Wearing gloves and picking up a wooden flute from storage, in the RCM's Wolfson Centre

Research

Research at the Royal College of Music embraces the creative, cultural and scientific study of music. Our thriving community of researchers works on a diverse range of projects in musicology, performance science, music education, composition and performance.

Our students are mentored and supported by staff at the cutting edge of research and innovation in their own disciplines, recognised internationally for their work. With access to fantastic resources, staff and students are able to work on research projects that embrace themes that include creative practice, experiential learning, history, music psychology and health and wellbeing.

The Royal College of Music (RCM) is ranked top UK conservatoire offering music as a single subject in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

News

Royal College of Music ranked Global No. 1 for 3rd consecutive year

The Royal College of Music has been ranked the Global No. 1 institution for Performing Arts for the third year running and earned the inaugural top spot for Music in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Innovative 3D models of historical instruments protect and promote rare instruments to new audiences

3D models of eight rare woodwind instruments protect against conservation concerns around the playability of historical instruments due to their fragility, allowing greater engagement opportunities for Royal College of Music students, professional musicians and Museum visitors.

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