A conservatoire is the ideal place to hone violin skills. Those who are already living in the UK and looking for violin lessons to take them to an elite level, or even musicians further afield who just want to study at one of the most prestigious locations may find that the further education options in the UK are some of the best in the world.
We’re fortunate to have a lot of the best music schools in the world here in the UK and in this guide, we explore some of the very best along with an exploration of how to apply to the top music schools and best conservatories.
| Conservatoire | Location | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Royal College of Music (RCM) | London | Renowned globally, RCM offers exceptional training in solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. Alumni include Benjamin Britten and Gustav Holst. |
| Royal Academy of Music (RAM) | London | The UK’s oldest conservatoire, known for its innovative approach and producing legends like Sir Elton John and Simon Rattle. |
| Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) | Glasgow | A hub for music and performing arts, RCS offers multidisciplinary training with a focus on individuality. Alumni include Nicola Benedetti. |
| Guildhall School of Music & Drama | London | Known for cross-disciplinary arts education, Guildhall boasts world-class facilities and alumni such as Daniel Craig and Jacqueline du Pré. |
| Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) | Manchester | A vibrant conservatoire offering diverse musical programmes, RNCM is connected to Manchester’s rich musical scene. |
| Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) | Cardiff | Wales's national conservatoire excels in music and drama, with state-of-the-art venues and notable alumni like Anthony Hopkins. |
| Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance | London | A leader in music and dance education, Trinity Laban promotes innovation and interdisciplinary exploration across its historic and modern campuses. |
Royal College of Music (RCM)
First on our list of prestigious music schools and conservatoires is The Royal College of Music. It is based in London is and one of the most widely-respected conservatoires globally, consistently ranked as the world’s best for performing arts in certain music school rankings (QS World University Rankings, 2024). Established in 1883, the RCM balances tradition and innovation, offering students opportunities to study under esteemed musicians and gain experience in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings.
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
With over 500 annual performance opportunities, the RCM features iconic venues like the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall and Britten Theatre. The college emphasises individual tuition, research, and practical skills, with its extensive library, museum, and cutting-edge facilities, including a Digital Innovation Lab. Alumni include musical legends such as Benjamin Britten and Gustav Holst. Many famous violinists and other musicians have also come through this conservatory.
Royal Academy of Music (RAM)
The Royal Academy of Music, founded in 1822, is the oldest conservatoire in the UK and is one of the best music conservatories in the world. RAM is renowned for producing versatile, world-class musicians. It offers undergraduate as well as postgraduate and doctoral programs, covering lots of genres and skills.
Students work with leading musicians in a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation and performance excellence. RAM’s prime Marylebone location provides access to world-class performance spaces like Duke’s Hall. Alumni include Sir Elton John, Simon Rattle, and Dame Evelyn Glennie. With a strong focus on performance and international collaboration, RAM continues to shape the global music scene. Every year, thousands of overseas students also apply to RAM to try to advance their violin skills and careers.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS)
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, based in Glasgow, is one of the UK’s leading institutions for the performing arts. Established in 1847 as the Glasgow Athenaeum, it has grown into an international hub for music and many other arts. RCS offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a multidisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore diverse aspects of the performing arts. Violin can even be combined with other studies to open up a lot of other opportunities. With its reputation as a top
Its Bachelor of Music (BMus) and Master of Arts (MA) programs are particularly renowned, emphasizing technical excellence and creative development. The conservatoire's prime location in Glasgow places students at the heart of Scotland's thriving arts scene. Its state-of-the-art facilities include the Stevenson Hall and Alexander Gibson Opera Studio, providing ample performance opportunities. RCS is known for fostering individuality and innovation, producing violinists and other professionals who excel on global stages.
