Established in 1822, the Royal Academy of Music is the oldest conservatoire in the UK. John Fane, 11th Earl of Westmorland, founded the academy with the help of the French harpist and composer Nicolas Bochsa. The academy has greatly expanded since it’s opening and in 1999 it became the first conservatoire to be admitted as a full member of the University of London.
When it first opened, the academy was located in Hanover Square in Central London but it moved to custom-built premises on Marylebone Road in 1911 and remains there today. The academy is just a short walk from Marylebone Village with its bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is also situated adjacent to Regent’s Park, a perfect place for students to explore in their spare time.
The academy is organised into 22 musical departments, which include brass, conducting, harp, jazz, organ, and timpani and percussion. Each department offers specialised courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Students from more than 60 countries study at the academy as part of its exchange agreements with conservatoires around the world. International students normally study for a full academic year at the academy. In exchange, academy students are given the opportunity to study abroad as part of their undergraduate studies.
The academy has an extensive alumni network, which includes many well-known musicians such as Elton John, Annie Lennox, Felicity Lott, and Simon Rattle. These former students and other legendary artists visit the academy throughout the year to perform, but also to become musical partners and mentors to students.
