The Bachelor of Music (BMus) programme at the Royal College of Music is driven by our passion for music and our unique knowledge of the industry.
Undergraduate study at the Royal College of Music balances high-level training in solo, chamber and ensemble performance with critical enquiry into music past and present. Students investigate music in context and how it operates in contemporary cultures. The RCM also provides a range of options for developing practical and applied skills.

The nature of your undergraduate experience at the RCM depends on your principal study specialism. In essence, it includes individual lessons with distinguished musicians; core units in historical, technical, practical, and vocational subjects delivered in small groups; and a variety of performances.

The 3 year Professional Dance & Musical Theatre Degree is a rigorous programme of vocational training for aspiring professional performers. This outstanding programme of study trains performers to a professional, audition-ready level through the delivery of a detailed technical training in Dance and Musical Theatre disciplines.

After gaining a strong grounding in all Dance and Musical Theatre skills in year 1, students have the opportunity to focus the final 2 years of their training to develop the specific skills required for their desired employment. Throughout the course the rigour and complexity of training increases so that graduates develop the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for a long and successful performing career, as well as the security of gaining a full BA (Hons) degree qualification to pave the way for life after a performing career.

- Practical skills developed extensively in a variety of different dance genres

- Singing and Acting techniques developed through group and individual practice

- Extensive performance opportunities to showcase students' learning

- Academic studies to support and develop understanding of contextual and critical studies

- Facilitates understanding of historical and cultural developments in Dance and Musical Theatre

What's involved?

This course has a hugely successful history of gaining student employment.

It gives you access to industry standard equipment and software in studio, sound reinforcement and gaming audio, including Ableton and Native Instruments.

We’re also one of only a few colleges to offer the internationally recognised gaming audio certification via Avid PT 130.

Some students will have the opportunity to undertake Certified Pro Tools courses. (Please ask us for more information on this.)

Here’s more on what you’ll be doing:

- You’ll gain in depth knowledge in sound production theory and practice, including advanced microphone and synchronisation techniques, and how to undertake complex recording tasks.
- You’ll expand on your knowledge of digital audio theory, including analogue to digital conversion and vice versa.
- You’ll learn how to use a digital audio workstation for recording and manipulating audio and MIDI signals.
- You’ll develop skills in advanced studio techniques, including multi-track recording, mixing and mastering.
- You’ll extend your knowledge of sound reinforcement technologies, including techniques for system equalisation.
- You’ll look at management and legal issues in the audio and sound production industries, including contracts and intellectual property.
You’ll also have the opportunity to:

- Gain professional studio experience and live sound work experience. Previous student placements have included Celtic Connections, Gorbals Sound Studio Glasgow, King’s Theatre Glasgow, well-known music venues such as the O2 ABC in Sauchiehall Street, and local pubs and clubs.
- Work within our own record label, Sun Turtle Records, and help artists record and release original music.
- Practise your skills through free access to the studio during the day when it’s not in use.

This course will prepare you extremely well for accessing a BEd in Music (Teacher) course or for starting your career in the music industry, either in professional recording or as a session/touring musician. It will push you creatively and prepare you professionally to get you fully ready for the next stage in your musical journey.

You’ll spend one day a week rehearsing at the Berkeley 2 Studios in Glasgow (http://www.berkeley2.co.uk/) and will perform regularly including

- Live gigs in the college theatre, and local pubs and clubs around Ayrshire
- Outdoor gigs, such as Jam at the Dam in Ayr
Here’s some of what you’ll be doing:

- You’ll continue to improve your live performance skills, developing a high level of proficiency and professionalism
- You’ll extend your skills in songwriting, moving onto more advanced elements
- You’ll develop your composition skills, broadening your technique and learning about composing for the visual arts such as film, games or theatre
- You’ll extend your knowledge of recording techniques, looking at multi-track recording
- You’ll extend your skills in music theory
- You’ll experience what it’s like to be a session musician, including creating musical parts while working under pressure
- You’ll look at the impact of digital technology on the music industry and how it affects production, distribution, marketing and consumption
You’ll have the opportunity to:

- Take part in regular masterclasses with professional musicians
- Pitch to record and release your own material via our record label Sun Turtle Records
- Take part in community based projects such as Tam Fest and OCMBA (Organised Community Based Musical Activity) such as working with school pupils or older people
- Volunteer at local schools, such as running guitar workshops
- Go busking!