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    Professional Engagements

    String Quartet performing at an engagement

  • Professional Engagements

    Public performances are a key part of a musician's development. The RNCM co-ordinates a large number of Professional Engagements each year, largely for soloists and ensembles/bands. Professional Engagements acts as an agency, liaising with senior academic staff in order to match the most suitable performers to a wide range of external professional engagements. We have long-standing links with numerous music clubs, choral societies, orchestras and event organisers both in the North West and further afield and co-ordinates regular recitals in Manchester's St Ann's and Emmanuel Churches and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

    If you have any questions about the booking procedure or a specific professional engagement, please contact Professional Engagements Manager, Amy Whitehead, at Amy.Whitehead@rncm.ac.uk or on 0161 907 5352, available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

  • External List

    The External List is a list of soloists, chamber groups and pop / jazz musicians who are considered eligible to undertake external engagements. You can apply to be on the External List by completing an online application form which will then be sent to your tutor or ensemble coach and Head of School. Heads of School also recommend soloists and groups to be added to the External List and you will be contacted by Professional Engagements if you have been put forward.

  • Student Visas (or Tier 4 General Student Visas)

    Students who are on a Student Visa (or Tier 4 General Student Visa) can only legally perform outside of the RNCM if the performance opportunity is processed through the RNCM. If you undertake an external performance opportunity without informing the RNCM you will be breaking the UK immigration law and conditions of your visa which can result in cancellation of your visa. This applies to paid and unpaid performance opportunities and also affects conductors. 

    It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand exactly which forms of work you are allowed to undertake and how many hours you are allowed to work each week. It is extremely important that you follow the UK Border Agency rules and restrictions for your visa. 

    If you have been offered a performance of any sort, please email the details to Professional Engagements at the first opportunity, no later than 2 days after the date of engagement.