RNCM launches 10-year plan to power the music of tomorrow 7 October 2026 The RNCM has launched its new strategic plan, Powering the Music of Tomorrow 2026-2036, reaffirming our commitment to shaping the future of music through excellence, creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Built… Read more
Queen drummer Roger Taylor honoured by RNCM 7 October 2026 The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has presented legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor with a prestigious Fellowship in recognition of his significant contribution to popular music and almost six… Read more
RNCM at Manchester Jazz Festival 30 April 2026 Manchester Jazz Festival hits Manchester in May, bringing 10 days of live performance and special events to the city from Fri 15 May to Sun 24 May. The RNCM is extremely proud to see so many of our current… Read more
RNCM shortlisted for Student Experience at Educate North Awards 2026 10 March 2026 The RNCM is pleased to announce that it has been shortlisted in the Student Experience category at the Educate North Awards (ENAs), a prestigious annual event celebrating excellence, innovation, and… Read more
BRIT Awards 2026 2 March 2026 The RNCM played a prominent role in this year’s BRIT Awards, which took place in Manchester for the first time in the ceremony’s history. RNCM students, alumni, and partners contributed… Read more
RNCM Announces Winners of 2026 Lucy Hale Award 3 February 2026 The RNCM is delighted to present the 2026 Lucy Hale Award championing and supporting D/disabled and neurodiverse students to three outstanding recipients. The £5,000 fund will be shared by classical… Read more
RNCM welcomes renowned tutors in wind, brass, vocal studies, and popular music 14 August 2025 The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) announces the appointment of eight eminent tutors ahead of the 2025/26 academic year, with professors and specialists from wind, brass, vocals studies, and… Read more
McCallum opens Lennox show at Royal Albert Hall 10 March 2025 Stuart McCallum, RNCM Deputy Head of Popular Music, recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall for a special fundraising concert hosted by music icon Annie Lennox. Appearing with his… Read more
RNCM announces new pop music scholarship backed by Manon Dave and will.i.am 8 November 2024 The RNCM today announces a full-fee scholarship to support female talent, in partnership with creative technologist Manon Dave and championed by world-renowned global music artist will.i.am. The Maia Dave Scholarship… Read more
RNCM is No 5 for music in QS University World Rankings 13 April 2024 We are proud to share that the Royal Northern College of Music has been ranked No 5 for music in the QS University World Rankings, sharing the position with New… Read more
RNCM graduate scoops top industry prize 14 December 2023 A new RNCM graduate has scooped a top prize at the prestigious industry awards show in London. BMus Popular Music alumnus Matteo Tontodonati rubbed shoulders with the likes of Duran Duran,… Read more
May Payne wins inaugural Casio competition 24 September 2023 Congratulations to fourth year Popular Music student May Payne, one of two multi-talented singer-songwriters to win Casio Music UK’s Casio Sessions competition. Taking place at Ninety One Living Room jazz… Read more
RNCM to host symposium for leaders in popular music 15 February 2023 On Monday 17 February the RNCM is hosting a symposium for Leaders in Popular Music. Forming part of the 2023 Association of Popular Music Education (APME) Conference, the event will… Read more
2022 RNCM Creative Innovator Award-Winners 29 June 2022 Congratulations to students Edane Ng, Ammal Bhatia, Chris Hardy, Pablo Sonnaillon and string quartet Vulva Voce, winners of the 2022 RNCM Creative Innovators Awards. Generously supported by Yamaha, this annual award… Read more
Rising highs for popular music artists 28 June 2022 Students and alumni from our Popular Music Department are experiencing some incredible highs. Recent graduates Porij and Piri & Tommy made their Glastonbury débuts last month, while singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay… Read more