Research Activity

Research at the RNCM addresses questions on the production, dissemination, reception and impact of music, new and old

Aligning closely with the institution’s Strategic Plan, Research creates an environment in which the creative practitioners and teachers of tomorrow are supported in challenging traditions so as to contribute to the cultural and social landscape of the future.

Our researchers work across the methodologies of five key disciplinary areas: performance, composition, music psychology, music education and musicology (socio-cultural histories, analysis and philosophy). In dialogue with each other, our different approaches to understanding music stimulate cutting-edge research that forms the foundation of our strength in practice-based work across performance and composition; educating in and through music; music and wellbeing (from health to cultural values and identities); and music and science.

The RNCM offers its staff and students a stimulating research environment through regular internal activity and through our many partnerships with other higher education institutions and the charity sector. Our researchers regularly participate in internal and external working groups, research centres, workshops, symposia and conferences; they lead and contribute to knowledge-exchange activities through, and in addition to, our externally funded research projects. For more on research activity at the RNCM, please see the areas below.