External Masterclass and Short Courses

The RNCM operates an extremely popular programme of external conducting courses, which are open to all.

These courses are led by Mark Heron, Clark Rundell, David Hill and Stuart Overington and are aimed at a very broad range of applicants. You may be a young conductor considering full time study; a graduate looking to brush up your skills or receive a fresh perspective from a different teacher; a professional performer or educator for whom conducting is part of a wider portfolio of activities; or an amateur musician wishing to develop your skills.

A feature of all these courses is the absolute focus on the practical experience of conducting real live musicians. RNCM orchestras, bands and ensembles play for the bulk of the sessions, and in Masterclass 4 there are significant opportunities to conduct and receive feedback from professional musicians thanks to the involvement of Manchester Camerata.

Interest in these events is extremely high so please take care to provide the requested information. For the Masterclasses, you can submit your application at any time but active participants are not selected until after the closing date. For the Music Educators course, places are confirmed on receipt so early application is recommended.

2023/24 Events

Masterclass 1: Wind and Brass

Date: 11 and 12 November 2023 at the RNCM, Manchester
Cost: £360
Closing date: 6 October 2023
Make an application: please fill in this online form
Full details: RNCM Conducting Masterclass 1 – Wind and Brass (PDF)

 

Masterclass 2: Choral

Date: 3 and 4 February 2024 at the RNCM, Manchester
Cost: £360
Closing Date: 8 December 2023
Make an application: please fill in this online form
Full details: RNCM Conducting Masterclass 2 – Choral (PDF)

Masterclass 3: Orchestral

Date: 12 and 13 February 2024 at the RNCM, Manchester
Cost: £360
Closing date: 8 December 2023
Make an application: please fill in this online form
Full details: RNCM Conducting Masterclass 3 – Orchestral (PDF)

Masterclass 4: Orchestral, in association with Manchester Camerata

Dates: 19 – 21 April 2024
Cost: £625
Closing date: 19 February 2024
Make an application: please fill in this online form
Full details: RNCM Conducting Masterclass 4 – Manchester Camerata (PDF)

Music Educators Conducting Course (October, January and April/May)

Workshop 1 (29 and 30 October 2023) at Whitemoor Lakes Conference Centre, near Lichfield in Staffordshire
Workshop 2 (21 January 2024) at the RNCM, Manchester
Workshop 3 (April/May 2024 date tbc) at the RNCM, Manchester

Cost: £600
Make an application: please fill in this online form
Full details: RNCM Conducting Course for Music Educators

Applications remain open until all places are filled. 

Observer places

Observers are also invited to watch all sessions and to participate in group discussions. This opportunity will be of interest to conductors of any level or to anyone who is interested in how gesture and body language can be used in leadership. You can register as an observer at any time by completing this online form.

Cost: £60 per day for in person attendance
Please note: When you submit your online application form, you will be sent to PayPal to pay this fee. You do not need a PayPal account – payments can be made using your debit or credit card.

Enquiries

If you have any further queries about these courses, please email us at [email protected].