Talent

A group of students, performing and holding a French horn in a orchestra rehearsal.

The future of music relies on promising young musicians fulfilling their potential. Vital scholarships and bursaries serve the best global talent, no matter their financial circumstances. 

As the global leader in music and the performing arts, over 900 young people study here, guided by our expert faculty, visiting professors and international artists. Our student community stretches beyond the UK to over 50 countries, with even more represented through our illustrious alumni network.

This excellence comes from 140 years of national and international outreach. Since our founding day, inspired philanthropic investment has enabled students from any background to flourish here. Today, with the burden of tuition fees and living costs, this support is more vital than ever. More than 50% of our students rely on philanthropic support and scholarship funding. Your gift will ensure the world’s greatest young talent shapes the future of music. 

Your gift will support talent, including:

Scholarships and awards providing financial support for excellence  
Matching gift bursary programme for international students

‘Being a donor is very fulfilling. To see our beneficiaries succeed in their chosen profession in life is reward in itself.’

Philip Carne, Leadership Supporter

‘The RCM is special and I am delighted to be involved in nurturing students of talent in this way.’

Hilda P Scarth, Scholarship Supporter & RCM Alumna

‘I can hear progress and see a growth of confidence in my scholar that gives me great pleasure...I don’t know why I have not been supporting RCM scholarships for years.’

Robert Anderson, Scholarship Supporter

Our impact: training the musicians of the future

We strive to give students a learning experience that unlocks their potential and prepares them for life after study, nurturing their personal development in order to meet the demands of the music profession. The unique resource of our pioneering Creative Careers Centre provides an unparalleled career support service. RCM students and graduates enjoy success in major competitions around the globe and go on to pursue a wide range of career paths in some of the most prestigious ensembles, venues, educational institutions and opera companies.

The RCM is dedicated to preparing our students for the world after graduation. Our Creative Careers Centre gives graduates and students access to a wealth of job opportunities as well as offering support and career advice.

Ways to support our scholarship programme

Make a donation

Support our most talented young musicians through the RCM Scholarships Fund.

Amount: £

Donate

How scholarships are awarded

Every student who auditions for a place on one of the RCM’s performance or composition courses will be considered for a scholarship or study award. Composers who audition by video interview will also be considered.

Eligibility for scholarships is based on merit, which is determined by performance at audition or the strength of portfolio and interview for composers.

Named scholarships

In acknowledgement of a gift of £10,000 or more, we are pleased to offer a named scholarship in your own name or the name of someone you would like to honour. A donation of £26,000 or more would cover an international full-fees named scholarship for the majority of our programmes. We take great pride in matching named scholarship supporters to the most suitable individual scholars. In recognition of your support, you will be invited to follow your scholar’s journey, attend their performances and other special events, and will be sent an annual impact report. You will also be acknowledged in your scholar’s biography and in RCM publications, unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Endowed scholarships

Endowing a scholarship at the RCM creates a lasting legacy and can be established with a gift of £300,000 or more. Scholarships will receive a name of your choosing and are endowed in perpetuity.

Get in touch

For more information on the RCM Scholarships Fund and how you can support students through their studies, please contact our Philanthropy Managers/Development Managers (Philanthropy).