Strings
Life within our School of Strings is about unlocking potential. From intensive one-to-one training and a vast array of performance opportunities, to mental focus sessions with sports psychologists and motivational talks with the military elite, we strive to provide the right stimulus to ensure you flourish.
Our dedicated team of professors are musicians of the highest calibre, and we welcome further worldclass artists throughout the year to present masterclasses, lectures, and seminars tailored to meet the demands of the profession. Regular specialist performance classes will enrich your learning as a solo and ensemble player, and our open class policy means you’re encouraged to attend lessons within other Schools, developing your creative, technical, and personal skills with an array of RNCM staff.
The partnerships we’ve developed with leading orchestras across the UK, including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé, Royal Northern Sinfonia (orchestra of The Glasshouse), Manchester Camerata, and Manchester Collective, provide invaluable opportunities to gain professional experience, and we host compulsory screened ‘blind’ auditions for our own orchestras and ensembles twice a year.
Additionally, regular concerts and recitals within RNCM venues offer the chance for all players (including double bass, harp, guitar, and period instruments) to perform to public audiences, and our Symphony Orchestra often brings the year to a close with a rousing concert at Manchester’s Bridgwater Hall.
Principal Study Options
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
- Guitar (classical)
- Harp
Principal Study Options
Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass
Our violin, viola, cello, and double bass students benefit from a rich and diverse programme of learning, audition, and performance opportunities, supported by world-class tuition, regular workshops, and masterclasses with internationally renowned visiting artists and professors. Alongside extensive orchestral experience, students are encouraged to explore chamber music, collaborate with students across the conservatoire, and develop their artistic identity through a wide range of performance projects. Violinists, violists, and cellists with an interest in Historical Performance can also work with period instruments and bows, while receiving specialist tuition in Baroque violin, viola, and cello. Together, these opportunities prepare students for successful and versatile careers as 21st-century musicians.
Guitar (classical)
The RNCM has a proud tradition of producing world-class guitarists who go on to forge successful careers.
Led by acclaimed performer Craig Ogden, with teaching from Tom McKinney, Sam Rodwell, Paula Chateaneuf (lute/theorbo), and Jim Faulkner (jazz and fretboard harmony), the department supports each student’s individual aspirations.
While some technical and repertoire requirements are in place across our programmes, you are encouraged to explore your own interests in a supportive environment, developing as soloists, ensemble players, and educators.
Masterclasses are regularly given by leading artists including Tilman Hoppstock, Zoran Dukic, Gary Ryan, Gabriel Bianco, Xuefei Yang, and Sean Shibe, and we own several beautiful guitars that are on loan to students, including Smallman, Sheridan, Fischer/Rubio, Dean, Southwell, McLaren, and Ramirez.
Harp
Under the guidance of internationally renowned performer and teacher Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell, harp students receive comprehensive training in solo, orchestral, chamber, jazz, Baroque, and improvisational playing, as well as accompaniment and audition preparation.
Anne-Marie’s expertise as a composer enhances students’ understanding and memorisation of repertoire, while her skills in transcription and arrangement help tailor each student’s repertoire to their interests. Her background in Alexander Technique and the Interactive Teaching Method supports the development of a healthy, injury-preventive technique, improving focus and energy.
The department also hosts regular masterclasses with leading international harpists, including Alexander Boldachev, Anneleen Lenaerts, and Catrin Finch.
Professors
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Chris Hoyle
Head of School of Strings, Professor of Cello
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Catherine Yates
Deputy Head of School of Strings, Professor of Violin
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Louise Lansdown
Assistant Head of Strings (Viola), Professor of Viola
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Henning Kraggerud
International Chair in Violin
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Ning Feng
International Professor of Violin
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Nobuko Imai
International Chair in Viola
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Miklós Perényi
Haworth International Chair in Cello
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Božo Paradžik
International Professor of Double Bass
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Leland Chen
Professor of Violin
‘We equip students with practical and tangible steps so that they can become the best version of themselves and find their own unique place in our evolving profession.’
