<p>Does anyone know anything about the Royal College of Music or the Royal Academy of Music? My DD has met teachers from each school and is considering applying to them. I am hoping for advice on how to go through the process overseas? And any reports from anyone who has seen the schools...dorm life (or not).... Anything else we should know about them?
Thanks!</p>
<p>CUKAS is the application portal for 7 conservatories in the UK (including RAM and RCM):
[CUKAS</a> - Home](<a href=“http://www.cukas.ac.uk%5DCUKAS”>http://www.cukas.ac.uk)</p>
<p>I’m sure you’re already aware of the exchange rate, and the cost of living in London. At one point in my life I was seriously weighing moving to London. I still recall the sticker shock when I finally realized the rates on listings for apartments near the RAM (a very “posh neighbourhood”) were per WEEK, not month. Thought I could manage £400 for an apartment in Marylebone/Regents Park. Wrong!</p>
<p>Also: <a href=“http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa-education-funding-your-studies.htm[/url]”>http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa-education-funding-your-studies.htm</a></p>
<p>And here’s a foundation that funds music study for US students in Europe:
<a href=“http://www.beebefund.org%5B/url%5D”>http://www.beebefund.org</a></p>
<p>Bursaries and/or scholarships from the schools themselves can also be arranged–especially if you are known to the faculty and they make an effort to recruit you. But apart from money matters, studying music in London, especially at one of the two schools you’ve mentioned, is on par with any of the top programs in the United States. </p>
<p>If your D plays an orchestral instrument, “Becoming an Orchestral Musician” by Richard Davis is an excellent source of information on the UK professional scene.</p>
<p>RCM and RAM are both leading institutions, but also as good if not better in many aspects are the Guildhall, the Royal Northern, the Royal Scottish Academy. I suggest looking into those programs as well.</p>
<p>Tuition rates are high for overseas students, upwards of £16,000 per year; and you will have a lot harder time finding scholarship money. Also you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week, not that that’s reccomended anyway while studying. Did you know if you go the university route, you can complete most Bachelors degrees in 3 years and Masters in 1 calendar year? This might save some money. Good uni’s for music include Edinburgh, Birmingham, KCL, Royal Holloway, and OxBridge.</p>
<p>My daughter attends RAM and one of her friends attends RCM. Many students stay in a dormitory for at least their first year there. You may want to do a search under intercollegiate halls london and also international student house. </p>
<p>It is better for potential scholarship money to do the audition in person in December and your daughter will know the results fairly quickly. </p>
<p>She will need to get a student visa and you will want to read up on the requirements since it can take longer than you think.</p>
<p>DS did a term abroad at Royal College of Music and thought it was wonderful. His applied instrument teachers were terrific, and the ensemble work was good. He had the opportunity to work with some world reknowned conductors. It was an excellent experience.</p>