There are many different ways for people to learn how to play the violin and going to one of the UK’s top conservatoires can be the best way to prepare yourself for a career in music. Those who have the highest possible ambitions in music will be looking at the options of conservatories, and there are quite a few around the UK.
The Royal College of Music is set in the heart of London and gives people an opportunity to get involved in a lot of performances and enjoy life in the capital. Many people who are looking to study stringed instruments flock to the city that has a long history of musical innovation and some impressive establishments, including the Royal Conservatory of Music and more modern options like the Guildhall School.
The Royal College of Music (RCM) is ranked Global No. 1 for Music and Performing Arts in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024/2023/2022). – UCAS
About the Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music (RCM) in the heart of South Kensington, London, is among the most prestigious conservatoires in the world, consistently ranked No. 1 globally for Music and Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings. Established in 1883, the RCM has nurtured exceptional talent for over 140 years, blending its rich heritage with a forward-looking approach to musical education. The College serves as a place for elite musicians pursuing studies and it has attracted students from over 60 countries to its diverse and high-tech environment.
This college really does blend modern technology and teaching methods with a really rich history. A masters in music from the establishment might be one of the most impressive musical certifications anybody can get.
Performance lies at the heart of the RCM experience and helps to polish the students into elite performers. With over 500 annual opportunities, ranging from solo recitals and chamber music to fully staged operas and orchestral concerts. Masterclasses led by luminaries like Lang Lang and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa provide students with invaluable inspiration and an insight into the industry. The RCM's student-led ensembles, including five orchestras and two jazz bands, showcase the College’s focus on artistic innovation and leadership.
RCM professors are celebrated performers and composers, bringing their global expertise to guide students toward excellence. Alumni include iconic figures in the world of music such as Gustav Holst, Benjamin Britten, Sir Colin Davis, Dame Joan Sutherland, and Sir James Galway. Many have influenced conservatoires in Scotland and other countries. This legacy of achievement reflects the College's commitment to cultivating musical artistry at the highest level.
The state-of-the-art facilities further enhance the student experience. From cutting-edge practice spaces to the new Digital Innovation Lab, students have access to resources that complement their artistic growth. The on-site library and museum, home to one of the richest collections of music-related artefacts, are vital assets for research and inspiration.
The RCM's commitment to innovation is evident in its pioneering research and individualised teaching. Each student benefits from intensive one-on-one tuition and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering creative expression and preparing them for the dynamic demands of a global music career. Remarkably, over 95% of graduates successfully secure careers in music or continue advancing their studies. This is one of the top rates when compared to the Royal Academy of Music or other conservatoires around the UK.
Gustav Holst, Benjamin Britten, Sir Colin Davis, Dame Joan Sutherland, and Sir James Galway are among the historic alumni.
In a community where “music means everything,” the Royal College of Music remains a beacon of excellence, empowering the next generation of musical stars and violinists to make their mark on the world stage.
Bachelors of Music at the Royal College of Music
Learning how to play the violin is actually a process that will have started long before going to university or studying at one of the top conservatoires, but to reach the elite level, a BMus can be the ideal qualification and serves as a starting point.
The BMus programme at RCM emphasises a balanced approach with both solo and ensemble performance with in-depth studies into music’s historical and cultural contexts. It offers students the flexibility to tailor their learning journey, especially in their third and fourth years, to align with their individual aspirations. Core elements include one-to-one lessons with world-class musicians plus small group classes and a variety of performance opportunities across genres and formats.
Students also benefit from the RCM’s participation in the Global Conservatoire, which enables collaboration and learning with institutions worldwide, fostering an international perspective and network.
Learning and Teaching
The BMus programme is renowned for its personalised and flexible curriculum. Students receive intensive, one-to-one instruction on their principal study, supported by academic modules that explore music practices.
Performance is a cornerstone of the course as you would expect – with numerous opportunities to showcase talents in prestigious settings around London including orchestral concerts.
Assessment is designed to reflect the diverse skills required of modern musicians. Tasks include technical and performance exams, essays, group presentations, reflective diaries, and workshops. This varied approach ensures students develop both their practical and critical abilities.
The RCM offers world-class resources to support BMus students. Highlights include:
- Performance Venues. The Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall and Britten Theatre host large-scale performances, while the Performance Studio and Parry Rooms provide intimate settings for solo and chamber music.
- Practice Resources. Over 160 pianos, soundproofed practice pods, and a dedicated percussion suite cater to diverse instrumental needs.
- State-of-the-Art Studios. The RCM Studios and Digital Innovation Lab provide commercial-grade recording and mixing facilities.
- Library and Museum. The RCM Library houses over 200,000 items, and the recently refurbished RCM Museum offers a unique collection of instruments and music-related artifacts.
After completing an undergraduate degree, there are also many opportunities for further studies and getting a Masters of Music from the university provides an even more impressive certificate and a chance to hone those violin skills even further.
The Royal College of Music may also provide a chance for people to study abroad via exchanges and get work experience in the industry. The Royal Academy of Music in London has similar programmes that can get people more experience in other disciplines and environments.
RCM Alumni
This college and combined Royal Conservatory of Music provide some of the best ways for people to build experience for their career in music. Some of the most impressive musicians out there have spent time at the RCM and there are some amazing alumni that have attended the college over the years.
Gabriella Teychenné
Gabriella Teychenné is a celebrated conductor and violinist, known for her impressive levels of ability and musical mastery. A graduate of the Royal College of Music (MPerf), she studied violin with Mark Messenger and conducting with Peter Stark, building a versatile skill set that has propelled her to international acclaim.
Since getting her music masters, Gabriella has conducted renowned orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and Oulu Symphony Orchestra. Her operatic work spans productions with the Luzerner Theater, Royal Danish Ballet, and Nouvel Opera Fribourg. She also serves as assistant conductor at the Bayerische Staatsoper, working closely with Vladimir Jurowski.
The collegial approach at the Royal College of Music meant I was encouraged to set up projects and ensembles with fellow students and was able to develop my skills in all areas, from contemporary to opera to film music.
Gabriella Teychenné
Gabriella has worked with other UK conservatoires and also recently worked with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and ensemble 10:10, alongside returns to the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra and Southbank Sinfonia. Gabriella’s dedication and versatility continue to shape her thriving career on the international stage.
Sean Riley
Sean Riley is an accomplished violinist, educator, and innovator celebrated for his artistry and pioneering spirit. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he holds an Artist Diploma in Performance and a PhD, specializing in performance training and peer communication in higher music education. His mentors included renowned figures such as Radu Blidar, Kyung-Wha Chung, and Hyo Kang.
Sean performs globally across America, Europe, and Asia and is the visionary designer of the world’s first six-string 3D-printed electric violin. This groundbreaking instrument debuted in performances of John Adams’ The Dharma at Big Sur and featured prominently in Netflix’s anime Eden.
An advocate for contemporary music, Sean led the RCM’s New Perspectives Ensemble and served as a graduate teaching assistant. Now also a professor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, he continues to inspire and innovate within the world of music performance and education.
Preparing For Studies With Superprof
Whether you are looking to attend the Royal College of Music or one of the other Conservatoires in the UK , you’ll need to prepare for your studies and ensure you have the very best chance when it comes to getting into your desired conservatoire.
Superprof can help to connect you to some of the most experienced and impressive tutors around the UK, who can help to give you an insight into the process as well as providing some guidance on what is actually required to become a top violin player.
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