 16x9.jpg "Chamber ensemble rehearsing in the Performance Hall")
As an RCM student you have unparalleled access to chamber music coaching, concert opportunities and support throughout your time here. Chamber music coaching is provided by RCM professors, specialist performance coaches and visiting chamber ensembles.
Chamber music coaching is not compulsory, but highly recommended if you are interested in developing your professional skills in this area. Many chamber groups formed at the RCM have gone on to success in international competitions, performing all over the world. Chamber music is an extremely important part of RCM student life and is strongly encouraged.
You can sign up as soon as you have completed registration.
How to form a chamber group
As an RCM student, you must take responsibility for forming your own chamber group. To help you meet fellow chamber musicians, we hold a series of introductory events at the start of the autumn term.
Chamber Music team
You can also contact the Chamber Music team for help finding a group.
Rules for the formation of chamber groups
Groups not taking the Chamber Music module
- Duos are only permitted in the following instrument groups: harp with any duo instrument, guitar with any duo instrument, piano duo (two pianos only) & percussion with any duo instrument
- Duos consisting of instrument and piano are not entitled to chamber coaching unless it is with harp, guitar, percussion or another piano
Groups taking the Chamber Music module
- Groups must consist of at least two students
- Duos intending to be assessed may comprise any combination of instruments, but both students must be taking the module for assessment to qualify for coaching
- The combination of pianist and singer is not normally allowed unless you can demonstrate to the module leader that this is a permanent partnership
- Groups of two pianists may register but only with repertoire for two pianos, not one piano with four hands
Registering your group for coaching
Once your chamber group is formed, you must register it by submitting a Chamber Group Registration form online, which can be found on the Chamber Music page on learn.rcm.
These details are required for all chamber groups at the RCM, both to enable the payment of coaches, and to provide groups with concert opportunities both internally and externally.
Coaching hours available
RCM chamber groups are initially entitled to 12 hours of coaching per year. Groups demonstrating exceptional commitment will be permitted additional coaching.
Groups including non-RCM students should also be registered in order to receive coaching from RCM professors although these ensembles are entitled to fewer maximum hours of coaching. The number hours available to your group will be confirmed upon registration.
How to get coaching
You should start coaching as a soon as possible in the autumn term.
Contact details for professors who have declared themselves available for coaching will be provided in a chamber music information pack that will be sent be email once you have completed the registration process. However, you can ask any RCM professor to coach you. Please be aware that professors you ask who are not listed in the information pack may not have the time available to coach you.
