A male and female student, wearing formal attire, singing and playing the piano, in front of a performance simulator.

WELCOME TO UPBEAT

SPRING 2024 ISSUE

Professor Colin Lawson, RCM Director, introduces the next edition of Upbeat, in which we celebrate our research community and innovations including the new Performance Laboratory.

Editorial

Groundbreaking Performance Laboratory unveiled at the Royal College of Music

A new pioneering performance simulation facility pushes technology further than ever before at the RCM, as two new spaces combine state-of-the-art acoustic simulation technology with the visual graphics engines that drive the latest video games.

News

‘A sort of splendour’: rethinking Stanford in his centenary year

As we approach the centenary of the death of Stanford, a key figure in Royal College of Music history, Upbeat asks, is it time to re-evaluate his significance?

Feature

Innovative 3D models of historic instruments protect and promote rare instruments to new audiences

3D models of eight rare woodwind instruments protects against conservation concerns around the playability of historical instruments due to their fragility, allowing greater engagement opportunities for Royal College of Music students, professional musicians and Museum visitors.

News

Pioneering research: An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre

In collaboration with Sean Mayes, Dr Sarah Whitfield flies the flag for some key principles of the Royal College of Music: first-rate research and embracing diversity. Upbeat found out more about Sarah’s research into Black British musical theatre.

Feature

Royal College of Music ranked no 1 in the 2023/24 People & Planet University League table

For the second consecutive year, the Royal College of Music has achieved first place for universities with fewer than 5000 students in the People & Planet University League table.

News

The Big Give: Giving back to Royal College of Music musicians

The 2023 Big Give Christmas Challenge broke the previous year’s achievement for the 14th year running.

News

New teaching room unveiled in honour of Jill Anderson

The Royal College of Music opened a new teaching room named after RCM alumna Jill Anderson at a memorial event in her honour.

News

Music and Wellbeing: New networks created by RCM Researchers

With support from the Royal College of Music, Professor Rosie Perkins and Dr Neta Spiro have established two vital new networks that are growing understanding of the relationship between music and wellbeing.

Feature

Alumni updates

Hear the latest news from our global community of alumni, including prestigious awards, recent performances and new releases.

Updates

Staff updates

Read about the achievements of staff members from all parts of the RCM.

Updates

Student updates

From innovative research projects to exciting travel opportunities and prize-winning performances, find out about the recent achievements of Royal College of Music students.

Updates