The Royal Northern College of Music is a conservatoire in the city of Manchester, England. It is located on Oxford Road in Chorlton on Medlock, at the western edge of the campus of the University of Manchester and is one of four conservatories associated with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. In addition to being a centre of music education, the RNCM is a major performance venue and holds concerts and other musical events. Its Principal from September 2008 until 17 July 2012 was the composer Professor Jonty Stockdale. Professor Linda Merrick, the current Vice-Principal, will become Acting Principal pending the appointment of a permanent successor.

History

The College traces its roots to the Royal Manchester College of Music on Ducie Street, established in 1893 by the conductor Sir Charles Hallé and Northern School of Music, a music teacher training school founded in 1920. During the 1950s, the possibility of a merger was proposed by RMCM principal Frederic Cox. In 1973, both colleges were merged to form the new institution. 2013 will mark the 40th anniversary year of the RNCM.

Building

The college building was built in 1968 to 1973 by architects Bickerdike, Allen, Rich and greatly extended 30 years later. The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is housed in the new extension.