Head of Strings
Courses
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Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music with Honours
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Undergraduate
Graduate Diploma of the RNCM
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Graduate
Master of Music
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Graduate
Master of Performance
Auditions
This is your chance to shine, showing that you’re a communicative performer who has musical understanding and freedom of expression.
Requirements
All applicants will be invited to a live audition at the RNCM in November or December 2026. In-person applicants (excluding those opting for an overseas audition) are not required to submit a recording prior to their audition, but must still complete an Acceptd application. Overseas applicants who are unable to travel are invited to apply for an online audition.
To qualify for an online audition, you must select ‘Online’ under ‘Audition Location’ on UCAS Conservatoires and submit an audition recording within your Acceptd application. Your recording will be pre-screened and if you are shortlisted for an online interview, you will be notified via UCAS Conservatoires.
Audition requirements are outlined below, but if you require further information, please email [email protected] or call 0161 907 5465/210.
Violin
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
You should choose ONE set piece from:
W A Mozart – movement 1 or 3 from any Violin Concerto
Joseph Haydn – movement 1 or 3 from Concerto in C
J S Bach – two contrasted movements from the solo Sonatas or Partitas or the accompanied Sonatas (BWV 1014 – 9 or BWV 1020 – 5)
Georg Telemann – two contrasted movements from the solo Fantasias
AND
A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first choice.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Interviews (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Viola
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
You should choose ONE set piece from:
Franz Anton Hoffmeister movement 1 from Concerto in D
Franz Anton Hoffmeister movement 3 from Concerto in D
Franz Anton Hoffmeister movement 1 from Concerto in Bb
Carl Stamitz movement 1 from Concerto in D
J S Bach – two contrasted movements from a viola transcription of Bach Cello Suites 2 – 6, to include a Prelude.
AND
A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first choice.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Cello
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
You should choose ONE set piece from:
Joseph Haydn – movement 1 or 3 from Concerto in C or D
C P E Bach Concerto in A (edition Salabert (EMS 5391))
J S Bach – two contrasted movements from Suites 2 – 6, to include a Prelude
Luigi Boccherini – movement 1 from Concerto in B flat or G
AND
A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first choice.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Double Bass
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
You should choose ONE from:
Giambattista Cimador – movement 1 from Concerto in G
Giovanni Bottesini – movement 1 from Concerto in A minor
Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf – movement 1 from Concerto No 2
Or TWO contrasted movements from:
Antonio Vivaldi – (trans Zimmermann) Cello Sonatas
Benedetto Marcello Sonatas Op 2
OR
Willem De Fesch Sonata in G
AND
A piece of your own choice, which contrasts in period and style with your first piece.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Harp
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
Prepare TWO contrasting pieces of your own choice. These do not need to be played from memory but should commensurate with a standard of ABRSM Grade 8 or above.
For those attending in person, your audition will include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You will also be asked about the musical content and style of your audition pieces and you will be given a sight reading exercise.
Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Guitar (classical)
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
Prepare TWO contrasting pieces of your own choice. These do not need to be played from memory but should be commensurate with a standard of ABRSM Grade 8 or above. Suggested composers include J S Bach, Agustin Barrios, Lennox Berkeley, Leo Brouwer, Napoleon Coste, John Dowland, Roland Dyens, Mauro Giuliani, Manuel Ponce, Joaquin Rodrigo, Domenico Scarlatti, Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega, Joaquin Turina and William Walton.
We recommend that you endeavour to choose works that demonstrate your strengths and contain a variety of technical demands and expressive detail.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas and GRNCM Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
See also BMus (Hons) Popular Music Guitar audition requirements.
Violin
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Viola
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Cello
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Double Bass
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Harp
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, from contrasting periods. The level of difficulty should be comparable to that of the pieces played in a final undergraduate degree recital.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You will also be asked about the musical content and style of your audition pieces and you will be given a sight reading exercise.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Guitar (classical)
In Person Auditions (Live) and Recorded Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
Applicants for postgraduate study should perform TWO contrasting works, one of which should be from the baroque/classical period.
