Discovery Events
There is nothing like experiencing our vibrant building, talking to our staff and students and above all, hearing our music, to help you decide if this is the right place for you.
The Academy is open and we look forward to welcoming you.
We do not hold Open Days in the traditional sense, because we are open.
During the autumn term, we have curated a list of Discovery Events, where you will gain an insight into the area of study which interests you. These events provide enhanced opportunities to visit the Academy and see performances, lessons and masterclasses. You will also meet staff and students, who will be able to tell you more about studying here.
We look forward to welcoming you to our home on Marylebone Road soon.
If you’re looking for additional opportunities to visit the Academy, we also have hundreds of concerts, masterclasses and recitals, which are open to the public. Over 75% of these events are free to attend. See What's On for full listings.
What's Happening
All events are free to attend.
Please find more about your chosen area of study from the list below. You can register to attend according to the instructions for each department.
Please refer to the term dates if you are attending by appointment.
Accordion
Prospective Accordion students can visit the department for a consultation lesson.
Arrange a visit: contact the Accordion department.
Brass
Friday 25 September 2026
You will have chance to meet Kira Doherty, Head of Brass, observe rehearsals and classes and attend a lunchtime Wind and Brass Ensemble concert. There will also be opportunity to ask questions to current students and members of our Admissions team.
Choral conducting
Prospective Choral Conducting students are invited to observe our ensemble classes in action.
Arrange a visit: contact the Choral Conducting Department.
Composition and Contemporary Music
Friday 18 September 2026
Meet Philip Cashian, the Academy's Head of Composition and Contemporary Music, as well as professors, students and members of the Admissions team.
Conducting
Prospective students are invited to observe a class in action, as well as meet current students and Head of Conducting Sian Edwards.
Arrange your visit: contact the Conducting Department.
Guitar
Thursday 24 September 2026
Meet Michael Lewin, the Academy's Head of Guitar, as well as professors, students and members of the Admissions team. Prospective students will also have the opportunity to attend a concert and masterclass, as well as observe some ensemble coaching.
Harp
Prospective harp students can arrange a visit to the department for a consultation lesson.
Historical Performance
Anyone interested in joining the Historical Performance Department can arrange to observe a range of teaching, including seminars on issues in performance and musicology, performance classes and individual tuition, by writing directly to the Chair of Historical Performance, Professor Maggie Faultless and Department Administrator, Dr Oliver Doyle.
Arrange your visit: contact the Historical Performance department.
Jazz
Monday 21 September 2026
Meet Head of Jazz Programmes Nick Smart and current students. There will also be opportunity to watch the Academy Jazz Orchestra in rehearsals.
Opera and Vocal Studies
Wednesday 30 September 2026
You will attend a typical teaching Wednesday, with classes open for you to observe.
Organ
Prospective students are invited to a consultation lesson with Head of Organ David Titterington.
Arrange your visit: contact the Organ department.
Piano
Tuesday 29 September 2026
Prospective students are invited to attend a masterclass with Professor Joanna MacGregor and current Academy piano students. The class will be followed by a talk about the department and a Q&A.
Ensemble Piano
The Ensemble Piano Department offers opportunities for prospective students to observe lessons/visit and experience the department on a typical day.
Contact the Ensemble Piano department.
Strings
Wednesday 23 September 2026
You will have the opportunity to meet current students and staff, tour the building, observe various classes and coaching sessions and attend a Chamber Ensemble concert.
See the full schedule and sign up.
Timpani and Percussion
Thursday 10 September 2026
Meet Head of Department Neil Percy and current students. Take part in a Samba Group workshop and ask our Admissions team questions.
See the full schedule and sign up.
Woodwind
Friday 25 September 2026
You will have the chance to meet Fraser Gordon, the Head of Woodwind, observe classes and attend a lunchtime Wind and Brass Ensemble concert, as well as ask questions to our current students and our Admissions team.
What does the Academy mean to me?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I can't make the date listed, or my department doesn't have an event?
We organise hundreds of public events each year, including concerts, masterclasses, and recitals—many of which are completely free. We highly encourage you to browse our events to see what is on offer. You can also find detailed study information in the course finder or take a virtual tour of our main performance spaces:
How will I know my space is confirmed?
Upon registration, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from the Academy. If you are booking a specialized consultation lesson or observing a live class, you will be directed to contact the specific department directly; their Department Administrator will email you to confirm details shortly after.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a guest, please indicate if you will do so when you sign up. If you need any additional spaces please contact the department directly.
What should I bring?
For the vast majority of events, you do not need to bring anything. If you have booked an individual consultation class, the relevant Department Administrator will let you know exactly what to bring or prepare when they contact you to confirm your slot.
Will we get a physical tour of the building?
A formal building tour is only included if it is explicitly mentioned in the description of your specific Discovery Event. However, anyone attending a Discovery Event or a public performance at the Academy is fully welcome to explore and use all public spaces across the campus. Please note that we do not offer regular, ad-hoc public tours.
Are there any online options available?
Except for specific sessions organized by the Musical Theatre Department, we do not offer digital or online discovery events this year, as we believe the best way to experience the Academy is in person. However, you can explore a wide range of campus life and performance content via our social channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Will I get direct advice on my application at this event?
While staff cannot offer specific, individual assessments of your application file during the event, we will provide a comprehensive general overview of the admissions process. For guidance, please review our dedicated Apply section.
Is this just for undergraduate courses?
No. We warmly welcome prospective postgraduate students to all our Discovery Events. Academy professors and administrative staff will be on hand to discuss postgraduate pathways and specific course layouts.
Further Resources
For detailed information regarding broader admissions policies, please consult the following pages:
- All Academic Departments
- Entry and English Language Requirements
- How to Apply
- Fees and Financing Your Studies
Need Help?
If you are still unable to find what you are looking for, please get in touch with our admissions team at admissions@ram.ac.uk.