Royal College of Music

Classical music has always been a passion of mine, as it has always resonated with my soul. It is one of the most exquisite pleasures this world has to offer and it can be compared to a fine wine, it just gets better with age.

So, I felt very lucky to be going to a concert there with my carer who was one of the main musicians in the quartets, as well as to be given a backstage tour of this prestigious establishment.

The Royal College of Music is one of the birth places of classical music. It was founded in 1882 by the Prince of Wales who later went on to become King Edward VII. Some of the famous names who have crossed its threshold as students have been the composers Holst, Vaughan Williams and Britten; as well as the singers Dame Joan Sutherland and Alfie Boe. This is without listing the instrumentalists, conductors and many other luminaries who have taught here also.

Currently there are 840 students from more than 60 countries studying at undergraduate, masters or doctoral level. One of whom is Liam Johnson a Viola player. He is my carer and has been attending the Royal College of Music for four years.

In summary, it is a great place to be introduced to classical music. One can enjoy a wide range of concerts performed by the students, which is why I found myself heading there in February this year to the main concert chamber which is situated opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

During my visit, I heard pieces performed by soloists on the piano as well as quartets, where Liam played the Viola. It was an hour long concert, and afterwards came the tour where I was lucky enough to meet all of the musicians from the conert.

The photo is a great reflection of the camaraderie of the quartet, who spend so much time together, and you can clearly see that they all get on well together.

A funny fact, which I really enjoyed hearing about, was that the music rooms are oftentimes called "torture chambers". Why? Because it is where the students come to practice and to prepare before their concerts. Sometimes the work is an art in progress and mistakes are often made along this journey, hence its moniker. I suppose that it is very helpful then, that these rooms are soundproofed!

What lingered in my mind as I left the RCM was how intense the lifestyle is of the students there. Music is their everything. So, how do they relax? Liam is a swimming instructor and I am sure that many other students have different ways of relaxing after a hard days work in the torture chambers.