Programmes

Conservatoire Pathway for Young Saxophonists

Enrol in the Conservatoire Pathway

The Conservatoire Pathway is a specialist programme for motivated young saxophonists (ages 14–17) who aspire to study music professionally. It is run by the Director of Manchester Saxophone Academy; Gillian Blair.
By joining, you’ll gain access to expert tuition, workshops, and tailored guidance designed to support your journey into higher music education.

What’s Included in the Conservatoire Pathway package?

- Monthly one-to-one tuition with a specialist saxophone tutor in Manchester

- Technical development & audition preparation tailored to your goals

- Performance opportunities to build confidence on stage

- Application and personal statement support to guide your next steps

- Membership to The Hive gives you access to discounted events, resources, and community at the Academy, giving you support, inspiration, and opportunities beyond your regular lessons.

- Optional intensive 2-day workshops with masterclasses from conservatoire staff (extra cost applies)

How to Secure Your Place

Complete the Application Form
Fill out the short application form at the bottom of this page. This helps us understand your current experience, goals, and suitability for the Conservatoire Pathway.

Application Review
Your application will be reviewed by the MSA Director. We’ll assess your readiness for the programme based on your experience, current standard, and motivation.

Follow-up Discussion (if needed)
If we require more information to make an informed decision, we’ll arrange a short video call to discuss your musical background and aspirations in more detail.

Offer of a Place
Successful applicants will be contacted via email with details of how to confirm their place and pay for the Conservatoire Pathway. This can be paid annually or monthly.

Confirm & Begin
Once your place is confirmed, we’ll schedule your first lesson.

The Conservatoire Pathway Terms & Conditions are listed below the application form and

must be read before accepting your offer.

Spaces are limited to maintain a personalised experience, so early applications are recommended.

What Past Students Say

"I studied with Gillian just before auditioning for conservatoire. Before starting lessons, I had already decided that I wanted to apply for the Joint Course between the RNCM and the University of Manchester, but I had little idea of the steps I needed to take in terms of both playing ability and the application process.

I can confidently say that the extremely high level of teaching I received during my (very short) time with Gillian before applying was one of, if not the most, important factors in the success of my application.

From nurturing encouragement to constructive criticism and honest reality checks, I was given exactly what I needed as an individual to support my development. While I certainly felt more confident in my technique and ability as a player, what I value most is the deeper appreciation and understanding of both the instrument and music as a whole that I gained through Gillian’s teaching.

For anyone thinking of auditioning for conservatoire, I cannot recommend Gillian’s teaching highly enough -

she completely transformed my playing and, in many ways, my life."

- Jamie, current student at RNCM

"Before auditioning for conservatoires, I needed that final push to refine my technique and performance analysis skills so I could deliver a conservatoire-level audition and give myself the best possible chance of success. I would strongly recommend having such high-level lessons when you’re preparing for auditions - not only to improve your playing, but also to support the mental preparation that goes with it."

- Emily, current student at RNCM

"Having lessons with Gillian really set me up well for my conservatoire auditions. Not only did I feel confident in my technique, musical interpretation, and presentation leading up to the audition, but also for conservatoire life as a whole. Gillian's preparation helped me to secure places at all of the conservatoires I auditioned at, and she still continues to support me today!

I would really recommend this pathway to anyone auditioning to conservatoires. The level of knowledge and expertise that Gillian has is unmatched, and I have found her teaching an instrumental and fundamental part of my musical development."

- Rachael, current student at RNCM

Apply for the Conservatoire Pathway

Full name of student

Full name of parent/guardian

Email of parent/guardian

Current school year

Please detail your experience on the saxophone eg. how long have you been playing? What have you been working on?

What is the name of your current saxophone tutor?

Do you currently take lessons through school, a music service or privately?

When was your most recent exam grade and what was the result?

What specialism are you hoping to study at conservatoire?

Classical

Jazz

Classical with jazz as a secondary study

Not sure yet

Why do you want to join the Conservatoire Pathway?

Do you have specific goals for the coming year (e.g. technical development, audition preparation, performance experience)?

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about you, your playing, ambitions, or musical experience?

I confirm that I have read and understood the Conservatoire Pathway Terms & Conditions (listed below).

Conservatoire Pathway Terms & Conditions

1. Enrolment & Payment

Enrolment is secured upon acceptance to the pathway from the MSA director and payment (either in full or via instalments, as chosen at checkout).
Spaces are limited to ensure individual focus. Early enrolment is recommended.
Instalment plans must be paid on time. Missed payments may result in suspension of lessons until the balance is settled.
All plans (whether annual or monthly instalments) automatically end after 12 months. To continue on the Conservatoire Pathway for multiple years, you must manually purchase a new package once your plan expires.

