Why RNCM?
Dedicated to Powering the Music of Tomorrow, the RNCM is consistently recognised as one of the world’s leading and most progressive conservatoires.
Placed amongst the very best in the QS World University Subject Rankings and a proud member
of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), we are a global leader in music education
and a world-class live music venue, offering students unparalleled opportunities to develop the skills they
need to drive forward our industry with ambition and determination.
Impact
Partnerships
The RNCM has developed unrivalled partnerships and unique networks with orchestras,
ensembles, and organisations worldwide.
As leaders of the International Benchmarking Group and Interplay network and the only UK member of the European Chamber Music Academy, we strive to enhance the professional and personal development of emerging musicians through exceptional collaboration and real-world experience.
RNCM students also have opportunities to refine their career aspirations via our unrivalled professional experience schemes, side-by-side initiatives, and placements across the industry.
Performance
Performance is central to conservatoire training one of the most exciting things about studying at
the RNCM. As one of the UK’s busiest live music venues, we offer a diverse public programme of
solo, chamber, and collaborative opportunities across all genres.
Performance feature
Collaboration
Collaboration remains one of the most important components of conservatoire education.
Working together not only sparks creativity and heightens technical ability, but it also helps
students to broaden their artistic perspectives, develop vital communication and interpersonal
skills, and build confidence among peers.
Career Readiness
The music industry is constantly evolving, and it is our responsibility to ensure that RNCM graduates
are prepared to shape it with confidence.
Our degree programmes go beyond technical excellence and artistic creativity. They embed transferrable
skills – such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial
thinking – that support students to develop strong portfolio careers through a combination of performance, teaching, project management, and self-promotion.
We also place strong emphasis on resilience, networking, and digital literacy, equipping graduates to
navigate and thrive within a competitive global economy. Through RNCM Futures+, our dedicated careers hub for graduates and early career artists, we continue that support beyond graduation with paid professional opportunities, mentoring, networking events, jobs boards and career resources, helping musicians take the next steps in their profession with confidence.
95%
graduate employability
87%
working in music
42%
of seats within leading North West orchestras held by RNCM alumni
Environment
At the RNCM, we are committed to placing climate and environmental impact at the heart of our
decision-making. We actively seek ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint through
online working, adopting environmentally friendly practices within our community, and aligning
with larger-scale interventions in Greater Manchester, using music as a catalyst to raise
awareness.
Manchester
Manchester has been a leading academic destination for 200 years, and today more than
100,000 national and international students call it home.
The RNCM sits right at the heart of that community, on the Oxford Road corridor – the busiest
and best-connected university hub in the country – where our 950+ young musicians study and perform,
and many also choose to live.