Inside the contemporary conservatoire: an in-depth new book from the Royal College of Music

Tuesday 18 March 2025

Inside the Contemporary Conservatoire: Critical Perspectives from the Royal College of Music, London, provides fresh insight into the role, purpose and impact of a conservatoire, with the Royal College of Music (RCM) as a central case study. 

The book explores the evolving role of conservatoire education in the context of changing cultural and societal conditions and reframes its position as a vehicle for positive change within the performing arts and broader society, drawing on the expertise of a wide range of professionals.

Co-edited by Professor Colin Lawson (former Director of the Royal College of Music), Dr Diana Salazar (RCM Director of Programmes) and Professor Rosie Perkins (RCM Professor of Music, Health, and Social Science), the book’s three main sections cover conservatoire identity and values, teaching and learning music, and reflections on the conservatoires of the future.

Professor Colin Lawson comments: ‘We were delighted to be able to draw upon the experience and expertise of a broad cross-section of the RCM community in illuminating the richness of the contemporary conservatoire environment.  The critical narrative is further developed by some lively international perspectives from distinguished colleagues outside the UK.’

Bringing together perspectives from musicians, academics, industry leaders and students, the book reflects on key topics such as pedagogy, inclusion, entrepreneurship and philanthropy as well as the use of technology and performance science. Professor Rosie Perkins describes: ‘It was important to us from the beginning that this volume includes a variety of expert voices, offering readers unique insight into many of the different specialisms, viewpoints and areas of interest among those working in and around the contemporary conservatoire.’

Emphasising the importance of evolution in a conservatoire, Dr Diana Salazar comments: ‘Through a range of voices and perspectives we sought to share and celebrate the wide variety of work happening in conservatoires today. We hope that readers will gain an insight into the ways in which conservatoires today are vibrant hubs of creativity open to change, curiosity, and wider collaboration.’ 

Inside the Contemporary Conservatoire is now available to purchase from Routledge and Amazon (Kindle edition also available). 

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