 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. We provide a number of formation events throughout the year, including our mixer sessions in September and special guest workshops. Try to go to as many concerts as you can to listen to other students play. If you are struggling with finding a group, you can use our Classified Ad discussion board or approach a member of the Chamber Music team for guidance.
Once you have found a chamber group, you will need to register using the chamber group registration form found on learn.rcm. Once registered, you can begin to organise coaching sessions and book performance spaces for rehearsals.
Rules for the formation of chamber groups
To register as an RCM Chamber Group, 50% or more of the group must be students currently studying at the RCM. Groups can include alumni and non-RCM students, but these should be registered to receive coaching.
Please note, duos are only permitted in the following formations:
- Piano duo (two pianos)
- Percussion in any combination
- Harp in any combination
- Guitar in any combination
- Saxophone in any combination
- Period instrument (HP) in any combination
Both members of these duos must be current students at the RCM and both students must be taking the module for credit (at any level).
Piano plus another instrument is not permitted as a duo combination for chamber music registration.
Registering your group for coaching
Once your chamber group is formed, you must register it by submitting a Chamber Group Registration form.
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 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.
A list of available chamber coaches for 24/25 will be available on learn.rcm. However, you can ask any RCM professor to coach you. Chamber coaching will be dependent on coach availability, so please plan your time accordingly.
