Student stories

Angela Wai-Nok Hui, RCM student from Hong Kong.

I grew up in a non-musical family in Hong Kong, so I had never imagined studying at a music college in London – a city where the most vibrant, exciting music takes place every night. On the day of my RCM audition I walked through the gorgeous Hyde Park and around the Royal Albert Hall on my way to the College. The moment I saw the beautiful building in front of me I fell in love.  

I am a percussion student and the percussion faculty is just like my family in the UK. We learn together and we play together. The faculty has such a wide range of teachers. They give lessons on orchestral percussion, timpani, Latin percussion, drum kit, marimba and jazz vibraphone. We have so many lessons, repertoire classes, master classes, ensemble work, duo training and of course our own practice time. The faculty just keeps pushing and encouraging us to be better musicians. The department itself also keeps on improving. We are fortunate to have a brand new percussion suite with state-of-the-art facilities.

The RCM offers huge opportunities for every student. Two highlights of my RCM life have been working with conductor Bernard Haitink, playing Mahler Symphony no 7 and Bruckner Symphony no 8, and playing Steve Reich’s Quartet for two vibraphones and two pianos while Reich was at the RCM for a residency.

I think RCM has really made me a better musician and also a better person. The RCM has helped me to grow a lot. I am very glad that I decided to study here on audition day. It was the best decision I have ever made.

Michael Lee, RCM student from Hong Kong

I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to pursue my master degree in Performance Science at the Royal College of Music. The RCM is one of the leading institutions in the research field of Performance Science in the UK. I have been involved in some ongoing research projects such as Musical Impact and the RCM videoconferencing program. I have gained a deeper understanding of performance psychology and education. Most importantly, I have been inspired in how to construct a good research project.

The Royal College of Music attracts talented musicians from all across the world. Having the chance to meet people from totally varied backgrounds, I have learned a lot about their cultures. My communication and listening skills have improved during my time here, allowing me to make friends with people from all backgrounds right across the College. Those friends have made my experience here truly unforgettable.

Studying in the centre of London, I have been free to explore what the city has to offer. There are numerous world-class concerts, art exhibitions and all kinds of world-class performances every day. Studying at the RCM and making the most of London are amazing and unique adventures for me. I have had an incredibly fruitful year here and I would definitely recommend the RCM to other aspiring musicians.