Back in 2018, working alongside staff at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, we established a Big Noise module for fourth year undergraduate students to learn about the Big Noise programme and develop their teaching practice in a community setting.
The module is delivered through an engaging lecture series taught by Big Noise staff, as well as 40 hours of placement at Big Noise locations in Glasgow and Stirling, giving students hands-on experience working directly with children and young people.
In this video, we caught up with Sophie, a brass student, on her placement at Big Noise Fallin, and Caoimh-Ella, a vocal performance student, on her placement at Big Noise Govanhill, to find out all about their experience of the module.
After graduating, module students can be added to our Big Noise Cover Musician list for paid work opportunities and several students, including Sophie, have even gone on to secure employment with Big Noise in Support Musician roles.
This year, we are excited to welcome more students than ever in September as our 2025/2026 cohort begin their studies.
David Munn, Director for Music & Curriculum at Big Noise, said:
"We are delighted to be able to offer students this valuable opportunity to work with music in a community context and develop hands-on skills in delivering music education for children and young people at Big Noise.
"Last year's cohort were really engaged both throughout the lecture series and on their placement, and we wish them every success in their future careers. This year, we have even more students signed up, and I am excited to continue our work with The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to nurture and develop these unique pathways for students."
Dr. Brianna Robertson-Kirkland, Lecturer in Historical Musicology at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said:
"Working with Big Noise allows us to offer unique opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience in community music. The lectures combined with the placement at various Big Noise sites both develops knowledge and understanding of working in a community setting and enhances their employability.
"Many RCS graduates have continued to work with Big Noise after completing their studies, which is a testament to the success of the module so far."
