Learning Music at the RCM

At the RCM we believe that music education is a right that everyone should have access to. Because of this, we offer a variety of ways to learn, along with scholarships and bursaries to support our students.

The RCM differs from other music schools in the region through offering curriculum based learning, allowing for structured learning progression and for students to celebrate their successes at every step.

Ways to Learn

Bachelor of Music/Diploma of Music

For school leavers interested in furthering their musical education, the RCM has partnered with the Central Queensland University to offer a Diploma of Music and Bachelor of Music. You will be supported throughout your study and undertake one-on-one instrumental tuition with highly qualified regional conservatorium staff in classical, jazz or popular music. Click the banner below to find out more!

Enrolment

All students must be enrolled in order to commence lessons at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music. 

Enrolling at the RCM is very easy. Enrolment is a staged process that involves several simple steps:

1. Complete an enrolment enquiry detailing your preferred area of musical study. This can be done through: Contacting the Head of Department, prospective teacher, or making an enquiry online.

2. The Head of Department for that area will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the options for you or your child in relation to your instrument/vocal choice. You must speak to your teacher to determine your lesson requirements before submitting an enrolment.

3. You will be provided with an RCM enrolment form which needs to be completed and signed. You can either email the scanned enrolment form to admin@rivconmusic.nsw.edu.au or deliver it in person to the RCM office at 1 Simmons Street, Wagga Wagga.

4. In order for your enrolment to be completed, you need to either make a full payment of the Term's fees in advance or make arrangement for a payment plan with the RCM Head of Finance and Administration. You may contact the Head of Finance on (02) 6925 3522.

PLEASE NOTE: It is a condition of enrolment that fees must be paid in advance or lessons may not commence nor will you be able to participate in any RCM ensemble.

If fees are unpaid a student is deemed to not be an active enrolled student. RCM teachers are not permitted to teach students who are not enrolled. Your teacher may refuse to teach you or your child until fees have been paid. 

Scholarships

All enrolled students are eligible to audition for a scholarship each year.

The Riverina Conservatorium of Music aims to reward excellence in performance through its scholarship program. In October each year, the RCM awards over $20,000 of scholarships to worthy students. All scholarships are sponsored by the community with individual, corporate, and government donors. 

Scholarships are competitive and are awarded in a variety of instrumental and vocal categories representing the diverse range of instruments and musical styles taught at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

Professional music performers and educators who recognise the value of supporting emerging musical talent are appointed as adjudicators. They select scholarship winners from auditions held on the RCM Scholarship Day which takes place early in Term 4 each year. Students are nominated by their teachers to apply for the scholarship program.

Scholarships are awarded in the following areas:

• Piano/Keyboard

• Percussion

• Woodwind

• Brass

• Strings

• Guitar

• Contemporary & Traditional Vocal Performance

• Dr Ray King Scholarship

The RCM also offers the Dr Ray King Scholarship, named after our previous chairman. The Scholarship is awarded to a RCM student of exceptional talent in any musical discipline.

If you are interested in being a part of the RCM's scholarship program contact the Director on 6925 3522.

Bursaries

In addition to the RCM's Scholarship Program, students are also eligible to apply for financial support through the RCM's Bursary Program. Bursaries are means tested and are designed to support students who may be unable to attend lessons due to financial constraints. 

Bursaries can also be applied to support additional learning for students where multiple programs are already being studied. For example; a student may be eligible for a bursary if they are learning the flute, but due to financial constraints participating in the concert band is not possible.

Learning Music by Distance

The Riverina Conservatorium offers musical tuition by distance through the use of video-conferencing equipment, which allows remotely located students access to the RCM teacher of their choice with no need to travel. Students only need a PC, Mac, iPad or iPhone to have music lessons! 

Currently, the RCM teaches many students who live hundreds of kilometres from Wagga Wagga. For some students the only access to a music teacher is through video-conferenced music lessons via the RCM. Students are located in remote communities such as Deniliquin, Bega, Young, Tumbarumba and Coolamon.

In many cases the RCM works with partnered Regional Conservatoriums. However, students are able to learn at school using video-conferencing equipment already installed at the school. Please speak with your school to discuss this option.

For more information about learning music via distance please make a student enquiry. Nowhere is too far away!

The Riverina Conservatorium of Music believes that participating in a musical ensemble greatly enhances the music education experience. For many people, participating in an ensemble is the primary reason for learning music. The RCM offers a wide range of ensembles for all members of our community regardless of their age or musical ability. 

The RCM also offers professional opportunities for staff and local professional musicians to engage in performance ensembles.

String Department Ensembles

• Little Fiddlers - violin (4years Pre-School)

• Primo Strings - violin/viola/cello (AMEB Prelim - Grade 1)

• Junior Strings - violin/viola/cello (AMEB Grade 1 - 2)

• Stringendo - violin/viola/cello (AMEB Grade 3-4)

• Riverina Conservatorium Orchestra - strings (AMEB Grade 5 & above)

• Riverina Community Strings - violin/viola/cello (AMEB Grade 4 and above)

• Adult Intermediate Strings - violin/viola/cello (AMEB Grade 4 and below)

Woodwind and Brass Department Ensembles

• Reed Ensemble - clarinet/saxophone - AMEB Grade 1-3

• Junior Flute Choir - AMEB Grade 1-3

• Junior Brass Ensemble - AMEB Grade 1-3

• Intermediate Flute Choir - AMEB Grade 3-5

• Senior Flute Ensemble - AMEB Grade 6 and above

• RCM Student Concert Band - AMEB Grade 3 and above

• Riverina Conservatorium Orchestra - Brass/Woodwind/Percussion (AMEB Grade 5 & above)

• Simmons Street Big Band - AMEB Grade 4 and above (Brass, Woodwind, Percussion)

Guitar Department Ensembles

• Beginner Classical Guitar Ensemble - AMEB Prelim - Grade 1

• Advanced Classical Guitar (Guitarists' Feast) - AMEB Grade 5 and above

• Adult Guitar Ensemble - AMEB Grade 2 and above

Contemporary Music Ensemble

• RCM Student Rock Band - Junior & Senior

• Simmons Street Big Band - AMEB Grade 4 and above (Swing, Jazz, Latin, Straight 8 styles)

Community concert band

• Riverina Concert Band - AMEB Grade 4 and above

Vocal Department Ensembles (CHOIR)

• Cantilena Singers

• Murrumbidgee Magic

• La Chorale Francaise de Wagga Wagga

School Band Programs facilitated by the RCM

• Kooringal Public School Band Program

• Sturt Public School Band Program

• Wagga Wagga Public School

School Strings Programs facilitated by the RCM

• Wagga Christian College Year 3 Program