We are delighted to support the work of the Love Music Trust, the lead partner of the music education hub in Cheshire East. Alongside of our sponsorship of their percussion ensemble, we are also involved supporting a number of their partner ensembles such as the Lions Youth Brass Band.

The Love Music Trust does amazing work supporting the development of young musical talent from pre-school all the way through to undergraduate study. As part of this, the Love Music Trust is coordinating a ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme in conjunction with the Royal Northern Collage of Music. This programme is ideally designed for those students who may be considering applying to Music College or thinking of continuing their musical studies post 18 however is also open for any students in years 11 and above to apply for.

In order to participate in this fantastic opportunity, students will ideally to be at ABRSM Grade 7 or over (or equivalent) in their chosen Instrument or Vocal discipline.

The programme is in three phases, as detailed below;

Phase 1 – Auditions: Monday 23rd – Friday 27th January

Instrumentalists from Cheshire East (studying in years 11-13) who may be considering a path with a focus on musical performance, following an application, will be invited to attend an audition. The auditions will be held between Monday 23rd and Friday 27th January. These will be led by RNCM tutors and take place either at the RNCM or in Cheshire East depending on timetabling availability. The auditions will provide the opportunity for the young musicians to perform a piece to the RNCM tutor and receive constructive feedback. Auditions are open to pupils studying all orchestral instrumental and vocal disciplines.

Each audition would last 15-20 minutes and all students would receive feedback regarding the strengths of their performance and next steps for future development.

Phase 2 – Individual lessons (for students selected from phase 1): Monday 6th – 17th of February – depending on the availability of RNCM tutors

Following on from the auditions up to 25 pupils will be invited to receive 1-1 lessons with RNCM instrumental / vocal tutors.

The pupils will be chosen by the RNCM tutors based on the first phase of auditions and the one hour lessons will take place at the RNCM.

These lessons will be paid for by the Love Music Trust. Additionally reasonable travel expenses will similarly be covered for the pupils participating.

The hour long lessons will have two foci;

  • firstly that of a considering and working on pieces played at the first audition or other associated repertoire or technique as required;
  • secondly to look at repertoire that an RNCM ensemble / choir will be rehearsing at a future date.

Phase 3 – Participation in an RNCM ensemble / choir rehearsal (for students who receive 1-1 lessons during phase 2 above): Before the conclusion of the Spring term 2017

Following on from the 1-1 lessons with RNCM tutors, students will then have the opportunity to participate in an RNCM ensemble / choir rehearsal alongside regular Royal Northern College of Music students.

The benefits of this opportunity where younger musicians may get to appreciate the challenges and expectations of following a musical path in further education will hopefully be both inspiring and affirming.

To register please follow this link; please note that the closing date is 20th December.

Further information can be obtained from the LMT administrator.