*
banner

RNCM pledges support for mental health well-being for students

The Royal Northern College of Music appoints a specialist lecturer in Musicians' Health & Well-being to combat mental health problems in students.

DAEPRESSION
  The RNCM in Manchester has appointed a specialist lecturer to help combat mental health issues

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has pledged to increase its support for students, dedicating its 2018/19 Annual Appeal to health and well-being.

It is in response to research that has shown that the number of students reporting mental health issues across Higher Education has risen sharply.

Concerns and worries

Concerns and worries over living alone, financial pressures, relationships, exam pressure and social media interaction are seen as contributors to anxiety, stress and depression.

RNCM Students' Union President, Kathy Hart stated: "Every year, we welcome around 850 gifted students from over 60 countries. These individuals all share two things — a passion for music and a dream to become the best musicians they can be.

I see that the work needed to build such a difficult career can come at a price, both physically and psychologically."

Appointment

The RNCM has already reconised the importance of health and well-being and provides a wide range of care services and health activities for students. It has also taken a significant step forward by becoming the first conservatoire to appoint a specialist Lecturer in Musicians' Health & Well-being.

Sara Ascenso, a chartered clinical psychologist and trained pianist, will continue to develop the health and well-being provision across the College.

Concerns and worries over living alone, financial pressures, relationships, exam pressure and social media interaction are seen as contributors to anxiety, stress and depression4BR

Maximize efforts

She stated: "We want our students to learn how to make music with excellence but also how to live fulfilling lives as musicians and as human beings more generally. This means that what they are learning is not only about doing but also about being.

We want to maximize our efforts to make sure they experience what being well as a musician means during their time at the RNCM."

More information

For more information go to: www.rncm.ac.uk/annualappeal

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd