Representing Wales in Japan: students’ visit to celebrate Welsh culture
Read more
Step into the spotlight: Exploring vocal undergraduate opportunities at RWCMD
Studying Vocal Performance at RWCMD offers a breadth of experiences and opportunities, engaging with high-profile performances and industry-standard productions.
Studying for a varied and fulfilling career
Undergraduate voice student Andrew Woodmass-Calvert reflects on the vast breadth of opportunity at RWCMD:
As well as having world-class facilities in an enviably tranquil location by Bute Park, the unrivalled breadth of opportunities on offer here are ideal for shaping vibrant careers.
One of the most exciting aspects of student life at RWCMD is the chance to engage with high-profile performances and industry-standard productions.
'I remember being so anxious about accepting an offer for my undergraduate degree.
Where would give me the best opportunities? Where would I thrive?
Now being in my final year of studies I can truly say the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is a great place to study Voice as an undergraduate student, especially if you aspire to a varied and fulfilling career. 'Andrew Woodmass-CalvertVocal Performance student
Meet the BMus- from the Baroque Stage to the West-End
Within our Bachelor's degree (BMus Hons) there are many opportunities to explore a vast span of repertoire, with the only limit being your own imagination! For assessed recitals you work regularly with our amazing group of one-to-one coaches on ambitious repertoire, culminating in performances- some of which take place in our iconic Dora Stoutzker Hall.
There are a variety of recital modules to hone your own particular interests, covering everything from historical performance to experimenting with contemporary music.
Chamber music assessments give students the chance to explore dynamic ensemble configurations beyond the voice and piano recital – for example, recent assessments have included chamber choirs, vocal consorts and duets as well as music for voice and guitar, and working alongside students in the composition department.
Beyond the recital stage, the undergraduate course offers specialist modules in musical theatre, ideal for expanding your stage skills with professional choreographers and musical theatre tuition. In their fourth year, many students enjoy continuing to explore this repertoire in the Musical Theatre Recital module.
The School’s Opera is the perfect introduction to operatic performance and working as a small professional touring opera company.
Working with key outreach practitioners, for example at WNO, as well as music staff and directors, students rehearse a short opera which tours around schools.
These operas are chosen to give every student a chance to shine and hone key skills, under the expert supervision of industry professionals.
A tapestry of performance- opportunities beyond the course.
RWCMD is committed to providing a broad span of student performance as part of its ongoing programming.
Our annual Opera Gala, with soloists from the David Seligman Opera School, is a highlight of the calendar offering undergraduate singers the opportunity to perform a broad selection of opera choruses with the WNO Orchestra.
This collaboration, as well as the Side by Side performance in the Autumn term with the WNO Chorus, performing both choral and operatic repertoire, gives students an invaluable experience, working alongside professional choristers, strengthening both rehearsal and performance skills through hands-on experience.
'This was my first collaboration with WNO Chorus.
It was inspiring to see the level of musicianship they embodied in their practice, and helped me realise first-hand the technicality one has to achieve to be successful in the industry.'Lucas GomesVocal Performance student
Working with the next generation of composers
Harry Christophers is a Fellow of the College, and the close links with Genesis Sixteen (the youth programme of The Sixteen Choir) mean that students can perform in joint concerts with the distinguished choir and the RWCMD Baroque Consort.
As well as nurturing a love for historical performance, RWCMD places equal emphasis on the performance of new music, for example performing in its Atmospheres Festival, which celebrates music by its composition students.
‘Working with Harry Christophers, who has such a specialised understanding and skillset, has given me fresh perspective and inspiration.
Having the opportunity to work with composers has been a highlight of my RWCMD experience: fostering connections and relationships with the next generation of composers makes me excited to go out into the industry and make music.’Ellen StewardVocal Performance student
Student-led productions: getting industry ready
The College's unique RepCo student enterprise initiative supports students putting on their own ambitious productions.
Students are mentored throughout the process of creating a performance, from pitching their ideas to rehearsing and refining their skills, giving them hands on experience of organising a production and performing professionally.
With a commitment to industry standards, students develop as performers as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the production process.
This experience helps students expand their network and gain invaluable insight into what it takes to be industry-ready as a singer in the 21st Century.
Opera- an ensemble experience
Singers can audition to participate in RepCo operatic productions alongside students on the Masters course and the David Seligman Opera School, including opportunities to perform small roles, learn covers, and perform in the chorus.
Designed by RWCMD students and managed by Stage Management students, these dynamic productions are all underpinned with assistance from industry professionals.
'I performed in our production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' in my first term.
Professional director Matthew Eberhardt created a professional, yet comfortable and encouraging environment, fostering dialogue between the cast and crew.
There was a real sense of community created throughout the rehearsal process.
I really enjoyed being a part of this cast of like-minded, high achieving individuals and I am so proud of what we were able to create together.’Kylie HansenInternational Vocal Performance student
Cardiff- capital of music
As Wales’ capital city, Cardiff offers all the high-level performance opportunities that brings while still feeling intimate and completely walkable.
Based in Cardiff Bay, BBC National Orchestra of Wales Chorus offers many places to singers at RWCMD, some on competitive paid bursaries.
Welsh National Opera, a beacon of world-class operatic performance, also offers opportunities, and they work closely with the College: In its recent production of The Magic Flute, the ‘Three Young Ones’ were mostly cast with RWCMD students.
Don Giovanni: a fresh interpretation
Performing in Operas at RWCMD allows students the opportunity to perform in a variety of professional theatre settings, giving them the opportunity to acquire essential insights on how to successfully adjust their performance to new and ever-changing spaces, just like you'd experience in the professional world.
We have just performed our daring production of ‘Don Giovanni’.
With the artistic vision of professional director Isabelle Kettle, we have been exploring how this opera can work in a modern context, breaking down problematic tropes and misogynistic undertones for a fresh interpretation which brings justice to the female characters.
