'The quality of teaching at the Royal College of Music is top notch, but what stands out for me is the sense of community. I volunteered as SU International Officer and was a member of the RCM Football Society, which was so much fun. Being a jazz pianist as well as a composer, I had plenty of opportunities to play and collaborate with fellow students. My time at the RCM helped shape me as a musician in a really significant way.'

Andrew Chen (BMus 2021), professional composer and jazz pianist

'I chose to study at the Royal College of Music because of the range of performance opportunities and opportunities to learn with the best players in the industry. One of my best memories is performing Strauss' An Alpine Symphony with Bernard Haitink, and it was amazing to be close to so many other aspiring musicians and having many world-class concerts on your doorstep.'

Matt Glendening (BMus 2020), Principal Clarinet with the Royal Opera House

'I had the most incredible learning experience at the Royal College of Music; it was a completely transformational time for me. I particularly enjoyed having such amazing and disciplined performers surrounding me at all times. My relationship with the percussion department was a huge highlight, leading to a new work for 24 percussionists, and an octet that toured Switzerland – and still gets performed to this day!'

Dani Howard (BMus 2015), internationally renowned composer

'Studying at the Royal College of Music was one of the best times in my life; I made such close friends and had fantastic experiences. It was a privilege to study with my teacher, Ieuan Jones. London is such a vibrant, exciting city, with so much to offer. I made friends from all walks of life there.'

Claire Jones (BMus 2007), Official Harpist to the former Prince of Wales

What I most enjoyed about studying at the RCM was seeing famous musicians in the building all the time, for example when Yehudi Menuhin came to conduct. I’ll always remember glimpsing Levon Chilingirian teaching from outside the room; he looked so passionate and enthusiastic.'

Matthew Koumis (BMus 1989), piano teacher and author of over 50 books

'Studying at the Royal College of Music was a great pathway towards professional life. My teacher was very inspiring, I worked with fantastic conductors and College was a place where I met amazing musicians and friends.'

Romain Malan (BMus 2012), creator of the World Harmony Orchestra and performer

'I have many fond memories from my time at the Royal College of Music – what I loved most was the amazing performance opportunities and being around such talented young people who had a passion for music as I did. My daughter now studies at the RCM Junior Department and I’ve loved being able to come back with her – it feels like coming home!'

Lucy Noble (BMus), first ever Artistic Director of the Royal Albert Hall

'I was immersed in music during my four years at the Royal College of Music – from solo to chamber to orchestral playing. This provided a strong foundation for my future work playing and writing about music. I remember playing in some fantastic symphony concerts – and in the opera orchestra for Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was great fun.'

Charlotte Smith (BMus 2002), Editor of BBC Music Magazine and chamber musician