The RNCM has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century and the establishment of the Royal Manchester College of Music. In 1858, Sir Charles Hallé founded the Hallé orchestra in Manchester, and by the early 1890s had raised the idea of a music college in the city. Following an appeal for support, a building on Ducie Street was secured, Hallé was appointed Principal and Queen Victoria conferred the Royal title. The RMCM opened its doors to 80 students in 1893, rising to 117 by the end of the first year. Less than four decades later, in 1920, the Northern School of Music was established, and for many years the two institutions peacefully coexisted. It wasn't until 1955 that NSM Principal, Hilda Collens, in recognising the importance of performance in training students, met with RMCM Principal, Frederic Cox, to raise the question of merging. Discussions continued until September 1967 when a Joint Committee was formed to oversee plans to combine the two colleges. The RNCM was formed in 1972, moving to its purpose-built home on Oxford Road in 1973. 2013 marked the 40th anniversary year of the RNCM.
Building
The college building was built between 1968 and 1973 by architects Bickerdike, Allen, Rich and greatly extended 30 years later. A major refurbishment of the Concert Hall was undertaken, between December 2013 and September 2014, by Scott Hughes Design.
Academics
Currently the college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes in musical performance and composition. In association with Manchester Metropolitan University the college offers research degrees in musical performance, composition, musicology and music psychology as part of its Graduate School and also confers awards at Companion, Fellowship and Member level. In January 2005, the RNCM was awarded £4.5 million by the Higher Education Funding Council for England to become a recognised Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the only UK conservatoire to be selected. The RNCM currently has 770 students and 320 teaching staff, the majority of whom are part-time visiting tutors. Many of the staff also teach at the Junior RNCM, a Saturday music school for talented young musicians who are keen on pursuing a musical career.
Faculties
The college is divided into 6 schools by area of specialisation.
School of Composition
School of Keyboard Studies
School of Strings
School of Vocal Studies and Opera
School of Wind, Brass & Percussion
Popular Music
There is also a School of Conducting within its Graduate School.
Student life
Students' Union
The RNCM students' union is the main student-run organisation. Besides representing the study body, the RNCMSU also plans and organises social programmes and provides peer support for students. The RNCMSU is member of the National Union of Students.
Student housing
There is a large residential hall, Sir Charles Groves Hall, located next to the campus. Alternatively, students may choose to rent a flat at the Manchester Student Homes, the sole provider of housing for university students in Manchester.
