current RNCM postgraduate students can submit a recent recital video if they do not hold an RNCM recital mark sheet.

Audition requirements are outlined below, but if you require further information, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.

Stage 1 (Recorded)

You should perform ONE piece of your own choice (excluding graded examination pieces) to an MP3 backing track and ONE piece from the following list:

Bass Guitar: Animal Spirits – Vulfpeck
Drum Kit: Stand Up – The PB Underground
Electric Guitar: Beat It – Michael Jackson
Keyboards: Rosanna – Toto
Voice/Singer-Songwriter: Get Here – Jessie J and Jools Holland or Human – Rag’n’Bone Man 

Pop-Focussed Instrumentalists

If you have applied on an instrument that isn’t listed above, you should submit a recording of two contrasting pop influenced pieces, which may be original or existing repertoire. At least one track should be accompanied (backing track accompaniment is acceptable).

Music Production

Music Production applicants should submit two contrasting pieces recorded on a DAW with audio and real time video of the project screen.

Please note:

  • We recommend that candidates download (rather than stream) backing tracks and tracks for set pieces.
  • With advance notice, we can provide backing tracks for drum and vocal set pieces. For other instruments, please refer to the studio track.
  • Candidates can opt to accompany themselves or perform their own versions of pieces, but auditioning in this way won’t impact the assessment.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video

Stage 2 (In Person or Online)

Successful Stage 1 applicants will be invited to undertake a live audition at the RNCM. Here you should perform the same two pieces you submitted as part of your initial recording, or a new piece that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability, lasting no longer than five minutes. Music production applicants should create a new recording of one piece on a DAW, demonstrating your skills and knowledge of the creative process.

Please note: if you have applied as a multi-instrumentalist, you are required to perform one piece on each instrument. As above, these can be new pieces or ones you performed in your Stage 1 recording, lasting no longer than five minutes each.

This stage will also include musicianship tests (such as scales and exercises) and an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations.

Overseas Applicants

If you are an overseas applicant and travel isn’t possible, you can opt to complete Stage 2 online, via Zoom.

Stage 1 (Recorded)

You should prepare THREE contrasting pieces/songs that demonstrate a range of technical and musical challenges appropriate to postgraduate-level study.

Music Production

Music production applicants should submit two contrasting pieces recorded on a DAW with audio and real time video of the project screen.

Please note:

  • We recommend that candidates download (rather than stream) backing tracks and tracks for set pieces.
  • Candidates can opt to accompany themselves or perform their own versions of pieces, but auditioning in this way won’t impact the assessment.

Your submission should also include a two-minute introduction (either as a separate video or as part of your main audition recording), outlining who you are, why you would like to study with us, and a little about the repertoire you’re playing.

Stage 2 (In Person or Online)

Successful Stage 1 applicants will be invited to undertake a live audition at the RNCM. Here you should perform the same two pieces you submitted as part of your initial recording, or a new piece that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability, appropriate to postgraduate study and lasting no longer than five minutes.

Please note: if you have applied as a multi-instrumentalist, you are required to perform one piece on each instrument. As above, these can be new pieces or ones you performed in your Stage 1 recording, lasting no longer than five minutes each.

This stage will also include musicianship tests (such as scales and exercises) and an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations.

Overseas Applicants

If you are an overseas applicant and travel isn’t possible, you can opt to complete Stage 2 online, via Zoom.

Opportunities

Why RNCM?

Cross-School Collaboration

Through cross-School collaboration, pop students regularly create and perform with musicians from across the RNCM, gaining valuable experience of working in diverse artistic settings.

BBC Introducing @ RNCM

Uniting the discovery power of BBC Introducing with the RNCM’s next‑gen music creators, BBC Introducing @ RNCM – a new day-long festival launched in 2026 – is where Manchester’s freshest voices perform in a venue that has hosted music pioneers from FKA Twigs and Jarvis Cocker to Adele. 

