Royal College of Music

The Royal College of Music is one of the world's greatest conservatoires,training gifted musicians from all over the world for international careers as performers, conductors and composers.. Our excellence was recognised by the 2022 and 2023 QS World University Rankings, in which we ranked as the top institution for Performing Arts in the world.

We welcome and supports students from all over the world. Our international reputation is matched by our committment to students who benefit from world-class facilities, amazing performance opportunities and exceptional professors. You can see our facilities for yourself at our annual Open Day, where you can also meet staff and current students.

Outstanding Opportunities

We are proud of our heritage as a conservatoire that has nurtured some of the most exceptional musical talent for over 140 years, but we also seek to push the boundaries of music as leaders in digital innovation.  Our students are at the heart of what we do and we are committed to supporting you as you embark on your journey at the College and beyond.

RCM students perform in venues across London and further afield with world-leading conductors and artistis, and composers hear their works brought to life by RCM musicians. Our dedicated professors are leaders in their fields, and many are principal players with London's major orchestras and ensembles. 

We provide advice, support and access to a range of job opportunities through our Creative Careers Centre, which offers the chance to earn money, make industry contacts and perform at prestigious events. For orchestral musicians we offer sit-in schemes with some of the major London orchestras. Our learning and participation programme, RCM Sparks, offers the opportunity to gain workshop leadership experience, building skills much prized by the music industry.

The RCM’s buildings, facilities and location are the envy of the world. The RCM is situated in South Kensington, the home of science, arts and inspiration, directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall . Our iconic building, our concert hall, Britten Theatre, studios, library and RCM Collections all provide inspiration for RCM students.

History

Founded in 1882 by the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), the RCM has trained some of the most important figures in British and international music life, including composers such as Holst, Vaughan Williams, Turnage and Britten; conductors such as Leopold Stokowski, Sir Colin Davis and Sir Roger Norrington; singers such as Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Thomas Allen and Alfie Boe; instrumentalists such as Sir James Galway, John Lill and Natalie Clein.

With over 900 students from more than 60 countries studying at undergraduate, masters or doctoral level, the RCM is a friendly and vibrant community of talented and open-minded musicians. RCM professors are musicians with worldwide reputations, accustomed to working with the most talented students of each generation to unlock their artistic potential.

The RCM’s many performing groups – including five orchestras, two jazz bands and the RCM International Opera School – are celebrated for the vitality and excellence of their performances, and are regularly invited to perform at significant venues both in the UK and overseas.