Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is the National Conservatoire of Wales and a leading UK provider of specialist practical and performance-based training in music and drama.

We provide training that will enable our students to discover and develop their own artistic individuality and to not only to enter the music, theatre and related professions but to shape the future of those professions.

Our dedicated teachers have a wealth of professional experience and the College collaborates with a number of high-profile arts organizations, visiting artists and directors to ensure that the unique vocational nature of our training programmes reflect the current practices and conditions of the professional world.

We welcome talented students from all backgrounds and we strive to maintain a diverse, inclusive community. Our students work in a down-to-earth and friendly environment and they receive excellent levels of support and encouragement from a wide network of individuals. With just 600 students, there is a real sense of community.

Our events calendar encompasses over 300 public performances every year including orchestral concerts, recitals, drama, opera and musical theatre. The creative diversity of the College ensures a stimulating environment and broad experience for students of all disciplines.

Our graduates continue from success to success and can be found working in theatres, opera houses, concert halls, film, TV and radio all around the world, many at the leading edge of their profession. Our graduating students overwhelmingly agree that our courses have helped them to present themselves, and tackle new situations, with confidence. The College also enjoys the support of a prestigious and growing list of friends and benefactors, including many well-known faces.

The college is constantly pushing boundaries with new and exciting programmes of study. Our focus is always on the future and we take immense pride in the world-class talent of our students.

Updates

Our courses

Music

Featured courses

PGDip / MA / MMus Music Performance

• Advanced principal study tuition from professional musicians • Wide range of solo and ensemble performance opportunities • Tuition available in supporting areas such as Alexander Technique, doubling instrument, end-of-line instrument and period instruments • Advanced training in chamber music • Professional coaching and accompaniment provision • Language, movement and drama classes (singers) • Specialist, advanced performance...

PGDip / MA / MMus Orchestral Performance

• Advanced principal study tuition from professional musicians • Participation in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and/or Welsh National Opera placement schemes • Mentoring scheme with industry professionals • Orchestral & sectional rehearsal and performance opportunities at RWCMD • Specialist, advanced orchestral repertoire performance classes • Advanced tuition available in supporting areas such as Alexander...

PGDip / MA / MMus Historical Performance

• Advanced principal study tuition from professional musicians • Mentoring scheme with professional ensembles • Wide range of solo and ensemble performance opportunities • Involvement in professional projects (such as the orchestra of the Brecon Baroque Festival and the Bristol Ensemble Baroque Band) • Tuition available in supporting areas such as Alexander Technique and doubling...

MA Jazz

• Advanced principal study tuition from professional musicians • Wide range of solo and band performance opportunities • Advanced tuition available in supporting areas such as Alexander Technique and doubling instrument • Strong links with local and regional jazz scene and professionals • Professional coaching and accompaniment provision • Specialist, advanced performance classes

PGDip / MA / MMus Repetiteurship

• Training opportunities with professional companies, such as Welsh National Opera, Ballet Cymru, National Dance Company Wales and Music Theatre Wales • Training in and opportunities to accompany vocal performances and rehearsals, such as those involving the RWCMD College Chorus, Chamber Choir, opera and opera scenes productions • Advanced performance classes, usually in the...

PGDip / MA / MMus Composition

• Specialist tuition in approaches to creativity • Skills-based composition tutorials and workshops • Opportunities to work collaboratively with industry professionals • Advanced performance and recording classes, usually with students from a range of related disciplines • Full programme of new music performances, presentations and productions

PGDip / MA / MMus Orchestral Conducting

• Conducting technique class involving the study and practice of technique away from the orchestra • Workshops in keyboard skills and score-reading • Observation and participation in RWCMD orchestral rehearsals • Rehearsal analysis tutorials • Observation of conductors within a professional context • Opportunities to direct RWCMD ensembles, rehearsals and productions • Opportunities to conduct self-promoted student...

PGDip / MA / MMus Brass Band Conducting

• Conducting technique class involving the study and practice of technique away from the band • Observation and participation in RWCMD Brass Band rehearsals • Rehearsal analysis tutorials • Observation of conductors within a professional context, including Cory Band rehearsals • Opportunities to direct RWCMD ensembles, rehearsals and productions • Opportunities to conduct self-promoted student performances •...

PGDip / MA / MMus Choral Conducting

• Choral conducting class involving the study and practice of a capella technique • Individual and small group specialist vocal tuition including language classes • Observation and participation in RWCMD choral rehearsals including College Chorus and Chamber Choir • Choral repertoire, score preparation and aural skills class • Observation of conductors within a professional context including...

MPhil / PhD Music

Doctoral studies focus specifically on research relating to performance or composition. Your own musical practice should be integral to your research and you will have the opportunity to include performance in the outcome, although the nature and extent of this will vary as appropriate to the specific area of research. People wishing to...