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Pathways to Performance

Learn from some of the top music educators in the world – in partnership with Forte and Due West Education

The Programme

The Pathways to Performance programme is designed to help you grow as a musician. Each set of lessons is specific to your needs, allowing you to work one-on-one with an RCM accredited teacher on any point of focus, including:

  • Excelling to the next ABRSM level.
  • Preparing for competitions, festivals, recitals, or auditions.
  • General skills improvement.
  • Any other support on which the parent/student would like to focus.
  • Esther King Smith

    RCM Junior Department teacher

    Violin lessons

    Esther is a prize-winning graduate of the RCM where she undertook both an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate diploma. She currently teaches in the RCM’s Junior Department, where she works with some of the world’s most talented young musicians. Her students have been successful in auditioning for places at UK music conservatoires and gaining places in national ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. She plays a 1757 Joseph Hill violin, which before she acquired it in 2006 had not been played for around two hundred years.

    About teaching she says, "I believe in teaching the whole musician and creating independent learners… I aim to give my students the tools they need to pick up and learn pieces without constant need of a teacher to help them through it, both from a musical and technical point of view."

  • Dominic Doutney

    RCM alumni teacher

    Piano lessons

    Dominic Doutney is a British concert pianist, based in Chicago. He is currently undertaking his Doctor of Musical Arts at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, as a recipient of the Eckstein scholarship. He is a graduate of the RCM, where he was awarded the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal, given to two students annually for outstanding musical contribution to the Royal College. He performed for His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) at the prize-giving ceremony.

    About teaching, he says, “Passing on my expertise to students and fueling their enthusiasm for the instrument is, to me, one of the most satisfying and inspiring of all musical endeavors.”

  • Isaac Prince

    RCM alumni teacher

    Clarinet lessons

    Isaac is an award-winning clarinetist, teacher, and arranger currently residing in Chiswick, London. He recently completed his studies with Distinction at the Royal College of Music as an HR Taylor Trust Scholar, pursuing a Masters of Performance. In 2021, he graduated with first-class honors as a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he had the honor of winning the college's Concerto Competition. He’s collaborated with top orchestras in the country, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and London Mozart Players.

    About teaching, he says, “My teaching philosophy is rooted in a fresh, youthful mindset, emphasizing a strong musical foundation, problem-solving, efficient practice techniques, determination, and above all, the joy of music.”

Programme Overview

  • Participation in the programme is accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Cost for one group of lessons is £700, which includes
    • Six (6) weekly, 1-hour private online lessons with a certified RCM teacher
    • Participation in any of the periodic Pathways to Performance online recitals
  • Lessons are held on Forte – an online lesson platform with industry-leading audio.
  • Fully individualized learning designed to help you achieve your personal goals.
  • Students will receive a Certificate of Attendance after their third set of lessons.

Programme Participation Criteria

  • The programme is offered for most Western orchestral instruments with a focus on classical music.
  • Students ages 8-18 are welcome to participate
  • Students should have studied music for at least two years and be able to read sheet music to participate in the programme.
  • Participants must submit an application, which requires a brief video of themselves/their child playing their instrument to show their general skill level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the programme cost?

Participation in each Pathways to Performance programme costs £700.

This includes six (6) one-hour lessons with an RCM teacher and optional participation in the periodic Pathways to Performance programme recitals.

Students are encouraged to participate in multiple Pathways to Performances packages.

Is there a deadline to apply?

The Pathways to Performance programme accepts new students on a rolling basis, so there is no deadline to apply.

When are lessons held?

Most teachers in the RCM Pathways to Performance programme will be located in the GMT timezone. Lesson availability will be dependent on teacher availability.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the program?

Participating students will receive a certificate after their third package of lessons.

What instruments can I study on in this program?

The Pathways to Performance programme welcomes most Western classical instruments, including

  • Piano
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Upright Bass
  • Flute/Piccolo
  • Oboe/English Horn
  • Clarinet
  • Bassoon
  • French Horn
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Orchestral Percussion
  • Voice (classical voice)
Coming Soon
on Forte