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Study level:
Postgraduate
Scheme:
UCAS Conservatoires

Course summary

Designed for students interested in furthering their development in jazz at postgraduate level, this specialist pathway is led by internationally renowned jazz saxophonist and composer (and Head of the Jazz pathway) Professor Tommy Smith and offers bespoke tuition from some of the best jazz musicians and educators in the Scotland.

As well as weekly lessons on your principal study instrument, we offer second study modules should you have an interest in developing a second instrument.

Our MMus Jazz pathway is designed to accommodate both jazz performers and jazz writer/arrangers. The course is highly bespoke and you will have a large amount of control in the way that your studies are structured. This programme is tailored to fit individual needs and requirements, allowing the student to focus on preferred areas of interest and specialism.

The jazz scene in Glasgow and Scotland is thriving and there are performance opportunities both within the Conservatoire and out – our students have negotiated many external performance opportunities in surrounding venues which means there’s live music happening almost every night of the week.

On campus, our Blue Mondays concerts showcase the talents of our students and tutors. We also have larger jazz performances which often include special guests. Our past guests have included Makoto Ozone, Courtney Pine, Jacqui Dankworth, Branford Marsalis, David Liebman, Peter Erskine, Paolo Fresu, Bill Evans, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker and Arild Andersen. Students have seen these great musicians up close, working with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and through masterclass settings.

Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 1st December 2023, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2023 to be guaranteed consideration for the first round of scholarship.

Course details

Principal study options

During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:

Main specialism

Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.

Instrument/specialisms

For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.

Primary instrument/specialism
  • Clarinet (Jazz)
  • Double Bass (Jazz)
  • Drumkit (Jazz)
  • Electric bass (jazz)
  • Flute (Jazz)
  • Guitar (Jazz)
  • Piano (Jazz)
  • Saxophone (Alto) Jazz
  • Saxophone (Baritone) Jazz
  • Saxophone (Soprano) Jazz
  • Saxophone (Tenor) Jazz
  • Trombone (Jazz)
  • Trumpet (Jazz)
  • Vibraphone (Jazz)
  • Violin (Jazz)
  • Voice (Jazz)

Modules

More information about what the course entails can be found on our website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/postgraduate/jazz/

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How to apply

If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.

Apply by
2 October

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
808F
Institution code:
R58
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Currently around 20% of our students come from outside the UK. Between them, they represent over 60 different nationalities and add a rich diversity to the Conservatoire.

Open days

Entry requirements

Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

Additional entry requirements

Audition
Please refer to our Guide for Applicants for what to prepare for audition - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 in each component (with no component below 5.5) is required.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Channel Islands£12870*Year 1
England£12870*Year 1
Northern Ireland£12870*Year 1
Scotland£12870*Year 1
Wales£12870*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£12870*Year 1
EU£27467*Year 1
International£27467*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For more information on fees and funding, please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/finance/feesandfunding

Sponsorship information

The Royal Conservatoire is able to offer a number of entrance scholarships which are awarded as part of the audition/selection process on the basis of merit and financial need. Please see our website for more information - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/finance/scholarships/

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