For those attending in person, your audition will also include an interview, giving the panel an opportunity to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, whilst giving you the chance to ask any questions you might have about studying with us. You may also be asked to perform a quick study.
Audition Recordings (Overseas Applicants)
If you are submitting an audition recording, please record your chosen pieces/movements in their entirety where they fit within 15 minutes of recorded material. If longer, please stop at an appropriate point in the music. Cadenzas are not compulsory, but you have the option to include one subject to it fitting within your 15 minutes of music.
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.
Online Auditions (Overseas Applicants)
If you have submitted an audition recording and you are shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake a live audition via Zoom. Here you should perform a different piece of ABRSM Grade 8 standard or above lasting no longer than five minutes. Please choose something that you think best demonstrates your skills and ability.
This part of the process will also include an interview, where the panel would like to learn a little more about you and your future aspirations, and quick study. The quick study will be provided in advance (via email).
Opportunities
Chamber Music
Our vibrant chamber music programme offers opportunities to develop your skills through expert tuition, masterclasses and performance. And, as the UK’s only member of the European Chamber Music Academy, advanced chamber ensembles can participate in classes at institutions such as the Paris Conservatoire and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Masterclasses and Side-by-Sides
We regularly hosts world-class artists and guest professors to lead public masterclasses and intensive coaching sessions for students. We also work with professional partners, including the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, and Manchester Collective, to develop unrivalled side-by-side performance opportunities throughout the year.
Professional Experience Schemes
Each year, multiple students undertake professional placements with our orchestral partners, which provide invaluable insight and practical experience of life within the profession through auditions, rehearsals, education projects, and public performances.
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.
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Abel Selaocoe
Cello | 2018
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Hannah Roberts
Cello | 1992
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Rakhvinder Singh
Violin | 2004
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Leon Bosch
Double Bass | 1984
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Caroline Pether
Violin | 2014
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Craig Ogden
Guitar (Classical) | 1991
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Stjepan Hauser
Cello | 2010
Alumni Spotlight
Abel Selaocoe | 2016
‘I initially came to the RNCM strictly to play classical music, which I’m still completely passionate about and want to play as much as possible. It’s just for me, as a musician, it’s important to put myself in different situations and prosper. Looking back, I think that while I enjoyed playing classical music I also started to miss home quite a bit and playing African music was a good way of taking me back there. Initially it was for fun, but it quickly became a bigger part of my life and my career too.’
Abel Selaocoe (cello, 2016) is a celebrated South African cellist, singer, and composer and an RNCM Associate Artist. He is the founding member of the Bantu Ensemble, a former Southbank Centre Artist-in-Residence, and a Warner Music signed artist.
Photo credit: Phil Sharp
Alumni Spotlight
Trio Haversham | Various Years
‘As former RNCM students, we really benefitted from coachings we had with the junior fellows whilst we were here, and so it’s an absolute joy and full-circle moment for us to be able to fill that role ourselves now! The skills one can learn from chamber music making are crucial for anyone pursuing a performing career in music, and so we are looking forward to rejoining the RNCM community, meeting the ensembles, and discovering great repertoire together.’
Trio Haversham is an award-winning ensemble comprising pianist Zany Denyer, violinist Magdalena Riedl, and cellist Seth Collin. They are RNCM Junior Fellows in Chamber Music 2026/27.
Alumni Spotlight
Wayne Kwon | 2021
‘I had an enriching and transformative experience at the RNCM. From learning major orchestral repertoire to working in chamber ensembles along with plenty of opportunities for solo performance, there really is something for everyone. I was able to both learn and play with world class musicians who I thought I would never meet in person! I particularly enjoyed my cello lessons with my wonderful teacher – so much so that I stayed at the RNCM for seven years! All these incredible opportunities coupled with the encouraging and collaborative atmosphere really makes it an exceptional musical institution.’
Wayne Kwon (cello, 2021) is Sub Principal Cello with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Videos
News
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.
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.