Alumni include acclaimed actors such as James McAvoy and David Tennant, as well as renowned musicians like Nicola Benedetti. The conservatoire's commitment to contemporary arts, international collaboration, and artistic excellence has solidified its reputation as a trailblazer in performing arts education.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
A lot of the top music schools and best conservatories in Europe are based in London. Guildhall School of Music & Drama is also in the heart of London and is celebrated for its approach to arts education. It provides top-tier training in music, drama, and production arts. Known for its amazing facilities including the Milton Court Concert Hall, the school emphasises cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Guildhall has helped with some amazing and diverse talent, with alumni such as Jacqueline du Pré, Daniel Craig, and Bryn Terfel (you can see that this is a varied list of professionals!). Its reputation for fostering creativity and innovation has made it a part of the UK’s cultural life.
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
Situated in Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music is a dynamic conservatoire with a reputation for excellence in music education and performance. RNCM offers a range of programs, from classical to contemporary genres, in a vibrant and supportive environment.
Its concert hall hosts over 400 events annually, fostering real-world experience. Alumni include Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Kathryn Rudge. The RNCM thrives on collaboration, with close ties to Manchester’s rich musical landscape, ensuring students gain exposure to professional networks and career opportunities.
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
For people looking to find the best conservatory in the world for their needs, Wales might not be the first place that jumps out. However, in Cardiff, there is an amazing and prestigious music conservatoire and drama school that provides another realistic option for people.
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), located in Cardiff, is Wales's national conservatoire. Known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, it offers training in music, acting, and stagecraft. The college is set in the heart of Bute Park, with modern facilities including state-of-the-art performance venues such as the Richard Burton Theatre and Dora Stoutzker Hall.
RWCMD provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in music and drama, helping to grow both traditional and contemporary artistic skills. Its music programs span classical performance, composition, and jazz, while the drama courses cover acting and design for stage and screen.
Renowned alumni include actors Anthony Hopkins and Rob Brydon (one of the best-known Welsh actors and also a talented musician) as well as other acclaimed musicians and composers. With its strong focus on collaboration and real-world music performances the RWCMD equips students with the skills needed for careers in the performing arts.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, based in London, is a leading institution for music, dance, and creative education. The conservatoire is divided between the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for music and the modern Laban Building in Deptford for dance.
While known best for dance, the music faculty offers training in contemporary performance, composition, and conducting, while the dance faculty focuses on choreography and performance. Trinity Laban is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore the boundaries of their art and explore modern developments in music as well as appreciating the classical. Notable alumni include composer Errollyn Wallen, choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne, and jazz saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings.
How to Apply to Conservatories in the UK
Whether you want to apply to the Royal Academy of Music or any of the other universities, applying to a conservatoire is an exciting step. It it is not always easy, though. If you want to get into one of the best music conservatories in the UK then the process can be arduous. While the process can vary slightly between institutions, most conservatoires follow a similar structure. Here's a simple three-step guide to help you navigate the application journey.
Step 1:
Research and Prepare
Start by exploring conservatoires to find the ones that align with your goals and artistic vision. Look into their programs, faculty, facilities, and alumni to identify the best fit. Each conservatoire has specific entry requirements, so familiarise yourself with their academic and artistic expectations. Begin preparing your audition pieces or portfolio well in advance, as competition can be fierce. Strong preparation is key.
Step 2:
Submit Your Application
Most UK conservatoires require applications through UCAS Conservatoires, while others may use their own system. Include your academic qualifications, references, and a personal statement highlighting your passion, experience, and goals. Pay attention to deadlines, as missing them can jeopardise your chances.
Step 3:
Audition or Interview
The audition or interview is the most critical part. Be ready to showcase your skills and artistic personality. Each conservatoire may have unique audition requirements, so follow instructions carefully. Remember, this is also your chance to see if the conservatoire feels like the right fit for you.
Plan, prepare, and perform—your path to a conservatoire starts here!
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From honing your artistry to navigating the application process, Superprof tutors equip you with the tools to achieve your dream. With one-on-one attention you can work on the specific areas you need help with and boost your chances of attending one of the world’s best conservatoires.
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