The Royal Academy of Music, University of London (RAM), founded in 1822, stands as the UK's oldest degree-awarding music conservatoire and a cornerstone of higher education in the arts. Nestled in the heart of London's Marylebone district, RAM attracts top global talent for jobs that blend teaching, performance, research, and administration. Jobs at Royal Academy of Music, University of London span faculty roles like professors of violin or piano accompaniment, research positions in music technology, and support staff in areas such as library services or events management. These opportunities appeal to musicians, scholars, and professionals passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists.
With its royal charter and affiliation to the University of London, RAM offers a prestigious environment where employees contribute to world-renowned programs. In 2023, RAM hosted over 800 performances, underscoring the dynamic nature of roles here. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or higher-ed administrative positions, understanding the ecosystem is key. For a broader view of university job types, our resource provides essential context.
Established by King George IV, RAM has evolved from a small institution to a global leader, counting alumni like Sir Simon Rattle and Joan Sutherland. This rich history shapes its jobs, emphasizing tradition alongside innovation—think roles in historical performance practice or contemporary composition. Over two centuries, RAM has awarded degrees since 1836, now offering BMus, MMus, and PhD programs. Employees often engage in its Duke's Hall recitals or the annual RAM Club events, fostering a collegial atmosphere.
Recent expansions, like the 2022 Susannah Simmons Performance Centre, highlight investments in facilities that enhance job appeal, providing state-of-the-art spaces for teaching and research. This legacy draws applicants seeking meaningful careers in music higher education.
Faculty jobs dominate, including Principal Study Teachers for instruments like flute or jazz guitar, requiring virtuoso-level expertise. Research roles explore acoustics or music psychology, while administrative positions handle recruitment or international partnerships. Explore lecturer jobs or professor jobs for parallels across higher ed.
To secure faculty positions at RAM, a doctoral qualification is standard—typically a PhD in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, or a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) for performers. Undergraduate teaching may require a master's degree (MMus) plus significant professional experience. For research assistant roles, a strong master's suffices, but PhDs are preferred for independence.
These qualifications ensure candidates can deliver at RAM's elite level, where degrees are validated by the University of London. International equivalents, like US DMAs, are recognized, but UK applicants benefit from familiarity with the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) benchmarks for music.
RAM's Centre for Practice and Performance Research drives jobs in areas like embodied cognition in music or digital humanities for scores. Expertise in interdisciplinary fields—such as AI in composition or sustainability in orchestras—is prized. Projects often collaborate with institutions like the British Library, requiring skills in archival analysis or empirical studies.
For instance, recent grants funded investigations into violin bow techniques, blending historical and scientific methods. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with RAM's strategic plan, emphasizing innovation in classical and contemporary music.
Employers favor 5+ years of teaching at conservatoire level, publications in journals like Music & Letters, and grants from UKRI or Leverhulme Trust. Performance credits—recordings with Hyperion or BBC Proms appearances—bolster applications. Administrative roles value experience in student welfare or EDI initiatives.
Check how to become a university lecturer for pathways.
Core competencies include exceptional instrumental/vocal proficiency, pedagogical innovation, and ensemble leadership. Soft skills like mentoring diverse talents and grant-writing are crucial. Technical abilities in notation software (Sibelius) or audio engineering enhance profiles for modern roles.
| Skill Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technical | Sight-reading, improvisation, score analysis |
| Teaching | One-to-one tuition, group seminars |
| Professional | Networking, public speaking, project management |
Applications open via RAM's website, requiring an online form, CV (max 4 pages), personal statement, and audition portfolio. Shortlisting involves committee review, followed by interviews, teaching demos, and recitals. Deadlines align with academic cycles (e.g., September starts).
Actionable tips:
Rejection is common; reapply after gaining experience.
RAM's EDI strategy includes the Access and Participation Plan targeting underrepresented ethnicities and socioeconomic groups, with 25% BAME student intake goal by 2025. Initiatives like the Women in Music Leadership programme and partnerships with Sound and Music support composers from diverse backgrounds. Staff training via Stonewall Diversity Champions ensures inclusive hiring, with flexible roles for parents.
Recent examples: BAME faculty mentorship and pronoun policies in job descriptions.
In vibrant Marylebone, RAM's campus buzzes with concerts, yet offers quiet practice rooms and hybrid work. Employees access 36-hour weeks, 35 days' holiday, and occupational health schemes. Proximity to Regent's Park aids wellness; staff socials include Wigmore Hall trips.
Family policies feature shared parental leave, while sabbaticals every 7 years recharge creativity. London life means cultural immersion—National Theatre nearby—but RAM mitigates costs with subsidies.
Joining RAM means shaping musical futures in a historic yet forward-thinking setting. With links to higher ed jobs, career advice, and university jobs, AcademicJobs.com supports your search. Post a job if recruiting. Explore recruitment strategies or employer branding secrets for insights.
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