Historical Performance

• All music students at RWCMD can engage with Historical Performance, either as a core module or as a specialism.
• RWCMD arguably has more students involved in performing Historical Performance than any other UK conservatoire, feeding into solo recitals, academic classes and ensemble performances.
• Our Historical Performance tutors include some of the world’s most influential and respected performers, including Anneke Scott, Jeremy West, Ross Brown, Katy Bircher, Jonathan Manson, and Rachel Podger.
• The programme emphasises collaboration in all aspects of activity and is structured to offer you a high level of support as an individual learner and future practitioner.
• Specialist Historical Performance project options allow you to conduct more detailed research into selected areas of Musicology and Performance.

Our unique approach to historical performance, guided by the expertise of Dr Simon Jones, gives students access to training in a variety of historical styles, working with period instruments including our historical keyboard collection, which includes several harpsichords and fortepianos from different eras. Being historically aware and informed is a key part of a 21st century musician’s portfolio of skills, enhancing our graduates’ versatility and employability.

Dr Simon Jones, Head of the Strings and Historical Performance departments, is an acclaimed violinist who has performed and recorded internationally as an orchestral leader and chamber musician. He’s also an industry professional who has taught instrumentally and as a university lecturer.

His combined professional experience, spanning more than 30 years, has allowed him to shape a programme that equips students with the skills to become inventive, adaptable and employable musicians.