2. Entry Standards

The Conservatoire Pathway is designed to prepare students for conservatoire entry, which typically requires Grade 8 Distinction level on audition.
As a guide, the following minimum standards are expected for entry onto the pathway:
Age 14: Grade 5 standard
Age 15: Grade 6 standard
Age 16: Grade 7 standard
Age 17: Grade 8 standard
These are minimum standards. If you fall below the level indicated for your age, you may still enquire about joining. The MSA Director will assess whether the pathway is the right option for you.

4. Conservatoire Pathway Fees

The cost of the Conservatoire Pathway is £720
This can be paid in monthly installments of £60, or at a discounted rate of £700 if paying for the full annual fee.
This fee includes: - 12 x 1 hour saxophone lessons, 3 x 1 hour online support sessions (applications, mock interviews etc), 1 x annual membership to The Hive, performance opportunities, early access to 2 day workshops with Conservatoire Tutors (additional cost applies for workshops)

3. Duration of Programme

The Conservatoire Pathway package is designed to take place over a 12-month period and includes 12 one-to-one lessons.
If students wish to condense their 12 lessons into a shorter timeframe, this can be discussed with the MSA Director, subject to tutor availability.
To continue for additional years, a new package must be purchased when the 12-month plan expires.
If a student would benefit from additional lessons beyond the 12 included, this may be arranged directly with their tutor (subject to tutor availability, additional cost applies).

4. Tuition & Programme Delivery

The package includes monthly one-to-one lessons, access to workshops and performance opportunities, and application/personal statement support as advertised.
Lessons are delivered by a specialist saxophone tutor approved by MSA.
Optional intensive 2-day workshops are available at an additional cost. Information and booking will be sent to enrolled students in advance of general sale.

5. Lesson Scheduling & Attendance

Lessons are scheduled directly between the student and tutor, following introduction by MSA.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions punctually.
Lessons missed or cancelled by the student with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Lessons cancelled by the tutor will be rearranged at a mutually convenient time.

6. The Hive Membership

Annual membership to The Hive is included in the Conservatoire Pathway package.
This provides access to discounted events, resources, and the MSA community for one year.
Membership fees are non-refundable.

7. Switching Tutors (if required)

In exceptional cases, students may request a change of tutor. MSA will endeavour to arrange a suitable alternative.

8. Conduct & Expectations

Students (and parents/guardians, where applicable) must behave respectfully towards tutors, staff, and fellow participants at all times.
MSA reserves the right to withdraw a student from the programme if behaviour is deemed inappropriate or disruptive. No refunds will be issued in such cases.

9. Progress & Responsibility

A core focus of the Conservatoire Pathway is encouraging consistent, appropriate levels of practice and equipping students with effective practice tools. Students are expected to take on board the guidance and suggestions given by their specialist tutor; failure to do so is likely to result in slower progress.
Manchester Saxophone Academy provides tuition and guidance but cannot guarantee entry into conservatoire or any particular outcome.

10. Refunds & Withdrawal

Enrolment in the Conservatoire Pathway is a commitment for the full programme. Payments are normally non-refundable, except where MSA cancels the programme.
If a student wishes to unenrol partway through, a refund may be considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the MSA Director.

11. Additional Costs

The package clearly outlines what is included. Students are responsible for costs such as travel, reeds, sheet music, and audition/exam fees.

12. Health & Learning Needs

Parents/guardians must inform MSA of any relevant health conditions (e.g. asthma, allergies) so that appropriate support can be provided.
It is also helpful to know about any additional learning needs to ensure teaching strategies are as effective as possible, but disclosure of such information is optional.

13. Media & Recordings

MSA may take photos or videos of lessons, workshops, and performances for promotional purposes.
If parents/guardians do not wish their child to be included in media, they must notify MSA in writing.

14. Force Majeure

In the event of circumstances beyond MSA’s control (e.g. severe weather, venue closure, public health restrictions), lessons or workshops may be rescheduled.
Online lessons may be offered if necessary but will not be the norm, in order to maximise student success.

15. Contact & Communication

All programme communication will be conducted via the parent/guardian’s email address unless otherwise agreed.

16. Liability

MSA accepts no liability for travel, accommodation, or personal belongings during lessons, workshops, or events.

17. Safeguarding

All tutors are conservatoire-trained saxophonists with valid DBS checks.
A parent/guardian must provide emergency contact details for all students under 18.