Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
100 Renfrew Street
Glasgow
G2 3DB
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Course contact details
Main Contact
Email:admissions@rcs.ac.uk
Phone:0141 332 4101
Fax: 0141 332 8901
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Chamber Music (MA) (Taught)
- Study level:
- Postgraduate
- Scheme:
- UCAS Conservatoires
Course summary
This programme is designed primarily for existing chamber ensembles who wish to further their development through study at Masters level. The individuals making up the group will normally have undertaken formal study beyond undergraduate level: as a team, you should be ready to commit to working together for the duration of the programme.
We also welcome applications from individual candidates who can demonstrate an aptitude for and experience of chamber music, and a keen desire to work with others. The offer of a place will be dependent upon the potential for viable ensembles to be formed.
Our chamber music ensembles form part of a thriving performance community, with opportunities to collaborate both with fellow musicians and artists from other disciplines. There are several RCS chamber music competitions for ensembles to enter, as well as potential opportunities for performances both in RCS and around Scotland.
Chamber Music coaching is provided by experienced chamber musicians and visiting specialists, including Joseph Swenson, Will Conway, Greg Lawson, Matthew Trusler and Thomas Carroll of Trio Apaches.
Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 2nd December 2024, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2024 to be guaranteed consideration for the first round of scholarship.
Overseas Auditions
If you want to audition at one of our overseas locations, you must submit your application by the 2nd October 2024. We may not be able to audition certain instruments at our overseas auditions, please see our website for more information. Where required, all applicants will need to provide their own instruments (except piano) and accompanist for the audition. Details of audition dates and locations can be found on our website, under the 'How to apply' section. Please note our locations are subject to change at short notice. if you choose a location that becomes unavailable we will be in touch to offer an alternative, this will likely be a recorded submission.
Curriculum Review
We are currently in the review cycle for our postgraduate music programmes starting in 2025, these courses are currently designated 'subject to validation'. This is standard practice during curriculum review periods. The outcome of this process, may mean there are some changes to how your programme is delivered.
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
- Accordion (classical)
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Cornet
- Double Bass
- Euphonium
- Flute
- Guitar (Classical)
- Harp
- Horn (French)
- Horn (Tenor)
- Oboe
- Organ
- Percussion & Timpani
- Piano
- Saxophone
- Trombone (Alto)
- Trombone (Bass)
- Trombone (Tenor)
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Viola
- Violin
- Voice (Alto)
- Voice (Baritone)
- Voice (Bass)
- Voice (Bass-Baritone)
- Voice (Contralto)
- Voice (Counter-Tenor)
- Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
- Voice (Soprano)
- Voice (Tenor)
Modules
Please see our course webpage for more information.
Assessment method
Please see our course webpage for more information.
How to apply
This course is closed for the 2025 academic cycle. Please contact the provider or view the 2026 courses.
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:
- 336F
- 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.
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
- Ensembles should prepare a programme of approximately 40 minutes of music. Please list in your personal statement the other member(s) of your ensemble. Individual candidates should prepare a programme drawn from the instrumental list for the relevant department. Please information on what to prepare for audition, please visit our course page under the 'how to apply' secion: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/mmus-ma-chamber-music/
- Interview
- An interview will form part of the audition process. Depending on your audition method, this may be conducted online.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Applicants 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. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | Overall score of 80, with minimum scores of: Reading – 18, Listening – 17, Speaking – 20, Writing – 17 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall score of 59 with a minimum of 59 in all components (reading, listening, speaking, writing) |
More information about our language requirements can be found at the weblink. https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £17875* | Whole course |
| England | £17875* | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £17875* | Whole course |
| Scotland | £17875* | Whole course |
| Wales | £17875* | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £17875* | Whole course |
| EU | £35090* | Whole course |
| International | £35090* | Whole course |
* 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
Please note, fees are subject to change for AY25 entry
Associated programme costs may be required for this programme for any new student at the start of their studies. For more information on please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/fees/
Sponsorship information
Within the School of Music, the majority of scholarship awards are made following our audition period and offer of a place at the RCS. Scholarships are made based on ability and potential with some for financial need. Many School of Music scholarships are made for the duration of the programme. There is no separate scholarship application for the School of Music as everyone is automatically considered.
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