For over two centuries, the Royal Academy of Music has been at the forefront of music education in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1822, it remains the country’s oldest conservatoire and a leading force in shaping the careers of world-leading musicians. Yet, its prestige is not simply a result of age. The Academy combines historical authority with a sharp focus on innovation, making it one of the most respected institutions for elite music training globally.
Its standing is validated year after year. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, the Royal Academy of Music was ranked second worldwide in Performing Arts, earning a remarkable score of 95.3. It also achieved exceptionally high marks for both academic and employer reputation. These figures reflect the Academy’s success in striking a balance between scholarly depth and professional relevance and in fostering a creative culture that champions progress as much as tradition.
This article traces the institution’s evolution from its early days through to its current role as a global cultural powerhouse. It highlights how the Academy has defined the gold standard in conservatoire training, shaped musical thought, and maintained enduring partnerships across the international arts landscape.
Origins of Britain’s first music conservatoire
A response to a national need
The Royal Academy of Music was conceived at a time when Britain lacked formal structures for advanced musical education. John Fane, 11th Earl of Westmorland, together with composer and harpist Nicolas-Charles Bochsa, recognised the need to create a space where musicians could train to a professional standard without having to leave the country. Their vision led to the founding of the Academy in 1822.
This initiative attracted powerful supporters from the start. Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, a dedicated amateur violinist, was instrumental in securing royal approval. His backing helped legitimise the Academy’s position in public life. In 1830, King George IV formally granted the institution a Royal Charter, cementing its role as a national authority on music education.
The Charter’s mission was clear: “to promote the Cultivation of the Science of Music” and to make excellent musical instruction available to all who sought it. Early regulations went further, stating the Academy’s aim to help British musicians compete on the international stage and secure a respectable livelihood. These were bold ambitions for the time, and they continue to resonate in the institution’s modern-day ethos.
Growth, setbacks, and survival in the 19th century
Artistic promise amid financial instability
The Academy’s early decades were a mix of pioneering artistry and financial struggle. Highlights of this period included its first orchestral concert in 1826, conducted by Carl Maria von Weber, and the enrolment of future greats such as Arthur Sullivan. Franz Liszt visited in 1886, a sign of the institution’s growing international stature.
However, the mid-nineteenth century brought serious challenges. A critical report by the Society of Arts in the 1860s exposed structural weaknesses, including inadequate facilities and underpaid, inconsistently employed staff. To stay afloat, the Academy admitted large numbers of fee-paying amateurs, often at the expense of rigorous standards. Critics argued that this shift diluted the professional focus of the institution and drove truly talented students abroad.
These difficulties prompted questions about the very nature of conservatoire education in Britain. Should general education play a role? How should curriculum and professional readiness be balanced? At stake was the Academy’s credibility and its survival.
Reinvention under Sir Alexander Mackenzie
A defining moment arrived in 1888 with the appointment of Sir Alexander Campbell Mackenzie as Principal. As a former student, Mackenzie understood both the potential and the limitations of the Academy. Over his 36-year tenure, he led an internal transformation that restored the institution’s financial health, introduced stricter academic discipline, and reinstated its professional reputation.
This period saw the beginning of a long-term shift in institutional priorities. The Academy recommitted to high-level training, moving away from the model that had relied on amateur tuition for income. Mackenzie’s reforms laid the groundwork for the Academy’s eventual recognition as a world-class centre of excellence.
Fun Fact: The rival Royal College of Music was founded in 1882 partly in response to the Academy’s perceived shortcomings in this era. Both institutions now enjoy a healthy rivalry, with each ranked in the global top five for Performing Arts.
Expansion, prestige, and innovation in the twentieth century
New buildings and broader reach
In 1911, the Royal Academy of Music moved to its current site on Marylebone Road. Designed by Sir Ernest George, the building included the 450-seat Duke’s Hall and facilities purpose-built for music education. It marked the beginning of a new chapter. The acquisition and renovation of York Gate, an architectural landmark designed by John Nash, later added museum space, practice rooms, and a home for its expanding collection.
During this period, the Academy introduced several forward-thinking initiatives. In 1915, it founded the Junior Academy, aimed at nurturing young talent from an early age. It also attracted some of the twentieth century’s most influential musicians, including Myra Hess, Sir Henry Wood, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Dame Felicity Lott, Sir Simon Rattle, and Dame Evelyn Glennie.
By the close of the century, the Academy had broken new ground in academic recognition. It launched its own Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree in 1991 and became the first UK conservatoire to establish an in-house recording label in 1997. In 1999, it achieved another milestone by joining the University of London as a full constituent college — a rare honour that affirmed its status as a London conservatoire of the highest academic calibre.
Modernisation in the new millennium
The twenty-first century has seen the Royal Academy of Music take bold steps to remain relevant and forward-thinking. In 2001, it launched the Royal Academy Opera postgraduate course, a two-year programme tailored for emerging professionals in the opera world. It was followed in 2012 by a significant development: the Privy Council awarded the Academy full degree-awarding powers, confirming its academic maturity and autonomy.
