Innovation

The Royal College of Music was founded as part of a radical arts, science, and industry programme. Today, this unwavering spirit of innovation and collaboration makes us a dynamic place to study, a leading research centre, and one of the world's most sustainable conservatoires.

We foster artistic exploration, experimentation, and research in music to benefit the wider society. Our faculty-led performance initiatives and interdisciplinary projects push boundaries in music performance and scholarship. 

With state-of-the-art facilities, we encourage musicians to explore the possibilities of composition, performance, and production. Through the Centre for Performance Science and the Wolfson Centre in Music & Material Culture, we demonstrate how music can positively shape society, medicine, culture, and technology. Underpinning all this is our sustainability strategy, which calls for a responsible and inclusive future for all.

By investing in innovation, you support critical research and dissemination to shape the fast-changing world around us.

Your gift will support innovation, including:

• Innovation in our performance programmes including symphonic, opera, chamber, solo, masterclasses, showcases and international collaborations. 
• Advanced environmental and sustainability plans to lead the sector. 
• New research into music education focussing on the connections between music, health, and wellbeing. 
• Expanded digital platforms for performances, learning and teaching.

Visiting artists

The RCM regularly invites renowned musicians from all over the world to share their expertise and insight with our students. Masterclasses are a vital part of our students’ professional and personal development, and our orchestral musicians enjoy expert leadership from some of the most respected conductors in the field. Your support can ensure that our masterclass programme continues to grow.

Digital futures

Technology facilitates collaboration, innovation and accessibility and enhances the performance experience for audiences and performers alike. By harnessing the power of 21st-century technology we will secure our position as a truly global conservatoire and a world leader in innovative use of digital technologies. Investment in our digital future will enable our students to reach wider audiences through new digital platforms and collaborate with leading musicians and educators around the globe.

Access to our collections

Our internationally significant collection of musical instruments, works of art and manuscripts is the most substantial research resource relating to the history of music held by any UK conservatoire. A digitisation project will allow audiences to discover our collections online and offer online teaching resources.

Donate now

Support the research and academic programmes that underpin our students’ studies.

Get in touch

If you would like to talk to us about supporting a specific goal, making a regular donation to the RCM or more information on how we put gifts to the best use, a member of our Development team will be delighted to talk to you.