Keyboard

The core of this programme is its distinguished team of teachers, who enjoy active performing and recording careers and bring a wealth of experience and sensitivity to their teaching. We dedicate 90 minutes each week to one-to-one tuition in addition to performance classes in solo and chamber music.

We benefit from a busy programme of masterclasses and recitals given by pianists of international reputation. In recent years, distinguished artists have included Dr Leslie Howard, Dr Roy Howat, Martino Tirimo, and Alexander Korsantia. In close co-operation with the BBC, this year’s guest artists include Louis Lortie, Mikhail Rudy, Alexander Melnikov, and Yevgeny Sudbin. The Hungarian pianist, Gergely Bogányi, has also just made his debut at the Royal Conservatoire. Distinguished artists Steven Osborne and Malcolm Martineau have been appointed as International Fellows in piano and accompaniment. Anto Pett, our visiting professor in contemporary improvisation, also offers highly inclusive and innovative classes.

This programme has been designed to offer maximum flexibility of repertoire and collaborative opportunities. At the start of your studies you’ll meet with the Head of Keyboard to discuss what options are available and choose your own areas of specialism. In addition to developing experience and high-level skills as a soloist, participation in chamber music is structured throughout the programme. All students are examined in piano duo, song accompaniment, and varying piano and instrumental ensembles, and orchestral piano and contemporary ensembles also feature strongly. The Conservatoire's historic and reproduction instrument collection, including a newly refurbished Erard Grand from 1850, also allows exploration of core repertoire in its appropriate historical context.

The performing and practice facilities at the Conservatoire are highly regarded, with a bespoke piano corridor assuring daily practice for students on the Conservatoire’s high quality, new fleet of Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos. There’s also a dedicated organ practice room and we offer a generous loan system (providing free upright pianos during the academic year) ensuring the best possible environment for individual practice.

All masterclasses, competitions, showcases, and performance classes are recorded and uploaded online for further reflection. Students are asked to comment on every posting, ensuring full departmental involvement in the review of footage and sharing of best practice.

We’re proud of our past and present students, many of whom have won prizes at national and international competitions, and gone on to careers around the world.