For nearly 30 years, recording has been an intrinsic part of Academy life. Since 1996, we have produced critically acclaimed commercial recordings with leading artists and a generation of students. The Academy's discography includes 52 records which chart the trajectory of many young musicians who have gone on to form partnerships with major labels.
We want students to see this as an ongoing journey of discovery. Recording allows our students to chronicle their work, think independently and appreciate how their unique role can refresh the art form and communicate it as widely as possible.
Previous recording projects have been led by Sir Colin Davis, Sir Charles Mackerras, Laurence Cummings, Trevor Pinnock, Barbara Hannigan and Oliver Knussen. Recordings have also taken place alongside other conservatoires, most notably two with The Juilliard School.
Linn Records
Since 2012, we have partnered with world-renowned, independent label Linn Records in producing exceptional recordings of some of the world’s most talented young performers. Most recently, the Academy Soloists Ensemble recorded Nielsen’s Symphony No 6 and Commotio in honour of 100 years since its premiere. Both pieces were specially arranged for the ensemble by the Academy’s Oliver Knussen Chair of Composition, Hans Abrahamsen.
Ryan Wigglesworth introduces the Academy's Nielsen recording
International Partners
The Academy's distinguished catalogue of commercial recordings also includes works with international partners in iconic locations, the most recent of which was the release of the Jazz Department’s critically acclaimed Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores.
This album of music by Kenny Wheeler was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and selected as one of The Times' 'Best Jazz Albums of 2025 so far'. This featured the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra and Frost Jazz Orchestra alongside saxophonist Evan Parker, jazz vocalist Norma Winstone and many other eminent jazz musicians, and was released on Greenleaf Music in January 2025.
These projects are testimony to the regular opportunities for Academy students to collaborate on an international level, take part in artistic partnerships of the highest standard and work alongside renowned musical artists.
Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores trailer
Bicentenary Series
Our Bicentenary Scholarships, launched in 2017, afford our students the opportunity to become part of a special group of highly talented and trained musicians at the Academy. They are accompanied by an ambitious and creative partnership with Linn Records, offering industry-level recording experience and the chance for Scholars to release their music. The series has issued 20 digital releases since April 2020, with three more albums to be shared at the end of 2025.
Listen to our Bicentenary Scholar, Charlotte Spruit's 2024 release:
Young Artists Recording Scheme
Generously supported by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, the Academy's Young Artists Recording Scheme empowers ambitious young musicians to underscore their artistic values with high-quality recorded materials.
Students selected for the scheme are given the opportunity to independently curate a performance and professional video recording of their chosen piece at the prestigious Voces8 Centre.
Watch The Juno Duo's performance of John Dowland's Can She Excuse My Wrongs in March 2025:
