Living in Cardiff
It is no coincidence that our students love Cardiff, but what makes it so special?
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Discover Music at Wales' National Conservatoire
Our music courses focus on developing your skills as an individual, a collaborative artist and as a musician who will contribute to society. We are dedicated to supporting your creative career.
It starts here: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Top five reasons why you should study Music at RWCMD
- In the music department here at RWCMD, the focus is on you and the musician you want to be. We'll help you to develop your skills as an individual, a collaborative artist and as a musician who will contribute to society.
- Performing in a variety of settings is central to your training. That's why both singers and instrumentalists will have the opportunity to take part in a wide selection of solo and ensemble performances in our world-class facilities.
- Our teaching staff are internationally renowned artists, collaborators and educators, most of whom still work professionally across the globe.
- You’ll get the chance to experience anything and everything – whether it be jazz, early music, music therapy, outreach, arranging, conducting and many more. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and prepare you for a musical career after you graduate.
- Our close ties with leading arts organisations offer many opportunities to network and establish contacts within the industry – essential to building a successful portfolio career.
Five exciting reasons to love Cardiff
- Small city, big ambition:
Having a population of around 350,000 people, Cardiff has the feeling of a small town despite having lots of stuff going on all year round in the capital city, from vibrant nightlife, to sports matches (yes, rugby!) and music and food festivals - it all happens in the 'Diff!
- Cost friendly city:
Cardiff was voted the second most cost-effective city for students in the 2023 Natwest Student Living Index.
- Great transport links:
The train and bus networks make it easy to get around and explore other parts of Wales and the U.K. You’ll find direct trains from Cardiff Central to Cheltenham, London and Manchester as well as lots of other destinations.
- The natural beauty of our countryside is legendary:
Wales is a nation of magnificent mountains, valleys, forests and lakes, and it’s compact enough for easy exploration - there's also a reason Wales is called the 'castle capital of the world'.
- Safe for students:
Cardiff has been voted one of the top four safest cities to live and study, and is considered an 'easygoing' place to live. Wales has a reputation for its welcoming community - 'croeso!'
Studying in Cardiff
Living in Cardiff
It is no coincidence that our students love Cardiff, but what makes it so special?
Find out more
Our campus
The College's stunning landmark building is located in the heart of Cardiff, overlooking beautiful urban parkland and just a 5-minute stroll from the city centre and mere 15 minutes from student halls.
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Explore the city
You may not know it from our size, but there really is so much to do in our little city. So, cosy up and immerse yourself in the culture, enjoy the range of entertainment happening or take time to unwind in one of our scenic natural beauty spots.
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Take a closer look at our courses...
BMus (Hons) Music – Instrumental and Vocal
Train alongside the world’s best musicians in an inspiring, collaborative environment that helps you meet the demands of a contemporary music career.
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BMus (Hons) Music – Composition
Learn the skills that will help you to become a composer of a wide variety of music – from full-scale orchestral work to abstract electronic music.
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BMus (Hons) Jazz
Performing, collaborating and composing are at the heart of our professional jazz training, giving you all the skills you need for a lasting career in music.
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MMus Opera Performance
Meet the demands of today’s professional opera companies with our industry-led course that blends specialist tuition with diverse performing opportunities.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Professional Practice (Opera)
In this 12-month advanced programme, created in association with Welsh National Opera (WNO), you’ll delve into a rigorous combination of individual tuition, specialist classes and numerous performance opportunities in a range of settings.
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MMus Music Performance
Build a career you love with our course that offers specialist tuition and numerous performing opportunities for singers and instrumentalists.
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How our training helped these students start their creative journeys
Blaise Malaba
Opera singer. Blaise graduated from RWCMD in 2018 with an MA in Opera Performance.
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Luke Bartlett
Guitarist. Luke is studying BMus Guitar at RWCMD.
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Hannah Grace
Singer-songwriter. Hannah graduated from RWCMD in 2016 with a BMus Jazz.
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Anna-Louise Loy
Tenor/Bass Trombonist. Anna-Louise graduated from RWCMD in 2023 with Bmus Brass.
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Joshua Jones
Baritone. Joshua graduated from RWCMD in 2020 with an MMus Voice.
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Tianyi Lu
Conductor. Tianyi graduated from RWCMD in 2015 with an MMus Orchestral Conducting.
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