Research

Research

Research is crucial to the overall mission of the RCM as well as underpinning and enriching the pursuit of excellence in musical performance and composition.

A research ethos of rigorous inquiry, directed in ways that are innovative and original and producing outputs of recognised significance, is of profound relevance to all those who seek to practise the art of music at its highest level. In learning from the past, the RCM cherishes and celebrates its rich heritage of musical excellence and its internationally-significant collections that both document that heritage and form part of it. Creativity and innovation in composition, widening repertoire boundaries, as well as understanding the processes of music-making are essential elements of the RCM’s research culture.

The RCM supports work that brings new insights by crossing traditional genre boundaries within music, or discipline boundaries between music and the wider cultural environment. Work in this area assists the RCM in maintaining its core emphasis upon the music of the Western European tradition whilst ensuring that its approach to this repertoire is constantly re-invigorated and kept relevant and vital within a diverse and rapidly changing cultural landscape.

With a record of attracting funding from external bodies, hosting national and international conferences, producing high-profile outputs and collaborating with other leading institutions in the UK, Europe and beyond, the RCM offers a dynamic research environment.

Recognising its role as a dynamic conservatoire that reflects and engages with modern life, the RCM’s research remit prioritises dissemination. Through a range of global networks, underpinned by communications technology, the RCM seeks to share the fruits of its rigorous, original and significant enquiry with the widest possible audience, also demonstrating a love of music that can be readily articulated. Indeed, the impact of such work fosters an understanding of the nature of music as both an art and a science, as well as a wider comprehension of the importance of music to cultural and spiritual life.

In RAE 2008 the RCM was awarded a higher amount of Quality-related (QR) funding than any institution in the UK Conservatoire sector. The panel commented on the RCM’s ‘impressive’ research ‘suggestive of a lively and sustainable research culture’. To ensure that HEFCE research funding benefits RCM staff in an equitable manner, and that staff wishing to be entered in future national Research audits (e.g. REF 2014) have equal opportunities to do so, the College has developed a Code of Practice which is published on this website under the Access Disability and Equal Opportunities section