Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

‘The same week I finished my Master’s, I was appointed as the official harpist for the then Prince of Wales, which was incredibly exciting. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to perform globally, and I’m thrilled with the variety in my working life. Like many of my colleagues, I lead a portfolio career, doing a bit of everything - from orchestral playing and solo recitals to chamber music, outreach, and events.

I’m passionate about bringing music into the community, a cornerstone of my work that started at College and has since snowballed into collaborations with various charities like Live Music Now. I remember the workshop leadership module in my third year, which opened doors to school and community music. Currently, I’m a musician in residence at a special needs school, and I absolutely love it. It adds a wonderful balance to my work life, full of contrasts.

I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities I had as a student at the Royal Welsh College, which set me up for the amazing experiences I’ve had since graduating. The most important thing for me is the feeling of being part of a supportive family. Even now, I know I can reach out to people for advice, guidance, or just general support. It’s special to be part of that family, and the friendships I made here will last a lifetime.’

- Alis Huws

What did you do before beginning the MMus course?

I taught music privately and in classroom settings, performed extensively both as a soloist and in collaboration with others, and worked as a pianist for a ballet company and a vocal arts organisation.



Why did you choose to study the MMus course at RWCMD?

Above all, I came here to study with my teacher, Mei Yi Foo. I was also excited by the flexibility of the curriculum, which allowed me to focus on pedagogy, as well as the supportive, creative culture of the College. Its location, in Cardiff, a green, mid-sized city was an added bonus.



How did you tailor your experience to best fit your career aspirations?

I applied my research in pedagogy and personal experience to each of my written assignments, especially within the 60-credit Teaching Artistry module. I also seized every opportunity to perform, accompany, teach, network, and hone professional skills that I will use throughout my career.



Did you have any notable achievements during your time on the course?

I was honoured to win First Prize at the John Ireland Competition, and I also became the Music Director of an opera company. I performed over 60 times both within and outside the College, at venues such as the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, Newport Cathedral, and Penarth Pier Pavilion. I had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with renowned pianists like Jayson Gillham, Louis Lortie, Steven Osborne, and Llŷr Williams, and I’ve truly enjoyed witnessing my personal and professional growth along the way.



Describe this course in 3 words:

Intense, flexible, transformational.

'The atmosphere at the College is incredibly welcoming, I really feel I can be myself without being judged by anyone. My training here has been instrumental in my career journey so far. Graduating last year, I now work as a learning project coordinator with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, overseeing the very orchestra I played in as a young musician, and working with young people of all ages. It's really rewarding to be a part of that crucial work, and to follow their progress.

My time at the Royal Welsh College gave me the essential skills, from ensemble playing to effective time management, that I use every day in my new role.'

- Anna-Louise Loy

‘I firmly believe that talent without education is not worth a lot. Whatever I’m doing now, 95% of it I learned at the Royal Welsh College. I’d never really studied music before arriving here at RWCMD. I was singing in choirs but I hadn’t ever had any formal training and so I was very curious and open to learn from everyone I could. I learned everything here, from the language lessons, movement, drama classes, singing lessons... and within two years, I had all the tools I needed to be ready for the industry.

When I left the College, I went to work for English National Opera and I'm currently preparing for my next roles at Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House.’

- Blaise Malaba

‘What’s brilliant about the Design for Performance Master’s course at the Royal Welsh College is that you can come without knowing everything. This is important because, when you're older, you’re often expected to know quite a lot. It’s refreshing to be met with a ‘we’re going to start from scratch’ approach. We were shown how the industry works, and this is what you can explore for yourself. The freedom to explore while knowing that support is available when needed was invaluable.

The training was brilliant and gave me the confidence to continue. Winning the Linbury Prize for stage design was a catalyst in carrying on my journey. Having the opportunity to platform and exhibit my work so early in my career has really helped me get to where I am now — not just through exposure, but also through the people I met along the way.

Last year, I received the Black British Theatre Award for theatre design. It was a lovely marker, a reminder to keep going because people do see and recognise the work.’

- Debbie Duru

'I feel incredibly fortunate to have studied at the Royal Welsh College. This place prepared me brilliantly for the profession, especially through the chamber music opportunities, where I developed my love for quartet playing. The College really helped me discover what I can bring to music.

There’s something really special about the College. The working environment, amazing teachers, masses of opportunities, and you can’t find facilities like this anywhere else. When I graduated, I had a well-rounded view of music and a new confidence in my playing, something the College definitely nurtures.

I moved to London and joined the Fibonacci Quartet, which has now become my full-time job—something I never imagined would be possible, as it's rare to have the privilege to do that.
Recently, we won the Borciani String Quartet Competition, and since then, everything has just taken off. We’ve been fortunate to have concert opportunities across Europe and the UK, and hopefully, some international ones are on the horizon next year.'

