PRESS RELEASE
April 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RNCM to Offer New Degree in Popular Music Performance
The Royal Northern College of Music and Access to Music have joined forces to offer the
UK's only degree level training for popular music performers based in a major conservatoire.
Building on a highly successful Foundation Degree programme, the new BA (Hons) Degree
in Popular Music Performance will begin in September 2013 (subject to validation), with
ambitions to become the premier training programme for popular musicians in Europe.
The new degree provides intensive training for instrumentalists and singers with a high level
of performing ability who intend to work as freelance musicians in the popular music industry
or as a preparation for postgraduate study.
In addition to the rigorous instrumental/vocal teaching, the programme also develops
academic and creative skills, and cultivates business acumen and entrepreneurial activity
through employment and employability training.
The course is delivered at the RNCM, Access to Music Manchester and Blueprint Studios,
where students work with teaching staff who are high-standard academics and active
professionals in the music industry, working as session musicians, recording artists,
composers, musical directors, writers, managers, promoters and performers in their own
right.
Graduates from the current Foundation Degree have gone on to work as professionals within
the popular music industry. These include drummer and vocalist Chelsey Bamford who
performed on Craig David’s European tour and Cee Lo Green’s promotional TV tour, bass
guitarist Anthony Sharpe, drummer Xavier Winton and guitarists Kaleb Rose and Dan
Stockdale who appeared with violinist David Garrett on the 2011 Royal Variety Performance
at the Lowry Theatre, and guitarist Thom Fripp who performed on Noel Gallagher’s High
Flying Birds European tour.
Programme Director Andy Stott said: ‘We are creating something very special here,
something unique – an opportunity for popular musicians to immerse themselves in the
learning environment of a world-class conservatoire, to study with some of this country’s
finest performers and educators, and to be at the forefront of the popular music scene in the
UK and beyond.’
For further information please contact Liz Rowley on 0161 907 5369 or email
liz.rowley@rncm.ac.uk
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