Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music, conservatoire, located in London. Founded in 1883 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), the College educates and trains young musicians to international standards.

The Royal College of Music has almost 600 students from 50 countries, and is proud of its international outlook and renown. Emphasis is placed on the performance aspect of each student's main instrument, while the history, form, analysis, and composition of music is also studied. The College has a teaching staff of over 170 professors, most of whom maintain busy professional careers as well as teaching. Students can also benefit from a number of visiting professors, widely renowned for their talent, such as Evelyn Glennie and John Lill.

The Royal College of Music has its own orchestras, chamber music ensembles, choirs, Big Band, and Composer's Group, all of which perform regularly and occasionally tour abroad. Students are offered extensive performance experience through a programme of public events that often includes around 180 College-sponsored concerts. The College also operates a scheme whereby student ensembles perform in British Embassies in Europe and North America.

Famous former students include Benjamin Britten, Gustav Holst, and Ralph Vaughan Williams; more recent graduates include Joan Sutherland, James Galway, and Julian Lloyd Webber.