Pathways to Performance
Learn from the world's best music teachers, exclusively for Inspired students:
- Bespoke, private online music lessons.
- All teachers from the Royal College of Music, the world's top-rated conservatory.
- All skill levels welcome.
The Programme
Inspired students now have unprecedented access to private lessons with world-class teachers from the prestigious Royal College of Music. This is a rare opportunity to work with expert teachers who know how to nurture and encourage musical and creative ambition in students of all levels.
Each set of private lessons will be custom-designed to your specific goals – from general skills improvement for beginners to preparing for competitions or auditions.
Meet some of the teachers.
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
- Six (6) weekly, 1-hour private online lessons with a certified RCM teacher
- Fully individualized learning for all levels.
- Lessons are held on Forte – an online lesson platform with industry-leading audio.
- Participation in periodic Pathways to Performance recitals attended by RCM teachers and administrators.
- An RCM Certificate of Attendance after their third set of six lessons.
Programme Fee
- Initial Payment: £200 (fully refundable if not satisfied with the first lesson)
- 2nd Payment: £250 (due after second lesson)
- 3rd Payment: £250 (due after fourth lesson)
Programme Participation Criteria
- The programme is offered for most Western orchestral instruments with a focus on classical music.
- Recommended for students ages 10-18; exceptions for younger students on a case-by-case basis.
- Students should have studied music for at least two years and be able to read sheet music to participate in the programme.
If you have any questions about the above criteria, please email us at programs@fortelessons.com.
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.
- 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 programme?
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)
- Composition
- Music Theory
- Guitar (classical)