RNCM shortlisted for Times Higher Education Award

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award in the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year category for our response to teaching and performance during the pandemic.

After closing our doors to staff, students and the public in March 2020, we had to quickly innovate to ensure that the high-quality tuition and performance opportunities we offer to students could continue.

Studio 8 - 360 Tour

During this time, our Sound and Video Team unveiled a new Meyer Constellation System (the first in HE in the UK), enabling us to quickly stream classes, lectures and concerts to digital channels. This not only served RNCM students but supported others worldwide as we linked with several international conservatoires to share masterclasses and educational activities. Using its spatialised music technology (electronically affecting the acoustic properties of the room), students could practise in stimulated acoustics, as if they were performing in a variety of settings.

RNCM Zoom Room

In addition, the challenge of providing 1-2-1 tuition was solved by bespoke new Zoom-equipped teaching systems, designed and built collaboratively with RNCM staff and tutors. Many practice rooms were also converted into paired spaces, with screens separated using high-fidelity audio.

The RNCM has been awarded three Times Higher Education Awards to date. The results of this year’s will be announced in November. Click here to view the full shortlist.

1 September 2022