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Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

In January 2005 the Royal Northern College of Music was awarded funding by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to establish a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the only UK music conservatoire to receive such an award.

The CETL supports the ongoing development of Professional Studies; the RNCM’s innovative strand of vocational training, and brings £350,000 into the RNCM every year to enhance teaching and learning and help students to develop the skills they need to secure future employment.  It provided a £2 million contribution towards the building of the Oxford Road Wing, which has provided state-of-the-art facilities for students and provided accommodation for the RNCM’s Professional Partnerships with organisations including Access to Music, Artis, Manchester Camerata, Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Education (music teacher training provision), Nordoff-Robbins (music therapy) and the Children’s University.

There are four hubs of activity:

The RNCM Centre for Young Musicians draws together young musicians from the Junior RNCM, Junior Strings and Junior Wind Brass and Percussion Projects, and works closely with our Community Outreach department to provide life-long learning for musicians across the North West.  Looking to develop highly-skilled instrumental teachers, the RNCM CETL offers a new PGCE in Specialist Instrumental Teaching, and the possibility for a number of undergraduate students to gain Qualified Teacher Status as an integrated part of their undergraduate studies.

The creation of the RNCM International Chamber Music Studio as part of the CETL reflects the College’s international reputation as a market leader in chamber music training.  Enhanced funding has doubled the amount of chamber music coaching available to students, and supports a range of professional Ensembles-in-Residence who enhance the chamber music teaching programme.

The RNCM Centre for Music Performance Research provides a catalyst for applied music research at the College.  As well as running an international on-line peer-reviewed journal and hosting regular seminars and conferences, the team of three full-time Research Fellows works in close liaison with a growing number of eminent international researchers to ensure that the RNCM remains at the forefront of teaching and learning.

Established under the aegis of the CETL, the College's innovative programme for Music for Health trains and prepares students to work as musicians across a wide range of health and social care settings; a growth area of employment for musicians.

Also supporting the employability agenda, the RNCM’s Professional Experience Schemes for students provide opportunities for work experience with a wide range of orchestras and ensembles in the region, as well as placements across the wider music industry.

For more information about the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and its activities, please contact Professor Linda Merrick, T 0161 907 5275 or E This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it