Brass

We believe the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is the Conservatoire of choice for brass, and here are just some of the principle reasons why;

Voted number 1 for music in the Guardian survey of British Conservatoires, and led by renowned trumpet player John Wallace as Principal. The Brass Department has 2 full time members of staff in addition to a visiting team of 25 specialist tutors drawn from all the major orchestras and ensembles in Scotland, including RSNO, BBCSSO, SCO and Scottish Opera.

Compared to other Conservatoires, the Royal Xonservatoire has a relatively small Brass Department, with approximately 40 students in total. This is sufficient to service the larger activities such as Symphony Orchestra and Opera, but small enough to give every student fantastic performance opportunities, as well as a highly personal and individual educational experience enabling the student to flourish at their own pace in a warm and friendly environment. This also means that entry to the Royal Conservatoire is very competitive and standards are high.

The amount of individual principal study tuition is 90 minutes per week – higher than any other UK Conservatoire, with an additional 30 minutes on a related family instrument, such as natural trumpet, alto trombone, contrabass trombone, cimbasso, etc…

Brass students benefit from a wide range of weekly classes delivered by an expert team of specialists. These include classes in orchestral, ensemble and solo repertoire, in contemporary and period performance, technique and performance classes. In addition, masterclasses are given by renowned international musicians.

All brass students are provided with a professional accompanist during their time here for recitals, performance classes, auditions, competitions and exams.

The Royal Conservatoire is housed in fantastic, purpose built facilities right in the heart of Glasgow’s cultural district.

Glasgow is overflowing with musical activity of all types. Five orchestras are based here, and we operats apprenticeship and mentoring schemes with several of them. In addition, Glasgow offers unparalleled employment opportunities for brass players. Our brass students benefit from ‘ side by side’ schemes with Scottish Opera, RSNO, BBCSSO, and Philharmonia Orchestra. In addition, there are enviable concerto opportunities with both the BBCSSO and RSNO!

Accommodation and the general cost of living is much cheaper than in some other major cities. Most of our students live within easy walking distance and are able to focus on their studies and do not have to spend lots of time and money negotiating the joys of public transport.