After three happy years at Junior RNCM, I'm now very proud to be studying at the RNCM senior school.
RNCM
"I can't put in to words just how proud I am to be studying double bass at the RNCM".
The Royal Northern College of Music (or RNCM) is one of the World's leading conservatoires. As well as being a centre of music education under our principal, Professor Jonty Stockdale, the RNCM also functions as a concert venue. The history of the college dates back to the late 19th century when Sir Charles Hallé established the Royal Manchester College of Music on Ducie Street Manchester somewhere around 1893. In 1973, Sir Charles' Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music which had been established in 1920 merged to create today's RNCM.
Today, RNCM offers both undergraduate (that's me) and postgraduate courses in both performance and composition. I think we have close to seven hundred students and over two hundred and fifty academic staff. Previous RNCM students include the likes of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, John Ogdon, Peter Donohoe, Martin Roscoe, Stephen Hough, Karen Humphreys, Yi Xin Han, Rachel Moore and Leon Bocsh to name but a tiny few.
Please visit the RNCM website at www.rncm.ac.uk or call the RNCM on 0161 907 5200
Junior RNCM
"I studied at the Junior RNCM for three years (2006 to 2009) and absolutely loved it. My little sister Jess's studying there now and she loves it too".
"Karen Humphreys, You're Awesome!" ... For anyone who doesn't know Karen Humphreys, she runs Junior RNCM so let me explain my public outburst of adulation for her. In the spring of 2008, I was at the crossroads with my playing. Although I want desperately to be a professional bass player, I felt I had to decide whether I was going to give it my best on double bass or electric bass. In my mind it was probably going to be electric but Karen took me to one side and had a really good talk with me and made me realise that if I put the work in, I may be able to do both. The confidence she's given me is unbelievable and I've spent my time since practising with a new sense of belief and confidence.
Karen is to young musicians at Junior RNCM what Alex Ferguson is to young footballers at Man United, Inspiring!
I have a lot to thank Junior RNCM for. It gave me the finest teachers and the best musical experience I could have ever hoped for. I was lucky enough to be awarded 'The Yorke Trust Prize for Double Bass' in 2007 and 2009 and honored to be the recipient of the Junior RNCM's 'Director's Prize' in 2009.
There's been some exceptionally talented students there while I've been there like Mark Simpson who won BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition 2006 and the BBC Young Composer of the Year Competition 2006 and many who have gone on to study music at conservatoires or university.
I attended on Saturdays between 9.30am - 4.30pm and although it was a long day, it was the best day of the week! The atmosphere at Junior RNCM is great and the team spirit between us all (staff and students) was wonderful to the point that when we were playing in a concert and you knew someone had a solo coming up, you were willing them to play it well. I loved the intensive lessons with my teachers and I know now that I'd have never got in to a conservatoire (now going to senior RNCM) if I hadn't have gone. With hindsight, the academic music element of Junior RNCM was great for my GCSE and A level studies. Although sometimes I only wanted to play; the theory, harmony and composition classes have undoubtedly made me a better all round musician and because there's such tiny groups, I always got the individual attention I needed.
Now for the most the exciting bit for me ... The Junior RNCM is the best place in the World for performance opportunities. Over the three years I was there, I always had something to practice for whether it was a small jazz ensemble or large orchestra. Appearances in informal concerts lead to me playing for more formal occasions at venues throughout the North of England. This ensemble playing is clearly important for all young musicians and all Junior RNCM students play in selected small groups. Whilst at Junior RNCM, I played in the String Orchestra, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble (playing bass), Jazz Trio and Quartet, Double Bass Duo etc. As well as having a great time, this ensemble playing has given me confidence.
If you're interested in going to Junior RNCM, why not go to the next 'Open Day' which is normally in early February (I think) or go to one of the concert days which will give you a bit of a better idea. I think you can even spend the day shadowing one of the Juniors. If you're a percussionist, I'm sure my sister Jess won't mind you sitting in on her lesson.
To get in to Junior RNCM you have to audition every year, so even if you're in, you have to audition to get your place for the next year. Auditions are held in March (which has been a bit of a nervous time) for entry the following September. Players must show to the audition panel that they've musicality and enough potential to possibly have a career in music. Ability of auditionee's depends on age and length of study, but as a guide they'll expect Associated Board Grade 5 distinction level (for 8 year olds! only joking, don't worry). You'll have to play two contrasting pieces on your first instrument and a piece on your second. Oh yes, there's sight reading (on first study) and a musicianship test.
If you're young, keen on music and enjoying playing, you'll love Junior RNCM (I did!). Please contact Karen Humphreys (Deputy Director, RNCM Centre for Young Musicians) on 0161 907 5264 or 5073 or email her at karen.humphreys@rncm.ac.uk
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