Studying at the Academy

Thousands of successful musicians started their careers at the Academy: household names from Sir Simon Rattle to Sir Elton John, and countless others who make their living in every branch of the music profession. We can't wait to see who's next.

Deciding where to study is an important decision. We're sure that you'll have a lot of questions – if this website doesn't answer them all, please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you're applying from the EU, you can read our statement about Brexit by visiting the Academy and the EU webpage.

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Academy Guide 2025/26

Discover all you need to know about our community and how you can become a part of it.

An inset of the front page of a printed guide, with an accordionist draped in a spotlight

Discover all you need to know about our community and how you can become a part of it.

Discovery Events

People sit at an outdoor table at the Academy, socialising

Discovery Events are the perfect way to find out more about the Academy and whether it’s the right place for you.

Discovery Events are the perfect way to find out more about the Academy and whether it’s the right place for you.

Artistic Excellence

We welcome the finest students from around the world to learn and perform alongside globally renowned artists, ensuring they benefit from a music-making environment of the highest quality.

A conductor raises hands in the foreground with a trumpeter in the background, black and white

We welcome the finest students from around the world to learn and perform alongside globally renowned artists, ensuring they benefit from a music-making environment of the highest quality.

Scholarships & bursaries

String students look over the shoulder of a piano accompanist

The Academy is committed to ensuring that the cost of tuition fees does not deter you from applying.

Over £5 million is awarded annually in scholarships and bursaries to 83% of students.

The Academy is committed to ensuring that the cost of tuition fees does not deter you from applying.

Over £5 million is awarded annually in scholarships and bursaries to 83% of students.

Departments

A student sits studying sheet music A close-up, black and white image of a hand playing the keys of an accordion View over the shoulder of a horn player, looking out onto a music stand and empty auditorium (black and white) A close-up, black and white image of two conductors' hands in action Students in a recital hall, reading manuscript and discussing (black and white) A conducting student in rehearsal An ensemble piano tutor guides a piano accompanist in a practice room with a string duet (black and white) Three guitarists smile on stage in black and white A Harp player plucks strings, glancing through the strings (black and white) A teacher playing a cello and a student smile during a lesson (black and white) A band of four musicians performs in black and white, lit by spotlights and a smokey background A group of young musicians smile and take a selfie Two musical theatre actors performing a scene in costume Netley Primary School cheer together on stage An opera singer mid-performance with a striking green smokey background Close up of an organ student adjusting the drawknobs in an organ (black and white) Annotated manuscript A close up of a cello student's finger movements, mid-performance (black and white) A student hand playing a conga drum with a tutor in the background (black and white) A vocal studies student holds sheet music in hand while looking out of frame, singing (black and white) Two young students sit at a piano keyboard, smiling A student plays a piccolo while being guided by a tutor to sheet music (black and white)
A jazz student performs within a busy ensemble (black and white)

Apply

A student plays clarinet

Talent. Work ethic. Potential. These are the three elements we're looking for in every application we receive.

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Audition

A student rehearses cello

Ready to audition? We'd love to hear you perform and hear about what makes you tick musically.

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Fees & Funding

A cello sits on its side in an empty rehearsal room

Get the latest information about tuition fees and how to finance your studies.

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