1 or 2 years full-time (1 year full-time for Keyboard instruments)
Location
In-person, London
Application deadline
Applications for 2026 entry will open in July 2025.
The Artist Diploma (ArtDip) in Performance provides time for preparation of concerts, recitals and competitions, under the guidance of the RCM’s staff and instrumental faculty specialists.
The Royal College of Music's Artist Diploma (ArtDip) programmes represent the highest level of taught postgraduate study. They are aimed at musicians who want to hone their skills by working intensively on particular areas of their artistic development. Places on our Artist Diploma programmes are only offered to students who have already demonstrated a high level of ability at Masters level.
For most principal studies the ArtDip in Performance may be studied for up to two years, except for Keyboard instruments where a maximum of one year is possible. The duration for individual students will depend on their individual progress and readiness for assessment. Most students will complete the programme within one year and it will be assumed that a student will complete within one year, unless they discuss a wish to complete within two years with their Head of Faculty.
Final examination for the Artist Diploma in Performance normally takes the form of a concert, recital engagement or concerto performance.
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason in a piano masterclass with Lang Lang
No.1
Global No.1 for Performing Arts. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024/2023/2022
Gold
Achieved the highest ranking of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason in a piano masterclass with Lang Lang
Learning & teaching
All our Artist Diplomas focus on one-to-one provision and practical project work, tailored to your particular career aspirations.
There are also opportunities to apply for the College’s Exchange Programme, available to students who wish to study abroad during the Autumn term of their second year, through an audition process.
One-to-one lessons
One-to-one lessons are at the very heart of every RCM student’s learning experience. The RCM’s impressive list of professors includes renowned instrumental and vocal soloists, distinguished repertoire and operatic coaches, prominent composers and conductors, plus principal players in major London orchestras such as the as the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Royal Opera House Orchestra. Our world-class professors offer students not only first-rate teaching, but also mentorship and networking opportunities.
All principal studies are delivered through a combination of one-to-one tuition complemented by performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars and lecture series as appropriate.
Performance opportunities
Our unparalleled performance opportunities include orchestral and choral projects, chamber and solo opportunities, as well as jazz and historical instrument ensembles. Our diverse events calendar includes more than 500 events per year.
Performance is at the heart of RCM life. Our students collaborate with the world's greatest artists and enjoyed unrivalled opportunities in the spotlight.
We continually invest so that all students can experience the cutting edge of sound and music technology.
Creative Careers Centre
Preparing for the profession
Our Creative Careers Centre provides an exceptional service to current and recent alumni. The dedicated team partners with leading consultants, reputable arts organisations and local communities, delivering unique career-building opportunities and a direct route to the music industry.
Tailored career support
The Creative Careers Centre allows students to discover their professional identity, gain hands-on experience and new skills, develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and build a fulfilling professional portfolio.
Our valuable guidance includes CV and biography writing, concert programming, communication skills, project management, marketing and publicity, online promotion, financial matters and how to develop a business idea.
Creative Careers Centre services
RCM Accelerate supports graduating RCM students to kick-start or evolve a creative project, social enterprise, or business idea.
Concert opportunities to perform at a variety of venues, including concert halls, churches, abbeys, museums, galleries and community settings.
Creative Careers Centre services
Professional Engagement Service allows organisations and members of the public to hire RCM musicians to perform at events.
RCM Teaching Service matches members of the public in London and across the globe with student-tutors.
All offers for performers are made on the basis of their performance at audition. Candidates require a postgraduate diploma or Masters degree in music, or equivalent experience.
The RCM welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and alternative qualifications may be considered. If your qualifications are not listed here, please contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to discuss your suitability for the programme.
English language requirements
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that their level of English language ability meets the Royal College of Music’s minimum requirements in order for their application to be accepted.
The requirement for this course is to speak English to B2 standard on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, listening). This is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components.
If you require a visa to study at the RCM, you must meet the English language requirements before the RCM is permitted to sponsor your visa application.
'It’s hard to choose one favourite thing about studying at the Royal College of Music, but of course I must mention working with my professors, who were not only fantastic music teachers but also life mentors. I was lucky to have so many opportunities: performing with College orchestras, participating in masterclasses with world-renowned musicians and appearing on BBC Radio 3 ‘In Tune’, to name a few.'
Victor Maslov (ArtDip 2001), pianist and international prize-winner
'I loved the mix of professional intensity and down-to-earthness at the Royal College of Music; I can’t stress enough how invigorating the environment is. I loved the feeling of being in one of the world’s busiest cultural hubs. Being surrounded by like-minded musicians, and always a stone’s throw away from top professional opportunities definitely boosted my ambition!'
Shiry Rashkovsky (ArtDip 2013), Artistic Director of Up Close and Musical
'My experience at the Royal College of Music was nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to the comprehensive training I received there, I was able to achieve my dream of performing on some of the world's most prestigious stages. It also gave me the space and resources I needed to develop my entrepreneurial side.'
Sean Riley (ArtDip 2012), violinist, performer, educator, entrepreneur
Fees & support
A full outline of tuition fees for all our courses, including details of charges for additional one-to-one lessons and reassessment fees, is available for download.
More than 50% of current students receive some financial support, thanks to the generosity of individuals, legators, companies and charitable trusts.
The main application deadline for 2025 entry was 2 October 2024. Please note, that there is a later deadline for some overseas auditions. Applications for 2026 entry will open in July 2025.
All applicants (including international applicants) should apply online through the UCAS Conservatoires admissions service, where you can track your application, find out when your audition is and get the results of your audition all on UCAS Conservatoires.
The Royal College of Music holds auditions in London, Asia, the USA, and Australia. Auditions for all courses and all principal studies can be undertaken in London. Auditions for most courses and principal studies can also be undertaken in Asia and the USA. Only vocal auditions are held in Australia. International applicants who cannot travel to the UK or other Overseas audition venues may submit a video audition instead.
Application deadlines, application fees, audition dates, and the availability of RCM accompanists vary between locations.
Most auditions last approximately 20 minutes, but there are exceptions for some specialisms and at some venues. You can find out how long your audition will be by reading the full set of requirements for your chosen discipline(s).
Audition requirements by faculty
Audition requirements are set by each faculty. Further information can be found by following the links.
RCM courses are reviewed annually in response to student and external examiner feedback, which sometimes results in minor changes, such as the availability of particular modules. A more thorough review is undertaken every five to six years, after which more substantial changes may be made while maintaining the ethos that underpins the course. Our review process is part of the RCM’s continued commitment to provide the best possible education and music training. The information provided here reflects the official course outline as it currently stands. In the event of alterations following a review, we will update this page as soon as possible.
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