Piano

The Piano Faculty has a worldwide reputation for training aspiring pianists as soloists, chamber musicians and accompanists.

We train pianists to think creatively. We will encourage you to find your artistic identity as a performer, developing your technique to become a well-rounded and imaginative musician.

The Academy offers two areas of Principal Study for pianists:

Piano Solo

Undergraduate and postgraduate

This area of study focuses on solo repertoire, concerto performance and all aspects of professional training. You will work closely with your piano professor, but you will also have the opportunity to play to Visiting Professors and in public masterclasses. Your training also includes regular chamber music and accompaniment experience.

Head of department: Professor Joanna MacGregor

Piano Accompaniment

Postgraduate only

The Piano Accompaniment Course allows students to develop the highest standards of musicianship and pianism through study of ensemble repertoire. A combination of instrumental and vocal collaboration is central to the course and accompanists benefit from the experience and expertise of professors in all departments of the Academy, in addition to their own teachers.

Head of department: Michael Dussek

Répétiteurs

If you are interested in the Academy’s Répétiteur course, information can be found under Royal Academy Opera. Some répétiteur experience is also offered to students studying in the Piano Faculty.

Piano Technical Department and instrument facilities

The Royal Academy of Music owns all its pianos and currently has an inventory of over 160 – more than most other European conservatoires. Instruments range from Steinway concert grands in the performance venues to smaller grands and uprights for teaching and practice, all of which are maintained to the highest international standards. The Academy’s own team of technicians, led by Clive Ackroyd, carries out the restoration of all pianos in an on-site workshop.

Do you want targeted help to make the leap from being a student to a fully established professional?
Do you have a particular career path in mind and need help preparing to negotiate it?
Do you have a professional niche you want to develop?
Read more about our highly focused, one-of-a-kind Professional Diploma.