Postgraduate Diploma in Music

John Cranmer

Q & A with John Cranmer, Director of Programmes and Research

What do you look for in your students?

We look for students with a high level of musical potential, which we then help them to realise during their time here. The course is demanding and requires a high level of commitment from students in order to further their professional development and complete successfully. This is true for both the full-time and the part-time modes. Students who have not studied at a conservatoire before, generally those entering after a university undergraduate training, are often surprised both by the performance demands and the many performance opportunities during their time here. The course is well suited to students wishing to make music professionally and to those who would like to go on to peripatetic teaching - or indeed a mixture of both.

How many students do you take on the course?

We will typically take between 30 and 35 new students on the course. However, student numbers vary depending on departments, with Conducting recruiting only two each year. Most students take the Performance Pathway, which includes a strong Historical Performance department. There are also variations for Strings - including an Orchestral Pathway, and Jazz students. The course structure is different for Conducting, Creative Music Technology and Composition. We have an extremely experienced and diverse team of academic staff here, who know how to get the best from each student.

How much emphasis is on performance?

This is a vocational qualification with the student's Principal Study at the centre of the course. The course therefore provides students with a large number of performance opportunities. Students are predominantly assessed through two recitals: one approximately halfway through the course, and the other at the end. Recitals are used to showcase our students' individual ability and, depending on the instrument or chosen pathway, this could involve some chamber music. Students are encouraged to participate in as much chamber music as possible to help build them confidence and prepare for their assessed recitals.

The performance aspect is supported by one-to-one tuition totalling approximately 45 hours over the duration of the course. Additional accompaniment sessions for performance students mean that the level of tuition on offer at RWCMD is relatively high. Many students also benefit from tuition in Alexander Technique. In all departments there is a wealth of external expertise to drawn on in the form of masterclasses and seminars, which complement the internal provision.

The RWCMD Symphony Orchestra enables all our instrumentalists and conductors to gain vital full orchestral experience. The College also has a highly active Historical Performance orchestra directed by the former leader of the Kings Consort and, for contemporary music, there is the Millennium Ensemble with a committed following. In addition, we have a lively String Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, Brass Band and Big Band. Jazz, Creative Music Technology and Composition departments have established links with organisations such as the BBC, to ensure students gain maximum exposure to a variety of performance situations. Composers and Creative Music Technologists are also invited to write for drama productions.

What are the other elements of the course?

Performance students and Conductors take a Performance Practice module for which a wide range of professional musicians come and talk about their experiences. At RWCMD, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of health as an area of musical training. This subject is growing in recognition and is one which our students find extremely valuable: repetitive strain injuries and episodes of tendonitis can have a major impact on musicians. We feel that this issue is crucial over a musician's career. Jazz students also receive tuition in Advanced Harmony and Arrangement; and Composition and Creative Music Technology students are assisted in current software, recording techniques (in our state-of-the-art Sony Studio) and composition for a wide range of media.

Students are taught a number of additional modules to help prepare them for life after graduating. These include producing a CD Demo, time management and CV writing. Students are also required to meet their personal tutor at least four times a year to complete a Personal Development Profile. This is particularly useful as it helps students to identify areas of particular interest and possible career options. By working closely with their personal tutors, students can expect a significant level of support to build a portfolio of skills, to help them understand the expectations of the industry, and to establish professional contacts - all to give them the best start towards launching a career within the music industry.

Are there opportunities to gain work experience during the course?

One of the real advantages of studying here is the opportunity to build professional contacts whilst on the course. RWCMD is closely linked with both the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera; and many of our Principal Study tutors are members of one of these two orchestras. The course enables performance students to participate in orchestral placements which can lead to professional performance opportunities and, in some cases, to permanent positions after graduating. Jazz, Composition and Creative Music Technology tutors are similarly well placed to integrate students into the professional world.

Our Outreach Programme, which is run by the principal percussionist from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, gives students an excellent opportunity to visit a number of primary schools throughout Wales during the Spring Term. This experience helps the students to acquire important professional skills such as learning to prepare music lessons, how to go about setting up links with schools and time management; it also builds valuable contacts. Students benefit greatly from learning to address large groups and this has a positive effect on their overall performance skills. Many aspiring musicians today establish a portfolio career, and outreach work will give them important experience with which to enhance their CV.

Why would you study at RWCMD?

The Postgraduate Diploma is a vocational, performance-based training course. As a conservatoire, RWCMD provides a high level of one-to-one tuition and excellent performance opportunities. RWCMD is in the enviable position of being located in the heart of a dynamic capital city with a lively arts culture. It combines having tutors of an international reputation with being small enough for staff to take pride in giving students individual care and to offer great performance opportunities for everyone.