Annual Appeal

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Forging industry-ready musicians

At the Royal Northern College of Music, we do more than just teach music. Through an unrivalled number of partnerships, placements, and performance opportunities, we ensure our graduates are highly employable and industry ready.

A RNCM student plays a flute.

Artistic partnerships give 100+ students each year the chance to perform and learn alongside leading organisations including the BBC Philharmonic, the Hallé, Manchester Camerata, and Opera North.

Industry placements for 90+ students annually offer hands-on experience in broadcasting, healthcare, and community settings – including BBC Radio 3, Olympias Music Foundation, and Songbirds Music UK.

Entrepreneurship training prepares students for successful freelance careers, with practical support in finance and seed funding to launch new music ventures.

RNCM Artist Agency provides a professional springboard, booking 320+ paid gigs last year to help students get a head start in building performance careers.

The result of this approach is that RNCM graduates…

+ Hold key seats in major orchestras
+ Regularly perform at pop festivals with global artists
+ Retain leadership roles across the industry
+ Establish new music charities and innovative music organisations
+ Lead work in healthcare and therapy settings
+ Launch pioneering new businesses

We invest over £300,000 a year to provide real-world training and unrivalled professional experiences for RNCM students. With rising costs, we’re seeking support to protect this vital part of their training.

A donation today will help sustain our unique approach to training, ensuring our students stand out in a competitive industry and are able to forge resilient and impactful careers.

DONATE NOW

You can also donate over the phone by calling 0161 907 5480. For larger donations, or if you are having any trouble with the online donation form, please do give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

If you would prefer to make a donation by cheque, please make it payable to ‘RNCM’ and send to the following address:

FAO Development
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD

Thank you.

100% of RNCM graduates are employed or in further study following graduation, with more than 87% working in music (Graduate Outcomes survey 22-23).

40% of orchestral seats in the North of England are held by RNCM alumni.

My time at the RNCM was incredible and the vital stepping stone that I needed to get into the profession. I was lucky enough to gain a place on the BBC Philharmonic’s Professional Experience Scheme, which led to me working with the orchestra as a freelancer before getting a job with them during my final year at the RNCM. I took part in many experience schemes and side-by-side projects during my studies which were all invaluable. I learnt so much and use all the skills I developed in these projects on a day-to-day basis.
Lily Whitehurst, Graduated 2019 Sub-Principal Second Violin, BBC Philharmonic

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