Professor Linda Merrick Appointed Chair of Conservatoires UK

Professor Linda Merrick, RNCM Principal, has been announced as the next Chair of Conservatoires UK (CUK).

Succeeding Hilary Boulding, who stepped down this month, Professor Merrick is a leading figure in conservatoire education, both in the UK and internationally. She joined the RNCM as Director of Performance Studies in 2001, becoming its Vice-Principal in 2006, Acting Principal in 2012, and Principal in January 2013. In addition to maintaining a career as a professional clarinettist, Professor Merrick is a member of numerous specialist bodies within the Arts and Higher Education sectors, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the Royal Society of Arts.

She said: ‘It is a privilege to accept the position of Chair of Conservatoires UK.  For over a century the UK’s conservatoires have established a model of education which is world renowned for providing talented, ambitious young actors, musicians, dancers and arts practitioners the training, freedom and encouragement to fulfil their creative and professional potential.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hilary for her invaluable contribution as Chair of Conservatoires UK for the past three years and wish her well as she moves into her new role as President of Trinity College Oxford from August 2017.’

With a membership comprising 11 conservatoires delivering specialist education in music, drama and/or dance, CUK is an influential voice speaking to government, policy makers and opinion formers, nationally and internationally.

20 March 2017