BMus (Hons) Music Course
Q & A with John Cranmer,
Director of Programme and Research (Music)
What do you look for in your students?
We seek the most talented young musicians from across the world
and we look for a level of maturity that will enable our
undergraduates to take full advantage of the opportunities we can
offer.
How many places are available on the
course?
The BMus Music course is the largest of all the
programmes at RWCMD with approximately 320 students across the
four years. Each year we accept between 75 and 80 new students
spread across all departments. We receive far more applications
than there are places available so competition for places is very
intense.
What can students expect from the course?
From their first day, students are recognised as individuals.
The first year is an intense collection of modules which provide a
transition from A Level standard to the level which is required to
complete the course. Due to the small numbers of students within
each of our departments, students quickly become part of the unique
community here at RWCMD. There is an excellent atmosphere at the
College - it really is a melting pot of the most talented students,
musical coaches and visiting musicians. The first year gives our
students the chance to find their feet and extract as much as
possible from what's available at RWCMD. By the time our students
reach the fourth year, they are given a greater level of
flexibility allowing them to choose options which suit their
career or specific interests.
How often do students get to perform?
There are fantastic performance opportunities available to all
our students and at times they may find it difficult to fully
capitalise on what's on offer. Instrumentalists will be expected to
play at least two performances each year including chamber music
and will have a minimum of two opportunities to play with a college
ensemble.
Are there any other features of the course which are
distinctive?
The BMus Music course has a contemporary feel and one of the
areas we are currently emphasising is the importance of the human
body in musical performance and the health of musicians. This is an
area of music coaching which is growing in recognition and one
which our students find extremely beneficial. Repetitive strain
injuries and episodes of tendonitis can have a huge impact on
musicians and even stop them playing. We have decided to include
this on our syllabus as we feel it is crucial over a musician's
career.
What have previous students gone on to do after
graduating from RWCMD?
We are extremely proud of the high success rate of graduates
establishing careers within the music profession. Former students
find themselves in a variety of vocations depending on their
aspirations and particular pathways. There is a huge amount of
scope within the course which reflects the opportunities that
exist within different areas the music industry today.
Many of our instrumentalists and composers go on to postgraduate
courses to continue their training, both here at RWCMD and at other
conservatoires. Others have gone on to study for their PGCE and
become peripatetic or classroom teachers. As a College we have
excellent links on the instrumental side with BBC National
Orchestra of Wales, the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, and
BBC National Chorus of Wales. Some students go on to join
these leading orchestras and chorus.
Composition and Creative Music Technology students find
themselves in a really strong position after graduating due to the
nature of these disciplines and the modules they must take. Most of
our students gain superb contacts whilst studying here, which help
them to establish careers after graduating. Our Creative Music
Technology students develop key skills which prepare them for a
variety of careers. Combining the latest technology with a variety
of musical contexts, these students are increasingly in demand by
today's global media industry and RWCMD enjoys a variety of close
working partnerships and outlets for showcasing our students'
skills.
Why would you study at RWCMD?
Above all I believe we do an excellent job of helping our
students to realise their potential. They receive some of the
best training available, tailored specifically to the needs and
interests of each of the various disciplines. The BMus Music course
lasts four years, during which our students will be given a
highly vocational education to prepare them for a variety of
professions within the musical world of today and
tomorrow.