Distinguished artists, Martin James Bartlett and Diana Ketler, join the RCM Keyboard Faculty

Wednesday 28 August 2024

We are delighted to welcome two outstanding musicians to the Royal College of Music (RCM) Keyboard Faculty in September 2024. Esteemed pianist Diana Ketler joins the College as piano professor and Martin James Bartlett takes on the role as assistant piano professor. 

Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music, commented: ‘I am thrilled that Martin James Bartlett and Diana Ketler are joining the Keyboard Faculty. Both are distinguished performing musicians with a wealth of experience in solo piano repertoire and chamber music worldwide. Both pianists are well known to us at the Royal College of Music; Martin as an alumnus of the College and Diana as former external examiner and adjudicator for RCM examinations and competitions. I welcome them most warmly into our keyboard family and look forward to working more closely with them.’ 

Martin James Bartlett is a critically acclaimed pianist known for his exceptional talent and expressive performances. He was recognised with the inaugural Prix Serdang in July 2022, affirming his place among the finest musicians of his generation. An exclusive recording artist with Warner Classics, his recordings have received worldwide acclaim and his most recent La Danse album was released in January 2024. Martin gained national recognition after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2014, going on to study at the Royal College of Music where he was awarded the prestigious RCM Benjamin Britten Piano Fellowship. 

Diana Ketler has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at many of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Suntory Hall and Tokyo Opera City Hall. A committed advocate for contemporary music, she has worked with any of the world’s leading contmporary composers including György Ligeti, Arvo Pärt and Peteris Vasks. Co-founder of Ensemble Raro, one of today’s most acclaimed young chamber music groups, she is also the Artistic Director of both the Chiemgauer Musikfrühling Festival in Germany and the SoNoRoFestival in Romania.  

Renowned for its dedication to fostering exceptional talent, the Royal College of Music Keyboard Faculty provides an unparalleled learning environment where keyboard players thrive under the mentorship and one-to-one teaching of internationally celebrated professors. The comprehensive curriculum covers diverse styles and techniques, allowing students to specialise and achieve their personal goals in a supportive, world-class environment. 

Find out more about the Royal College of Music Keyboard Faculty.