The Royal College of Music (RCM) is one of the world's greatest conservatoires. Our excellence was recognised by the 2023 QS World University Rankings, in which we ranked as the top institution for performing arts in the world for the second year running. 

At the RCM we are passionate about equipping our students with the skills to flourish as 21st Century musicians. Our provision in musicianship and improvisation is expanding, and we are seeking an experienced and inspirational individual to contribute to teaching in this area. 

As an Academic professor you will teach on the undergraduate core modules in Musicianship and Improvisation and/or Applied Aural Skills. Experience in all three disciplines—musicianship, improvisation and aural—is desirable but not essential. The Musicianship and Improvisation core modules deliver elements of applied music theory through stylistic harmony/counterpoint tasks, analysis, and practical Baroque improvisation (e.g. ground bass, figured bass, ornamentation). Other modules in this curriculum area cover stylistic composition, analysis and improvisation from different periods, including free/contemporary). Additional teaching in these areas may be offered according to your specialism.  

You will be an experienced practitioner or theorist with a track record of working in classical music, with advanced understanding of music theory. You will be an outstanding communicator who is able to design and deliver engaging learning activities, both theoretical and practice led. You will have previous experience of teaching and assessment at undergraduate level and awareness of inclusive approaches when teaching at this level. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, ethnically diverse and female applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in this area at the College.   

This role is available from September 2023, with teaching commencing during w/c 18 September 2023. Classes for Academic modules are timetabled on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays; you will be expected to work on at least one of these days.  

For full details of this position please read the Applicant Information Pack, available to download from the RCM website: www.rcm.ac.uk/jobs

To apply, please complete our 1) Application form and 2) Equal Opportunities form (available to download from the RCM website) and submit in Word or PDF format by email to recruitment@rcm.ac.uk 

CVs without an application form will not be accepted. Please ensure that you include the Job Reference Number when submitting your application.

The RCM is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for all our staff, students and visitors.

Applicant Information Pack

How to apply

For full details of this position please download the Applicant Information Pack above.

To apply, please complete the following forms, which can be downloaded from further down this page:

1. Application Form
2. Equal Opportunities Form

Completed forms should be returned by email to Human Resources at recruitment@rcm.ac.uk or by post to Human Resources, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS. Please ensure that you include the Job Reference Number when submitting your application.

If you are applying by email, please state clearly in the subject line the title of the post for which you are applying.

If you need to receive this documentation in an alternative format please contact recruitment@rcm.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.

CVs without an application form will not be accepted. All applicants will be required to provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK.

The Royal College of Music is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Get in touch

For more information please contact recruitment