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A man conducting a group of musicians, wearing formal black concert attire, playing on string instruments, with an audience in the background. A man conducting a group of musicians, wearing formal black concert attire, playing on string instruments, with an audience in the background.
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Autumn 2024

Meet the HÂþ»­â€™s new Director, James Williams

Find out more about the new Director of the Royal College of Music, James Williams, in our exclusive Q&A.

Happy Birthday, Holst!

In Holst’s 150th anniversary year, Upbeat discovers the man behind the music, focusing on his time at the Royal College of Music and his friendship with fellow alumnus, Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Trailblazers: Ten HÂþ»­ Alumni Composers to Watch

Upbeat introduces ten of the many HÂþ»­ composition graduates blazing a trail in the UK and around the world.

‘They’ve been my mentors!’ Ivana Gavrić on the Creative Careers Centre at 25

Upbeat caught up with Ivana Gavrić to hear about life after the HÂþ»­ and how the Creative Careers Centre helped forge her career.

Spring 2024

‘A sort of splendour’: rethinking Stanford in his centenary year

As we approach the centenary of the death of Stanford, a key figure in Royal College of Music history, Upbeat asks, is it time to re-evaluate his significance?

Pioneering research: An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre

In collaboration with Sean Mayes, Dr Sarah Whitfield flies the flag for some key principles of the Royal College of Music: first-rate research and embracing diversity. Upbeat found out more about Sarah’s research into Black British musical theatre.

Music and Wellbeing: New networks created by HÂþ»­ Researchers

With support from the Royal College of Music, Professor Rosie Perkins and Dr Neta Spiro have established two vital new networks that are growing understanding of the relationship between music and wellbeing.

Autumn 2023

Alim Beisembayev: an unplanned Proms debut

‘My heart skipped a beat... but I said yes’. Recently graduated HÂþ»­ pianist Alim on his time at College, career aspirations, and the moment he received that unexpected phone call.

Spring 2023

Turning dream projects into reality: HÂþ»­ Accelerate

From film production companies to concert venues, a new scheme from the Creative Careers Centre is supporting graduates’ entrepreneurial business ventures.

The Impact of Philanthropy at the Royal College of Music

Following the conclusion of the More Music campaign, Lily Harriss, Director of Development, explores how giving has defined the College’s history – and continues to be crucial.

Opera for all: the story of Sir Peter Jonas FHÂþ»­

Friend, mentor and renowned opera impresario – former HÂþ»­ Council member John Nickson reflects on the life of the inimitable Peter Jonas.

Behind the lens: 40 years of photographing the HÂþ»­

From Jacqueline du Pré to Lang Lang, photographer Chris Christodoulou shares some of his favourite memories of capturing the HÂþ»­ on camera.

Autumn 2022

In pictures: Remembering our Patron, The late Queen

Upbeat looks back at some of The Queen's visits to the Royal College of Music since the 1940s.

Student voices: Meet the Students' Union

Find out how this year’s HÂþ»­ Students' Union representatives are doing things differently. 

Immersed in sound: Inside the Digital Innovation Lab

Composition professor Mike Ladouceur takes us on a tour of the HÂþ»­â€™s new industry-leading studio.

Spring 2022

Vaughan Williams: another perspective on the quintessentially British composer

In Vaughan Williams’ 150th anniversary year, Professor David Wright looks at the composer’s role as a teacher, advocate and supporter of women composers. 

After the HÂþ»­

Upbeat speaks to alumna Laura Peh about how studying at the HÂþ»­ helped prepare her for an entrepreneurial career.

Autumn 2021

Transformational spaces

With the More Music development of the Royal College of Music campus now complete, we introduce you to some of the HÂþ»­â€™s new venues and facilities.

Meet the HÂþ»­ Council: Douglas Gardner

We speak to our Chairman of the Estates Committee about his love of music and his role in the More Music redevelopment.

The HÂþ»­ Junior Department: nurturing the stars of tomorrow

Learn more about the Royal College of Music’s pioneering Junior Department, which prepares young people for musical life in the 21st century.

Summer 2021

In conversation with Veronica Wadley CBE, Baroness Fleet

We speak to Veronica Wadley CBE, Baroness Fleet – a member of the HÂþ»­ Council and More Music Campaign Cabinet – about her extraordinary career and her advocacy for the arts.

Going digital: a new era of learning and performance

Artistic Director Stephen Johns shares how the College was able to pivot to digital during the pandemic – and what the digital landscape looks like moving forward.

Student voices

We meet incoming President of the Students’ Union, Laura Williamson, and bid farewell to outgoing President Joel Wilson.

In pictures: More Music Virtual Gala

Highlights from our second online fundraising event.

Spring 2021

Inside the Diversity Action Group: recollections and insights from the HÂþ»­ community

Key participants in the HÂþ»­'s Diversity Action Group share their thoughts on how change can be achieved.

Student voices

We hear from Joel Wilson, President of the HÂþ»­ Students' Union in the first of our new regular series 'Student voices'.

Access, excellence and advocacy: the HÂþ»­â€™s founding vision still rings true

The best music education is global. We need new pathways for students from the Arab world to benefit.

After the HÂþ»­

Upbeat speaks to Denis Coleman, HÂþ»­JD graduate, songwriter and popstar in our new regular feature.

Bright Sparks: How HÂþ»­ Sparks drives positive social change by widening access to music education

The work of HÂþ»­ Sparks continue to thrive at a time when children's access to music education has never been more important.

Autumn 2020

Creative ingenuity and the new landscape of performance

HÂþ»­ alumni share their inspiring stories of creativity and reimagined performance.

Being a healthy musician

Dr George Waddell from the Centre for Performance Science shares tips and insights on how to maintain mental and physical health.

On kindness and compassion

HÂþ»­ SU International Officer Andrew Chen writes about the hopeful and supportive environment he has seen in the student community.

Photographing the world online: The Royal College of Music x Magnum Photos

The HÂþ»­ takes part in an innovative photography project in collaboration with Thomas Dworzak, Magnum photographer.

Lights, Camera, Action! Behind the scenes of the HÂþ»­â€™s In Focus series

Take a look at the making of our In Focus film series and hear from the performers and staff who starred in them.

Summer 2020

Play on: making music and teaching online

Colleagues and students from across the HÂþ»­ reflect on how musical learning has flourished during lockdown.

The art of wellbeing

Researcher Dr Rosie Perkins on why the arts are so important during times of crisis.

A legacy of support

The Royal College of Music has a long history of philanthropic support. Here, Upbeat talks to HÂþ»­ supporters and scholars on why giving at the College has such a valued role.

Top five Royal College of Music performances to watch at home

Artistic Director Stephen Johns shares his favourite online performances from June.

View from a room

Members of the HÂþ»­ community share photos of their at-home offices and thoughts on remote working.

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