Master's Degree at the Royal College of Music

Music is a place where I have always felt at home. I grew up surrounded by a family in love with music of all styles; a CD and record stash three times the height of myself and a house full of singing, noisy rock bands (thanks brothers!) and group late night Spotify listening sessions. In my teens, I fell truly in love with classical music and since the age of 16, I have been committed to achieving my goal of becoming a professional flute player. Today, flute playing is like an old friend. Its kept me company through my sad times, kept me moving through the COVID pandemic, and it’s been the source of many of the greatest feelings I’ve ever felt. It is the place where I really feel I can contribute to the world.

I have been working intensely on improving my technique, ensemble skills and musical knowledge in order to become an able and experienced flute player. I am proud of my progress during this time and whilst studying an undergraduate degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, I made some proud achievements including being the winner of the Governor’s Recital Prize for Woodwind and the Concerto Competition as well as being elected for side-by-side schemes with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Opera and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. I was also pleased to play as principal flute for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Contemporary music is another huge interest of mine. I have really enjoyed working with composers on new music and this is something I strive to continue in my future career. Despite being happy with my achievements so far, my work is nowhere near finished yet. I am now a successful student, but and I am in need of more time, practice and experience in order to become the professional that I long to be.

This September, I started my studies of a two-year master’s in performance (specialising in flute) at the Royal College of Music in London. The RCM is currently rated the number 1 institution in the world for performing arts on the QS university rankings and I was extremely excited by the opportunity to work with some incredible tutors in a totally inspired institution. I found the offer impossible to turn down.

I would like to spend my time studying a master’s to gain confidence and experience in all areas of my playing. Specifically, I would like to have the time and the expert teachers that will help me to refine my flute technique; the orchestral opportunities to further my understanding of orchestral repertoire and confidence in large ensemble playing; the high standard of other players around me to inspire, motivate and support me, and the freedom to find my own path.

My family have always supported me, and will continue to do so, but undertaking this master’s degree will really stretch us to the limit. It is through the help of trusts, grants, student loans and scholarships that I have managed to get this far in my journey. For example, the costs of my flute and piccolo were almost entirely covered by my scholarship from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and applying to grants. Now however, it is the tuition and living fees that I am asking for help towards.

I have estimated that my monthly costs will be as follows:

Rent: £570 p/m

Bills: £54 p/m

Food: £400 p/m

Travel: £120 p/m

Therefore, the cost of living over two years will be £27,456.

The tuition fees for the course are £12,450 per year - so £24,900 for two years.

The total is £52,356. A number which causes my heart to beat considerably faster! This figure also does not include the cost of instrument repairs, buying music or any new possessions.

Fortunately, I am not starting from zero and have been able to save some funds towards the cost. I have managed to save £7000 of my own money by working two part time jobs during my studies at the RCS, as well as other one-off jobs and some scholarship money.

I was also grateful to receive a few awards:

The ABRSM Queen’s Jubilee Award -£2500

John MacGregor Flute Prize - £400

RCS Governors Recital Prize for Woodwind - £125

My parents have calculated that they are able to contribute £16,000 over the two years. Something I am extremely thankful for.

There is also a limited government grant of £11,836 split between the two years.

In total, I will definitely have £37,861 for my studies. This leaves me to find another £14,495. I aim to make more from a recital I am holding in my village, by working and teaching alongside my course, and by applying to external postgraduate funding - though these amounts that I will make from these aren’t yet clear. I am asking for some help towards this cost to help close the gap in order to help me achieve my dreams and in the hope that it makes living in London a bit more manageable.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Please give what you can and know that I am so grateful for your help. I will keep you updated on my progress and if you are unable to donate, sharing my gofundme on your social media is another big help!