Masterclasses

Our impressive roster of visiting professors plays an essential role in your musical and professional education. Students have direct contact with some of the world’s most influential artists and practitioners, including Nile Rodgers, Trevor Horn, Snarky Puppy, Mo Pleasure and Cory Wong, among many others.

Original Artists

As original artists, RNCM pop students are encouraged to push creative boundaries, refine their individual sound, and share their work with new audiences. They also have the opportunity to compete for the coveted Artist of the Year award, alongside classical musicians and composers.

Alumni

All Alumni

We’re always proud to celebrate the successes of our alumni, whether from the RNCM or our two founding institutions, the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music.

  • Porij

    Singing (Pop)

  • Olivia Thompson

    Guitar (Bass) | 2020

  • Sam Harding

    Guitar (Bass) | 2020

  • James Bradshaw

    Singing (Pop) | 2018

  • Nicole Battick

    Singing (Pop) | 2020

  • Ollie West

    Piano/Keyboards | 2019

  • Charlie Sinclair

    Guitar (Electric) | 2019

  • Ruth Owens

    Singing (Pop) | 2020

Alumni Spotlight

Simon Dumas | 2018 

‘When I joined the RNCM, I never thought I’d be living in Nashville with a record deal five years later. The four years of study prepared me for whatever opportunity would come my way, and I know that without all of the learning, performing, and meeting such incredible musicians, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you RNCM for some of the best years of my life.’

Simon Dumas (vocals, 2018) is a member of country music band King Calaway.

Alumni Spotlight

Porij | Various Years

‘It’s difficult to state quite how significant my time at the RNCM has been for my development as an artist and social entrepreneur. From the time I first arrived, the RNCM has supported me to explore my creative potential, develop my networks, and use what I have learnt to make the greatest possible impact. It is truly a unique music conservatoire environment. Movers and shakers of the world: you know where to come.’

Porij (comprising Nathan Carroll, Scout Moore, James Middleton, and Jacob Maguire) released their critically acclaimed debut album Teething in April 2024 and have performed at multiple festivals, including Glastonbury.

Videos

All Videos

News

All News

Queen drummer Roger Taylor honoured by RNCM

7 October 2026

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has presented legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor with a prestigious Fellowship in recognition of his significant contribution to popular music and almost six…

Read more

News In Brief

  • RNCM artists and alumni have performed at major festivals across the UK and internationally, from Japan’s Summer Sonic to Brighton Pride and Pohoda Festival.
  • Alumni The K’s played their biggest-ever headline show to an 8,000-strong crowd at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl.
  • Alumni band Westside Cowboy are earning widespread acclaim, with critics calling their debut album one of the year’s standout releases.

Application FAQs

How do I apply?

UCAS Conservatoires applications open on 9 July and close on 1 October. Once you have submitted your UCAS application, you should submit an Acceptd portfolio that meets the audition requirements for your instrument.

View our Application Portal
How much does it cost to apply and audition?

The UCAS application fee for 2027 entry is £34.50. The RNCM audition fee for Single Principal Study is £80 and £120 for Joint Principal Study.

Audition fee waivers are available for UK applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

  • Applicants in receipt of UK government benefits
  • Applicants with a combined household income of £35,000 or below
  • Applicants who are eligible for free school meals (FSM)
  • Applicants who are care leavers

Please contact [email protected] if you think you are eligible for a fee waiver.

Do I have to come to the RNCM for my live audition and interview?

All UK-based applicants are encouraged to attend their audition live at the RNCM in Manchester. Overseas applicants and those unable to travel are welcome to apply for an online audition and interview, which will take place in our main auditions period alongside in-person auditions.

When will I receive a decision from the RNCM?

If you apply on time and audition within our main auditions period, you will be notified of the outcome of your application by Thursday 24 December.

For late applicants, we aim to process all application decisions within 2 weeks of each audition.

Resources