Training at RWCMD

Vocational Training - 'The Industry Model'

Employability is at the heart of RWCMD's mission and the College has a reputation for producing 'industry-ready' graduates. The College's training programmes are designed wherever possible to replicate the conditions that students can expect to meet in their careers after graduation.

A World of Music

Training for a music career at RWCMD is about much more than mastering an instrument - it is a totally immersive experience. Surrounded by talented, like-minded musicians of all disciplines, working in a world-class concert venue and being constantly exposed to a wide variety of musical influences, there are all sorts of opportunities for students to start building their future networks and opening up a whole range of professional options.

A Leading Drama School

With comparatively few places available on its acting, stage management and performance design programmes, the College is able to deliver a highly individualised training experience, nurturing each student's unique qualities. Working closely together as a repertory theatre company with experienced practitioners and professional directors, all students can develop their skills in a safe environment before entering the profession as skilled, confident and versatile performers.

A Professional Environment

The training is delivered by some of the most inspirational performers and practitioners from around the world, from one-to-one teachers and ensemble coaches to guest directors and conductors, and masterclasses with visiting international artists. Many courses also feature opportunities for students to undertake professional placements or collaborate on special performances and projects with professional companies.

World Class Venues

The College's world-class venues host performances by leading international recitalists, ensembles and touring theatre companies. Student performances including Richard Burton Company productions, orchestral concerts and chamber recitals form a core part of the venue's artistic programme and are well attended by public audiences.

Creative Diversity

With musicians, actors, stage managers, technical specialists and designers all under one roof, the College is very self-sufficient in terms of its creative output and there are opportunities for students to get involved in all sorts of interesting collaborations - from formal, large-scale drama, opera and musical theatre productions to student-led initiatives like REPCo. Building a network of contacts across a range of related professions often leads to opportunities for students throughout their careers.

A Contemporary Arts Centre

Students at RWCMD are part of a busy arts centre with a programme spanning theatre, opera, jazz, classical and contemporary music, festivals and family-friendly events, with ticket sales of more than 60,000 a year. One of the benefits of training in one of the city's most popular arts venues is that there are lots of opportunities for your work to be seen and heard. There are regular concerts and free weekly events including Chamber Tuesdays and Jazz Fridays.

An International Outlook

Diversity and cultural exchange is hard-wired into the student experience at RWCMD - the College community includes staff and students from more than 30 countries, as well as visiting artists and teachers from all over the world. In the past year, events like World Stage Design, the Lyon & Healy International Harp Festival and BBC Cardiff Singer of the World have taken place at the College, putting its students at the centre of worldwide activity in these fields.