BMus (Hons) Music Course
Course Features
Individual Tuition
One-to-one lessons with your Principal Study teacher will be
central to your training. Our teachers demonstrate a wealth of
professional experience both at national and international levels.
They are drawn from across the UK and many are members of the BBC
National Orchestra of Wales or Welsh National Opera.
Accompaniment
In addition to their individual tuition, brass, wind, strings and
voice students will work individually with an accompanist or coach
to learn repertoire and focus on areas such as intonation and
ensemble. We believe that this type of work is an essential part of
your preparation for professional performance and RWCMD is one of
the few conservatoires to make accompaniment provision widely
available at both undergraduate level.
Performance
Throughout your course, you will be involved in a range of public
performances which might include solo recitals, chamber music,
chamber orchestra, symphony orchestra, wind orchestra, string
ensemble, baroque ensemble, contemporary music ensemble, brass
band, big band, jazz ensemble, choirs, music theatre and opera.
Performances take place at the College and other public venues such
as St David's Hall and the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, and
in concerts, festivals and competitions throughout Europe.
Our busy in-house programme features guest recitals and
masterclasses by some of the world's leading musicians, enabling
you to learn directly from those at the very top of the music
profession. In preparation for public performances, you will work
closely with professional conductors, directors and performers on a
wide selection of repertoire and you will have regular
opportunities to perform in front of other students in group
performance classes. There are also opportunities for you to
compete internally for annual awards and prizes.
Paid engagements at external functions and events enable you to
gain experience of professional work conditions and can be a useful
source of income during your training. We are often approached by
companies and individuals wishing to hire musicians and we manage
these enquiries as part of our External Engagements Scheme.
Healthy Musician
Through a series of seminars and workshops, starting in the first
year, we take an active approach to educating students about issues
affecting their performance including lifestyle, nutrition,
exercise, understanding how to use their body, managing anxiety and
structuring practice. We also benefit from the Musicians Benevolent
Fund Bursary Scheme Does it hurt when you play?, which
gives bursaries to students requiring medical help with a
performance-based injury, and we host regular clinics run by the
British Association of of Performing Arts Medicine.
Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique can make an important contribution to the
training of performers by developing physical awareness, poise and
general coordination. As part of the College’s commitment to
healthy and sustainable practice, all undergraduate music students
have access to group tuition in their first year and may take
further optional studies in Alexander Technique as they progress
through the course.
Historical Performance
A stylistic awareness and understanding of historical performance
issues is essential for today's professional musicians. In
specialist classes, you will examine performance practice issues
relating to your own Principal Study and explore techniques
relating to the performance of music from different historical
periods.
Teaching and Outreach Skills
We recognise that teaching can be an important element in a
freelance musical career and the two BMus courses aim to develop
your understanding and skills in this area. Teaching skills classes
cover educational psychology as well as basic teaching techniques,
and you will gain direct experience of a number of different
teaching situations.
Work Placements
During your final year, work placements enable you to engage with
potential employers in fields such as orchestral performance,
instrumental teaching, community music and outreach. We are able to
offer a range of opportunities for you to work with professional
organisations in these fields as part of your course. Orchestral
players can also audition to take part in two placement schemes
with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Orchestra of the
Welsh National Opera. These allow students to work closely with
principal players in two of the UK’s leading orchestras.
Studying Abroad
Also in your third and final year, you may opt to undertake a
three-month period of study at one of our partner conservatoires in
Europe. Through the Erasmus scheme, the College has a wide range of
partner institutions and is constantly expanding its network.
Currently, students are able to study in the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal and Spain. The College's relationships with
individual institutions in Australia, Cuba, Mexico, New Zealand and
the United States can also provide opportunities for students to
spend time studying further afield.