Enjoy almost limitless creative scope to establish your niche and launch a varied and rewarding career

The Strings Department provides a structured framework for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

'The walls of the Academy are quite porous. People from the profession come in and students go out. There’s no "them and us"'
Jo Cole, Professor of Cello

During your time with us, you will receive intensive training in the crucial disciplines of solo performance, chamber music and orchestral playing. We will nurture your talent and help you to become a versatile, creative and practical musician.

Our highly distinguished professors and visiting professors range in age from their 20s to their 80s, encompassing an incredible breadth of knowledge and boasting an extraordinary musical lineage.

Students have access to instruments from the Academy Museum’s extensive collection, from newly minted modern instruments to ‘golden-period’ Stradivari violins. The Academy is unique in also having a professional team of luthiers permanently on site.

Our approach is to create grounded, rounded musicians whose progression into the music profession is natural, informed and positive.

The Academy's flag on the front of the building

Introduction to the Strings Department with Graham Mitchell

Sheku Kanneh-Mason sits holding his cello, facing camera
Sheku Kanneh-Mason sits holding his cello, facing camera

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Sheku Kanneh-Mason sits holding his cello, facing camera

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Graduated 2022
Cello

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Graduated 2022

Cello

Meet
our alunni

Ning Feng Headshot
Ning Feng Headshot

Ning Feng

Ning Feng Headshot

Ning Feng

Graduated 2003
Violin

Ning Feng

Graduated 2003

Violin

Clive Gillinson Headshot
Clive Gillinson Headshot

Sir Clive Gillinson

Clive Gillinson Headshot

Sir Clive Gillinson

Graduated 1969
Cello

Sir Clive Gillinson

Graduated 1969

Cello

Lynda Houghton Headshot
Lynda Houghton Headshot

Lynda Houghton

Lynda Houghton Headshot

Lynda Houghton

Graduated 1980
Double Bass

Lynda Houghton

Graduated 1980

Double Bass

Side portrait of Timothy Ridout outside, smiling to something out of frame
Side portrait of Timothy Ridout outside, smiling to something out of frame

Timothy Ridout

Side portrait of Timothy Ridout outside, smiling to something out of frame

Timothy Ridout

Graduated 2016
Viola

Timothy Ridout

Graduated 2016

Viola

Louisa Tuck Headshot
Louisa Tuck Headshot

Louisa Tuck

Louisa Tuck Headshot

Louisa Tuck

Graduated 2006
Cello

Louisa Tuck

Graduated 2006

Cello

Find out more about the career paths of some of our former students

Meet our alumni
Sheku Kanneh-Mason sits holding his cello, facing camera
Sheku Kanneh-Mason sits holding his cello, facing camera

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Sheku Kanneh-Mason sits holding his cello, facing camera

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Graduated 2022
Cello

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Graduated 2022

Cello

Ning Feng Headshot
Ning Feng Headshot

Ning Feng

Ning Feng Headshot

Ning Feng

Graduated 2003
Violin

Ning Feng

Graduated 2003

Violin

Clive Gillinson Headshot
Clive Gillinson Headshot

Sir Clive Gillinson

Clive Gillinson Headshot

Sir Clive Gillinson

Graduated 1969
Cello

Sir Clive Gillinson

Graduated 1969

Cello

Lynda Houghton Headshot
Lynda Houghton Headshot

Lynda Houghton

Lynda Houghton Headshot

Lynda Houghton

Graduated 1980
Double Bass

Lynda Houghton

Graduated 1980

Double Bass

Side portrait of Timothy Ridout outside, smiling to something out of frame
Side portrait of Timothy Ridout outside, smiling to something out of frame

Timothy Ridout

Side portrait of Timothy Ridout outside, smiling to something out of frame

Timothy Ridout

Graduated 2016
Viola

Timothy Ridout

Graduated 2016

Viola

Louisa Tuck Headshot
Louisa Tuck Headshot

Louisa Tuck

Louisa Tuck Headshot

Louisa Tuck

Graduated 2006
Cello

Louisa Tuck

Graduated 2006

Cello