Philanthropy has played a vital role in this era. Notably, alumnus Sir Elton John has contributed millions in scholarships and launched the Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme in 2022. This scheme supports student mobility and cross-cultural learning by establishing connections with leading institutions, such as the Juilliard in New York and the Paris Conservatoire.
Infrastructure has also received significant investment. A new practice centre opened in 2014, followed by the 2018 unveiling of the Susie Sainsbury Theatre and Angela Burgess Recital Hall — both state-of-the-art venues that have since won design awards. Accessibility improvements, including a step-free entrance, signal a commitment to inclusion as well as excellence.
In 2017, the Academy’s teaching quality received national recognition through a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. This result placed it among the top institutions in the UK for student outcomes and educational provision.
Today, the Academy’s mission statement sets the tone: to move music forward by inspiring future generations to connect, collaborate and create. With a global student body, leading-edge facilities, and strong ties to the international arts scene, it continues to stand as a beacon of excellence and creativity.
Forging artists for a global stage
The heart of the Royal Academy of Music lies in its educational philosophy. The institution offers a structured, rigorous, and artistically expansive curriculum that develops performers, composers, conductors, and scholars across all stages of musical maturity. From undergraduate training through to doctoral research, every course is underpinned by a commitment to technical mastery, intellectual depth, and artistic individuality.
Undergraduate study with purpose
The flagship undergraduate degree is the four-year Bachelor of Music (BMus) Honours. It attracts top-tier talent from across the world, offering a balance of performance, theory, and professional development. Students work closely with a Principal Study Professor and are supported by masterclasses, ensemble work, chamber coaching, and countless performance opportunities.
The academic study runs in parallel. Courses in aural training, harmony, musical form, and cultural context provide students with essential analytical tools. The goal is not only to improve interpretive skills but also to produce musicians who are musically literate and critically informed.
Career training is embedded throughout. The Artist Development programme covers areas such as self-promotion, funding applications, and studio recording. Students can also work towards the LRAM teaching diploma or participate in community engagement projects through Open Academy.
Specialist streams such as Composition, Jazz, and Musical Theatre allow tailored progression. For those not ready to commit to a full degree, the Undergraduate Gap Year offers a focused experience without formal qualifications.
Postgraduate study and research excellence
At the postgraduate level, the Academy provides MA and MMus degrees in Performance, Composition, Conducting, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. These typically run for two years, although intensive one-year options are also available. MMus students undertake a major project which may involve a dissertation, concert with commentary, or original composition.
Advanced qualifications include the Professional Diploma (ProfDip) and Advanced Diploma (AdvDip), particularly in fields like Opera or Orchestral Conducting. These are designed for emerging professionals seeking elite, hands-on development with close mentorship.
The Academy also offers practice-based research degrees at MPhil and PhD levels. Students in Performance Practice or Composition work within a collaborative environment where concerts, recordings, and creative outputs are treated as valid and valuable research. The PRESTO digital repository archives these contributions for public and scholarly access.
Expert departments in every discipline
Each department operates with a high degree of autonomy, ensuring focused and specialist instruction.
- Orchestral departments (Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion) combine solo training with chamber music and orchestral preparation. A hallmark feature is the SIDE-BY-SIDE programme, through which students rehearse and perform alongside musicians from professional ensembles such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
- The Jazz department nurtures creative individuality, with alumni like Jacob Collier exemplifying its success.
- The Musical Theatre division offers intensive one-year postgraduate training that mirrors the workflow of a professional theatre company, including daily acting, voice, and movement classes.
- Historical Performance students are trained in Baroque and Classical performance traditions using period instruments and are involved in projects that blend music, history, and education.
- Composition students are encouraged to create for diverse media, including film, opera, and electronic music, with 20 public concerts annually dedicated to student works.
- Conducting students benefit from high podium time and work with live ensembles. The department limits its intake to maintain quality and access.
A global institution with international reach
Rankings and recognition on the world stage
The Royal Academy of Music is ranked second globally in Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This position is not merely symbolic. It reflects excellence in academic reputation, employer satisfaction, and global outreach. Within the UK, it is recognised for its teaching quality, having achieved a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
It remains the only UK conservatoire fully integrated into the University of London, offering access to a broader academic network. RAM students benefit from links with King’s College London and can access courses beyond music to enrich their understanding of culture and society.
The Academy is also affiliated with ABRSM, a leading global examination body, strengthening its ties to broader music education networks.
International students and exchange programmes
The Academy draws students from over 50 countries, creating a multicultural learning environment. The Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme, launched in 2022, formalises its international ambition. Partner institutions include The Juilliard School, Paris Conservatoire, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. These exchanges typically span from short-term projects to year-long placements.
Partnerships that bridge study and profession
Collaborations extend to leading orchestras and cultural venues. SIDE-BY-SIDE initiatives with top professional ensembles offer invaluable training. Joint projects with Juilliard, including BBC Proms performances, have attracted critical acclaim.
