Brass

Our Brass programme has a long tradition of excellence and a worldwide reputation for training  leading musicians. Our team of dedicated staff includes many of Britain’s finest brass players, with international reputations as soloists, orchestral, and chamber musicians. Students receive an unparalleled two hours individual tuition a week, divided between principal study (trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba, euphonium, or cornet), and a second study on specialisms such as jazz or period performance (i.e. natural trumpet and sackbut). This is enhanced by masterclasses from many of the world’s great artists and we’ve recently appointed Ian Bousfield, the Principal trombone player of the Vienna Philharmonic, as our International Fellow who visits several times a year to work with students.

On this programme you’ll get a real sense of the demands of the professional world, with weekly classes in orchestral repertoire and the opportunity to set up your own ensembles and perform in our lunchtime concert series. We also enjoy professional collaborations with Scotland’s major orchestras and operate apprenticeships with the RSNO, BBC SSO and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

In comparison to other conservatoires we run a smaller department, large enough to tackle challenging repertoire, but small enough to ensure widespread performance opportunities for every student. Our students take part in Symphony, Wind, Opera, and Chamber Orchestras, and a diverse range of ensembles including Big Band and Royal Conservatoire Brass. Our Conservatoire ensembles give concerts regularly throughout Scotland, and we’ve recently toured to China, Spain, Denmark, and Russia.

Glasgow has so many great orchestras that there’s a number of excellent brass players in the city who are connected to the Conservatoire.  Frequently you’ll see tutors performing in professional situations and you’ll build up professional connections during your studies. Find out more highlights about the Brass programme and why you should study here.