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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The Academy's flag on the front of the building

Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE welcomes new and prospective students to the Academy

Academy Guide 2024/25

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

A student plays a piano on the stage of an empty auditorium

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

Artistic excellence

An Academy musician plays alongside a member of the Kaleidoscope Ensemble

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.

Discover more about the various opportunities you will have when you come to study at the Academy.

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.

Discover more about the various opportunities you will have when you come to study at the Academy.

Departments

A close up of fingers on the bass buttons of an accordion (black and white) View over the shoulder of a horn player, looking out onto a music stand and empty auditorium (black and white) A choral conducting students smiles in the middle of a tutoring session (black and white) Students in a recital hall, reading manuscript and discussing (black and white) An ensemble piano tutor guides a piano accompanist in a practice room with a string duet (black and white) Close-up of a chord pattern being held on a guitar fret board (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) Close up of a row of saxophone players' hands (black and white) Junior Academy Orchestra Musical theatre performers huddle amid haze on stage during a live scene (black and white) Netley Primary School cheer together on stage Opera performers sing to each other on stage across a desk (black and white) Close up of an organ student adjusting the drawknobs in an organ (black and white) A professor converses with a student during a piano lesson (black and white) 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) A student plays a piccolo while being guided by a tutor to sheet music (black and white)
A student sits playing a cello

Open Days

Open Days are the perfect way to discover more about the Academy and whether it’s the right place for you.

Find out practical information about the application process, finances and career development on the Open Days Home Page.

Woodwind players in a large group rehearsal

How to apply

A student plays clarinet

Talent. Work ethic. Potential. These are the three elements we're looking for in every application we receive. If you meet the entry requirements, we want to hear from you.

Talent. Work ethic. Potential. These are the three elements we're looking for in every application we receive. If you meet the entry requirements, we want to hear from you.

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.

Learn more

What next?

A student rehearses cello

Congratulations, you've been offered a place! Here's what to do next.

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Meet your mentor

A piano accompanist in discussion with a singer

Your professor will be one of the most significant musical influences of your life. We know how vital it is to find someone who brings out the best in you.

Your professor will be one of the most significant musical influences of your life. We know how vital it is to find someone who brings out the best in you.

Meet our Senior Management Team

Our Senior Management is responsible for every aspect of the smooth day-to-day running of the institution.

A desk that once belonged to Mozart

Our Senior Management is responsible for every aspect of the smooth day-to-day running of the institution.

Open Academy Exchanges Junior Academy