The Academy maintains a regular presence at Wigmore Hall and collaborates with the English National Opera and Camden Music Service through its Open Academy initiatives. It also partners with institutions exploring digital innovation, such as the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Shaping the future through alumni
A legacy of artistic excellence
Few institutions can boast an alumni network as influential as that of the Royal Academy of Music. Its graduates have shaped every corner of the musical world — from classical to jazz, opera to pop.
- Sir Elton John attended the Junior Academy and later established the Elton John Scholarship Fund and Global Exchange Programme.
- Annie Lennox, though she left early, credits her formative training at RAM as foundational.
- Sir Simon Rattle, one of the world’s most acclaimed conductors, began his musical journey at the Academy.
- Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who rose to fame after performing at the Royal Wedding, is among the new generation of internationally recognised alumni.
Other notable names include Dame Evelyn Glennie, Dame Felicity Lott, Lesley Garrett, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, and Jacob Collier. These artists reflect the Academy’s strength in nurturing both excellence and individuality.
Alumni support and community
Alumni are invited to give talks, lead masterclasses, and mentor current students. Many return to share career advice as part of the Artist Development programme. Financial support from former students continues to grow, reinforcing a culture of giving back.
The Academy also maintains an alumni portal offering networking tools, library access, and event updates.
Performance, outreach, and cultural impact
Purpose-built venues for performance excellence
Performance is central to life at RAM. Its facilities are some of the finest in the world:
- The Duke’s Hall, with 319 seats, hosts flagship orchestral and recital events.
- The Susie Sainsbury Theatre, a 309-seat venue that opened in 2018, supports full-scale productions with an orchestra pit and advanced acoustics.
- The Angela Burgess Recital Hall, also opened in 2018, is ideal for small ensemble work and recordings.
- The David Josefowitz Recital Hall and Forsyth Room provide additional spaces for rehearsal, masterclasses, and chamber music.
Ensembles and performance experience
RAM students engage with a wide range of ensembles including the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Manson Ensemble, and specialist groups in Opera, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. The SIDE-BY-SIDE projects are particularly valuable in bridging the gap between study and professional practice.
The Junior Academy also runs its own ensembles, providing early ensemble experience to young musicians.
A packed calendar of public events
The Academy presents hundreds of public performances each year. These take place both on campus and at partner venues across London, including St Marylebone Parish Church and the Southbank Centre.
Concerts and masterclasses are frequently livestreamed, extending access to international audiences. Digital outreach campaigns, such as the pandemic-era #RAMplaysON, reached millions of viewers worldwide.
Research, collections, and social impact
Research that blends creativity with scholarship
Research at RAM is highly practice-based. It focuses on performance and composition as methods of inquiry. Areas of study include historical interpretation, sound technology, and creative collaboration with communities.
Outputs range from concerts and recordings to scholarly publications and multimedia exhibitions. The PRESTO archive ensures accessibility for public and academic audiences alike.
Museum and collections
The Royal Academy of Music Museum, housed in York Gate, contains a world-class collection of instruments and manuscripts. Visitors can view instruments by Stradivari and Amati, as well as original works by Mendelssohn, Liszt, and Brahms.
The museum is open weekly to the public and is used regularly for teaching and research. Despite public speculation, the Academy has confirmed that no artefacts are being removed for political reasons. Instead, its aim is to enhance interpretation and access.
Community and outreach
The Open Academy leads the institution’s community-facing work. Students take part in music projects across schools, hospitals, care homes, and community centres. Programmes include work with people living with dementia, collaborations with homeless charities, and early years education initiatives.
Training is available through a CPD diploma in Community and Participation, equipping musicians with the skills to deliver meaningful work beyond the concert platform.
Access and student life
Competitive admissions and financial support
Gaining admission to the Royal Academy of Music is highly competitive. Around 2,500 applications are submitted annually, and auditions are held in London and abroad. The focus is on potential rather than polished perfection, and the Academy actively supports applicants with disabilities.
Financial aid is extensive. More than £5 million in scholarships and bursaries is awarded each year. Entrance scholarships are based on merit, while bursaries are means-tested. Named scholarships include the Bicentenary Award, Disney Musical Theatre Award, and the Julian Bream Trust.
A global and supportive student community
Students benefit from a vibrant international environment, with cultural and social events throughout the year. Support services include accommodation advice, legal aid for housing, mental health resources, and a dedicated wellbeing team.
The Academy strives to ensure that gifted musicians from all backgrounds can thrive, both personally and artistically.
Shaping the future of global music
The Royal Academy of Music is more than a conservatoire. It is a cultural institution that educates, inspires, and challenges the next generation of artists. Its long-standing history, elite performance standards, and global partnerships make it one of the most respected institutions of its kind.
Its mission, to move music forward, is not a slogan but a guiding principle. Through rigorous education, cutting-edge facilities, bold research, and wide-ranging outreach, the Academy continues to shape what music can be in the modern world.
It trains artists who are not just performers but leaders, educators, innovators, and cultural ambassadors. Its influence will be felt not only in concert halls but wherever music is used to connect people and inspire change.
