Life at the Royal College of Music

A man wearing a suit, singing on stage, lit by a spotlight.

No.1

Global No.1 for Music and Performing Arts in the 2024, 2023, 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Gold

Awarded the highest Gold ranking and rated ‘outstanding’ in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework

Top

Ranked top UK conservatoire offering music as a single subject in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework

'The highly competitive world of music is made infinitely less intimidating by the friendly faces of students and staff alike.'

Emma Purslow, Bachelor of Music

'One of the richest and most intensive programmes of public performance of any conservatoire in the world.'

Higher Education Funding Council for England

Students performing on a harpsichord, surrounded by antique instruments and furniture in the museum.

Visit the RCM Museum

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Explore our Autumn events

News

Unique chance to own a piece of rock history: Kurt Cobain’s plectrum prize draw now open

Nirvana fans and music lovers have a rare opportunity to own an iconic piece of music history. The Royal College of Music (RCM) has launched a special prize draw to win Kurt Cobain’s guitar plectrum, used during the band’s legendary 1993 MTV Unplugged performance.

From the Royal College of Music to the BBC Proms: RCM musicians at the 2025 festival

The BBC Proms have recently unveiled their 2025 season, which once again showcases the excellence of Royal College of Music (RCM) students, alumni and professors, who will perform at the world’s biggest classical music festival.

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Watch

Pappano Conducts Mahler and Strauss

Strauss' lyrical woodwind duet, four beautiful songs and Mahler's 1st Symphony