Strings

The String Department, incorporating Harp and Guitar, offers one of the most dynamic string programmes in the UK. Your weekly 90-minute Principal Study is enhanced by orchestral repertoire classes, performance classes and historical performance practice and you may also choose a second and/or related study. Experience in Symphony, Chamber, and Opera orchestras is offered alongside Chamber Music, which emphasizes the essential ensemble and communication skills needed for a long-term career. At the Conservatoire we enjoy unique professional collaborations with a number of high-profile orchestras and ensembles, including the Scottish Ensemble, RSNO, BBC SSO and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

 

At the Conservatoire you’ll benefit from regular masterclasses with leading performers and we’ve appointed a number of prominent International Fellows who work with our students several times a year. These include Ilya Gringolts in Violin, Thomas Martin in Double Bass, Peter Manning in Strings, The Brodsky Quartet in Chamber Music, and Pavel Steidl in Guitar. We also run an established concerts agency so that you’re already a practicing professional by the time you graduate.

 

The String department has its own corridor where practice rooms, notice boards, instrument stores and lockers are together. As a close knit department you’ll be allocated to a different chamber group each year and also encouraged to set up your own. Each group is assigned a tutor for weekly coaching and advice on repertoire and performance issues. You may also choose to work with other departments, either as part of a recognized music ensemble, or in a very different way. Recent students have collaborated with Musical Theatre, Ballet and contemporary Composition students in creating new work.

 

At the Conservatoire classes, masterclasses and rehearsals take place in our purpose built venues. Classes are given in the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio and the Guinness room is an ideal recital space for Chamber rehearsals. Our newly-refurbished Stephenson Hall is also home to the Conservatoire’s Symphony Orchestra and once a term you’ll rehearse intensively with a professional conductor. Symphony Orchestra concerts also take place in prestigious venues across Scotland including Glasgow’s City Halls and Royal Concert Hall, Perth Concert Hall and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. There’s also the opportunity to play in one of the Conservatoire Operas, either in the pit of our New Athenaeum Theatre or side-by-side with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera in Glasgow’s Theatre Royal or Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. So you’ll develop specialised skills in solo, ensemble, and orchestral playing throughout all four years in a number of venues and professional settings.

Our lively Guitar department offers classes in improvisation, fretboard harmony, lute and 19th Century guitar studies. Over the last few years it’s enjoyed a number of successes, with current students Sean Shibewinning the prestigious International Royal Overseas League Award 2011 and Ian Watt releasing a CD on the new Conservatoire Record Label and performing in Kiev and Beijing. This year Head of Department Allan Neave also goes to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as part of a teachers’ exchange and there exists the opportunity for all students to undertake exchanges throughout the programme.

 

During your studies you’ll be assessed through practical exams, technique classes, performance classes and weekly 90 minute one-to-one lessons. Each year there are so many opportunities to play and you can also take part in the many competitions and concerts. The Big Guitar Weekend is a particular feature and this annual event includes public masterclasses, lessons with visiting artists, the Young Artists Platform Concerts and the acclaimed Scottish International Guitar Competition.

 

At the Conservatoire there are many opportunities to collaborate with students and create new work. Our annual contemporary music festival, Plug, recently involved student guitarists and we encourage collaboration through regular ensemble workshop classes.