Established in 1847, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland offers specialist teaching across music, drama, dance, production, film and education.

As Scotland’s only conservatoire, RCS is uniquely placed to partner with the country’s leading artistic companies to provide one-of-a-kind learning experiences. It’s also a centre of performance—and one of the nation’s busiest arts venues—where students can develop their craft, create new work, and collaborate across art forms in one of the finest multi-disciplinary education environments in the world.

RCS is a global leader in performing arts education (QS World University Rankings 2026) and the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on one campus. You'll benefit from side-by-side opportunities with world-class orchestras and work with award-winning staff and internationally acclaimed visiting artists.

+44 141 332 4101

Prof. Aaron Shorr, music school director

Dr. Marc Silberschatz, director of drama, dance, production, and film

Students will be given opportunities to perform in side-by-side concerts with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble. Our Vocal Performance and Opera students will also receive master classes from Scottish Opera and have the chance to work with the company.

Creative Enterprise Development Office: CEDO is a bespoke service for the RCS community, offering one-to-one clinics, workshops, funding, and opportunities to develop your career or your business idea. CEDO can offer industry-specific knowledge and expertise, tailored guidance, and skills development.

KEY STATISTICS (college level and above)

Music Faculty: 60 full time, 131 adjunct

Arts Leadership • Brass • Collaborative Piano • Composition (Performance) • Conducting • Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media • Media studies (including audio and video production) • Music Education • Musicology • Piano • Strings • Vocal Arts/Opera • Winds & Percussion • Traditional Music • Traditional Music (Piping) • Chamber Music • Piano for Dance • Performance and Pedagogy • Repetiteurship

Undergraduate Programs / Graduate Programs

Up to 25% will be available as hybrid or online-only courses