Few musical establishments can boast an incredible 200 years of history, but the Royal Academy of Music has recently celebrated exactly that. This has long been a method for people to learn how to play instruments at the highest level as well as learning some of the intricacies of instruments including the violin. A music degree from RAM is known to be one of the most impressive qualifications in all of music.
In this guide, we’re looking at the Royal Academy of Music’s degree program and why it is one of the best courses for aspiring violin players and other musicians around the world. There are numerous courses in London including those at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal College of Music. All of these are well-regarded.
About The Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music London has been a signal of musical excellence since its founding in 1822. With nearly two centuries of history, the Academy blends tradition with innovation, offering a wide spectrum of training across instrumental performance as well as all other areas of music.
Musicians from over 50 countries call the Academy home, creating a truly international community of talent.
For violinists, the Academy is a treasure trove of opportunities. Students receive world-class training from an exceptional faculty, participate in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists, and perform in prestigious venues. The Academy’s resources are second to none and its museum boasts an incredible collection of string instruments, including masterpieces by Stradivari and Guarneri. These instruments are a reminder of the Academy’s dedication to nurturing string players at the highest level.
The Academy isn’t just for full-time students. Programs like the Junior Academy prepare young musicians under 18 for the challenges of conservatoire life, while Open Academy projects bring music to the wider community through outreach and education. Lifelong learning is a central ethos of RAM.
A proud member of the University of London, the Academy combines a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach. Alumni like Sir Simon Rattle and Elton John prove that its graduates can excel in a range of musical genres from classical to contemporary.
Every performance at the Academy feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You walk out on stage, surrounded by musicians who are not only the best friends imaginable, but exceptionally skilled, too. The concerts are consistently sold out, the conductors are always exceptional, and the atmosphere is electric every time.
Rebecca, Trumpeter
Getting a Music Degree From RAM
undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to nurture talent and prepare musicians for dynamic careers. As a member of the University of London, RAM ensures its degrees carry global recognition, making it a top choice for aspiring musicians. Music degrees can be a way for people to enter careers such as teaching but there are also a lot of different routes into music. There are also postgraduate studies available at the establishment similar to the courses at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Undergraduate Courses Provide A Foundation for Musical Careers
RAM’s flagship Bachelor of Music (BMus) program is a four-year degree tailored to those passionate about their instrument or specialism. This course provides a solid platform for careers in performance or related fields plus it can be an amazing way for people to devote four years to their craft with some of the best tuition available in the world. The curriculum balances practical and theoretical elements to ensure students receive a well-rounded education.
At the heart of the program is Principal Study, which focuses on individualised lessons, masterclasses, chamber music, and concert experiences. Students hone their craft through public performances while working closely with leading professionals.
Alongside this, Artist Development equips students with essential career skills, from studio techniques to marketing, CV writing, and funding applications.
Those interested in teaching can pursue the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) qualification, gaining practical experience while studying.
Academic modules in areas like aural skills, music analysis, and history complement practical training, aiding intellectual growth and interpretative insight. For those seeking a shorter commitment, RAM offers one-year courses that provide access to its world-class facilities and performance opportunities and can act as something of a taster. It is still an incredibly prestigious establishment and even a year studying there can make a huge difference.
Postgraduate Options: Refining Expertise and Expanding Horizons
RAM boasts the largest postgraduate community among UK conservatoires, offering flexible programs to suit diverse goals. Whether focusing on performance, specialisation, or incorporating research, the Academy’s postgraduate options include degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Students benefit from advanced training tailored to individual ambitions and access to extensive resources, collaborations, and networks.
The Royal Academy of Music encourages students to broaden their experiences through exchange programs with conservatoires worldwide. These placements typically span an academic year, allowing participants to immerse themselves in different musical traditions and cultures.
The LRAM qualification, open to undergraduates in their final years and postgraduates, is another unique offering. This course emphasizes practical teaching skills grounded in pedagogical theory, aligning with national standards for music education.
With its Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework, RAM stands out for its dedication to high-quality education. Small group teaching plus a tailored approach to artist development ensure students receive unparalleled support. The Academy’s strong emphasis on employability is reflected in its alumni’s success across the globe.
From violin virtuosos to jazz improvisers, RAM offers specialist programs for every kind of musician. Students perform in world-class venues, work with renowned faculty, and develop lifelong skills that prepare them for diverse careers.
Studying at RAM isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about joining a legacy of musical brilliance and stepping into a community that shapes the future of music.
Alumni
As you would expect, there have been some incredible musicians that have passed through the university. Below, we have focused on some of the more contemporary musicians, but with a 200 year history there are loads of impressive and influential musicians. We’ve also only discussed the violin alumni below. Other musicians to have attended include the impressive Elton John!
Jack Liebeck
Jack Liebeck, a distinguished violinist, began his journey at the Royal Academy of Music at just 14. Graduating in 2003, he has since become a prominent figure in the classical music scene. His performances are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Beyond the stage, Liebeck has a passion for teaching, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians.
Liebeck has also worked extensively in film, appearing as a soloist on soundtracks like Jane Eyre (2011) and Anna Karenina (2012), both composed by Dario Marianelli. Liebeck's recording career with Hyperion Records has earned critical acclaim, particularly for his interpretations of works by Brahms and Kreisler. He is also the artistic director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. A lover of both music and science he also blends these passions in his annual Oxford May Music festival.
Ani Batikian
Ani Batikian is an accomplished violinist with a diverse and impressive musical career.
She began her studies with the renowned violinist Henrik Smbatyan and later received a full scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she earned the top prize for violin performance.
Further study took her to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama and Cremona, Italy, where she studied under the legendary Salvatore Accardo. Batikian has performed at prestigious venues, including Cadogan Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Her musical journey also includes solo performances in Toronto’s Glenn Gould Studios and Yerevan’s Philharmonic Hall.
She is also a former violin lecturer at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Known for her dedication to both performance and teaching, Batikian's recordings, such as her album “My Favourite Encores,” showcase her passion for both Armenian and virtuoso violin music.
Preparing For Studies With Superprof
Superprof allows you to choose from a wide range of experienced violin tutors who cater to all levels from beginners to advanced players whether you want to attend a conservatory in Scotland or England.
Before your lessons begin, it’s helpful to review the basics of music theory and practice your instrument regularly. Having a violin that suits your playing style is essential, so make sure your instrument is properly tuned and in good condition. Superprof tutors can guide you on this, offering advice tailored to your needs. Many of our tutors have a huge level of musical experience and have even studied and performed at amazing venues.
Don’t forget to be proactive in communicating with your tutor. Whether it's asking questions or sharing your challenges, open dialogue will help you make the most of your lessons. With the right mindset and preparation, you’re ready to start your violin studies.
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