Royal Academy of Music

Royal Academy of Music, conservatoire, located in London. Established in 1822, the Royal Academy of Music aims to educate and train performing musicians for all branches of the music profession at the highest international level.

The Royal Academy of Music has about 500 students, of whom some 30 per cent come from outside the United Kingdom. Students receive training in all aspects of performance and composition, both solo and ensemble, in chamber music, orchestral and choral music, opera, and music theatre. They also have individual lessons in their chosen field, and performance classes, with opportunities for concert appearances and recitals. The Academy has several orchestras that perform on its own premises, and occasionally tour abroad. It is particularly renowned for its training of string quartets, many of which are of international status (for example, the Lindsay and the Allegri).

Many famous musicians have studied at the Academy in many different specialist areas from composing and conducting to singing and playing. In the 19th century, Sir Arthur Sullivan and Sir Henry Wood studied at the Academy, while more recent luminaries include Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Sir Simon Rattle, Elton John, Moura Lympany, and Felicity Lott. Teaching chairs are held by distinguished musicians who have included Andras Schiff, Robert Tear, and Sir Colin Davis. He received a knighthood in the 1998 New Year's honours list.