RCM and Shanghai Conservatory of Music establish new Joint Institute

Monday 16 January 2017

The Royal College of Music (RCM) has signed an historic agreement with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SHCM) to establish a new Joint Institute in China. This will be the first such partnership of any UK music conservatoire. 

Situated in the Art Deco period Blackstone Apartments on Fuxing Road in Shanghai, the new SHCM and RCM London Joint Institute will offer unrivalled collaborative projects between the two institutions.

Over the next three years, the Joint Institute will run a Programme of Talent Education which aims to develop and prepare the most gifted high school students in China for music conservatoire education. Subsequently, joint degrees and diplomas are planned.

Shanghai Conservatory students will have opportunities to interact with RCM professors and RCM students will also have opportunities to take part in joint artistic projects.

RCM Director Professor Colin Lawson said: ‘I’m delighted to announce this new partnership and look forward to developing our relationship with SHCM over the coming years. This new relationship will enable aspiring music students in Shanghai to benefit from the rich musical heritage of the RCM.'

President of the SHCM Lin Zaiyong said: 'We hope that the collaboration will bring advanced educational ideas and resources.'

The signing ceremony took place on Thursday 12 January 2017 with President Lin Zaiyong welcoming RCM Director Professor Colin Lawson, Deputy Director Kevin Porter and Head of Keyboard Professor Vanessa Latarche to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.