Access, Disability and Equal Opportunites
We welcome talented musicians from all backgrounds, regardless of financial means, social or cultural background, or ethnicity. We award places strictly on merit, and current students come from a wide range of backgrounds bringing with them a diversity of experience that enriches the working life of the RCM community. Our policy is to combat prejudice or discrimination in any form, particularly that derived from differences in race, gender, sexuality or disability.
Disability Good Practice- a handbook for disabled students at the RCM
Access and Engagement Framework
RCM Summer Music
RCM Summer Music offers a taste of conservatoire life to young people from a wide range of backgrounds. They participate in an intensive programme of activity including creative music-making, improvisation, research, performance, concert visits and social events. RCM students are fully involved in the running of these courses, acting not only as musicians and animateurs but also as buddies and mentors to the participants.
Support for applicants
Our annual Open Day and regular tours provide opportunities for prospective students to receive advice and support from staff and students about College life and preparing for audition.
Aiming higher
Our outreach projects are designed to encourage young people to aim higher in music. Our Education and Outreach programme RCM Sparks - generously supported by David Ross Foundation - takes interactive music-making into schools and other areas of the community.
Our Musicians of the Future projects are designed to promote instrumental performance in local state secondary schools where pupils are coached by RCM students.
Continuing development
The RCM’s Junior Department provides specialised training on Saturdays for talented students from years 4-18. Bursary support is provided on a needs basis. The Junior Department hosts a special programme for visually impaired musicians.
Opening doors
Thousands of individuals and groups each year attend the 250+ free events – concerts, masterclasses, workshops, lectures, pre-concert talks and discussions at the College and other venues.
Hands-on experience
The RCM’s gamelan is one of many resources available to the community, with special GSCE workshops designed for Years 10 and 11.
Bursaries and scholarships
Bursaries and scholarships are available to try to ensure that no one with talent is excluded from study at the RCM on financial grounds alone. This guiding principle dates back to the foundation of the RCM in 1882, when scholarships were offered to ensure access for the very best students regardless of means.
No barriers
All students and staff at the RCM are valued and treated equally irrespective of disability, gender or ethnicity.
The RCM welcomes and encourages the participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of College life, and has particular experience in supporting students with dyslexia and visual impairment.
The RCM’s Disability Statement is available on this website or, if you prefer, copies can be provided in large print, braille or audio.
If you are thinking of applying to the RCM and would like to discuss any of your needs, for the audition or for your studies, you can contact the Student Services Manager on +44 (0)20 7591 4316 or welfare@rcm.ac.uk.
