Welcome by Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood

Since it was founded back in 1822, the Royal Academy of Music has become one of the most recognisable names in music.

Great traditions do not guarantee future success, but at the Academy they do inspire us to achieve an especially happy blend of continuity and cutting-edge work. Cherish as we do our distinguished alumni, fine teachers and enterprising study programmes, at the Academy we never simply rest on our reputation. Every day we question the quality and effectiveness of our work, reappraising our primary goal: to realise the potential of each and every musician here. Remaining the most stimulating, dynamic and friendly musical environment, we want every student — wherever they come from — to make their individual mark and to leave equipped for the realities of professional life.

Exploring a musical personality, at the same time as ‘toughening up’ for a career, is an exciting collaborative challenge for students and staff alike. I myself thrive on it. There is no dogmatic ‘school of teaching’ at the Academy; our staff represent many different pedagogical and creative lineages for students to embrace as they choose.

But there is one ‘Academy way’. It is where young 21st-century musicians are expected, as never before, to communicate their art with a blend of passionate advocacy and entrepreneurial purpose. Music will only keep on being a central part of people’s lives if it is closely allied to the many other cultural shifts which we see around us.

All of this happens at the Academy in a seemingly endless range of activities. Orchestral and chamber music, ‘period’ and contemporary music, musical theatre, opera, music for new media: all are guided by some of the world’s greatest musicians — a roster of regular visitors who are devoted to the Academy and our students. Apart from constant improvements to our Regent’s Park site (witness the bright new foyer and practice block), we also draw increasingly on technology, our museum, our archives, our peerless stringed instruments. Students engage in ground-breaking community projects — activities central to the task of building important and fulfilling careers. Our ‘Alumni Network’ is a new portal for professional development and networking which allows students to remain part of the Academy family for decades to come.

Happy and productive studentships, and successful professional placements, contribute to our consistently exceptional ratings in national student surveys and education league tables.

A website can only say so much. Come and see the Academy for yourself, arrange consultation lessons, come to concerts and events, talk to current students — and ask all those difficult questions!

You will receive a warm welcome.