- Elliot Kempton

‘The College’s Design for Performance Master’s course gave me many things I didn't realise I needed at the time. Only years later, do I fully appreciate the impact of what I learned. The course not only challenged how I expressed my conceptual ideas but also gave me the confidence to present them in a room full of people. Exchanging ideas with students from diverse backgrounds around the world was incredibly exciting and formative for me as a young student.

The Linbury Prize for theatre design was something I had been excited about even before starting my Master’s. After graduating, I went straight into the Linbury and became a finalist at the National Theatre. I couldn’t quite believe my luck, but I credit Royal Welsh College for getting my portfolio to a level where I could apply successfully. As a result, my work was seen by a huge number of people at the National Theatre, leading to opportunities with the Danish National Opera, associate assisting roles, and positions in film and TV.

Working with Royal Welsh College design alumni has been a wonderful, ongoing part of my career. I met many of them at College, and the friendships I’ve made have been a truly lovely aspect of my journey.’

- Emily Bates

Why did you choose to study the MMus course at RWCMD?

I chose the MMus course at RWCMD because it is one of the few institutions in the UK and Europe offering a master’s programme specifically focused on orchestral performance. The unique placement scheme and opportunities to sit in with professional orchestras set it apart from other colleges.



How did you tailor your experience to best fit your career aspirations?

Since my career aspirations were in orchestral performance, I tailored my experience by selecting modules that supported this goal. For instance, I took subjects such as Professional Audition to better prepare for the demands of the profession.



Did you have any notable moments during your time on the course?

One memorable moment happened during my first BBC placement. Usually, you play short intervals during a placement, but on this occasion, there was a mix-up with the rota and the second flute player didn’t turn up for a three-hour morning session. I was asked to play the entire session in the second flute and piccolo chair, and I even ended up getting paid for the work. It was a thrilling, challenging, and unexpected experience, and it made me realise even more the demands of holding an orchestral seat.



How did the course help you in your career path, post-graduation?

The course has been immensely beneficial for my career. The two years of placements with BBC NOW and WNO provided invaluable experience, leading to orchestral work with both orchestras after graduation. I’ve also been fortunate to be added to the extra lists for both orchestras.



Who would you recommend this course to?

I would recommend this course to anyone pursuing a career in orchestral performance. This is the course for you. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain orchestral experience within a supportive student environment.



What’s it like to study in Cardiff?

Cardiff is very student-friendly, not as overwhelming or crowded as London. Everything is close and walkable, allowing you to focus on your studies while being just a stone’s throw away from the beauty of the Welsh landscapes.



Describe this course in 3 words:

Stimulating, splendid and supportive

'I think the whole start of my career was just wrapped up in studying at the Royal Welsh College. It was a space where I could really flourish and progress creatively and in my own way. When I graduated I just continued doing what I'd already been doing during my time here, because I'd been given the opportunity to always explore that, making the most of all those opportunities in a way that worked alongside my studies.

As a full-time singer songwriter artist I’ve learned so much about the music industry from a business perspective. I now own so much of my music and have full creative and business control over it. From my own experience I know there's not that much information out there for independent artists and musicians. I'm very passionate about helping younger artists, by creating communities and running workshops that help them do this for themselves as well.'


- Hannah Grace

‘I would rate my experience at RWCMD as 10/10. The two years on the Scenic Construction course were the best I've ever had. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I was the right fit, but with the incredible support from the staff, my confidence grew immensely. I still keep in touch with them, and they’ve even invited me back to give lectures to new first-year students.

Nearly everything I’ve learned came from the College. The course offers a comprehensive overview of every role, which is quite unique—I don’t think there are many courses like this. Cardiff is one of the best places for this industry, with so many major companies in film, TV, and theatre. A real highlight for me was the five industry placements across the two years, providing hands-on experience and teaching me the different ways to build things.

When I started, I didn’t even have a passport. Now, I’ve worked on amazing projects around the world. I also give lessons at my local community centre in the Rhondda, inspiring young people with the carpentry techniques I've learned. I really enjoy this aspect and hope to keep expanding my knowledge and teaching others.’

- Hannah Walters

'What drew me to Royal Welsh College was the collaborative environment and the multidisciplinary approach to training. I’ve always loved acting, but I also crave creative collaboration, and the College really nurtured that.

What I learned during the training - especially the idea that you can be absolutely terrified, deeply uncomfortable, and far out of your comfort zone - has been invaluable. There were moments when I thought, ‘I don’t have the skills for this’ but those experiences turned out to be the most valuable. They’ve helped me in professional situations where I felt out of my depth or I didn’t belong—especially when imposter syndrome gets really loud.

It’s about showing up again when it feels impossible. And on the flip side, it’s about learning when to say no. The first time I turned down a job was a massive achievement. Acknowledging that something isn’t right for you, or doesn’t excite you, is just as important.

There’s no invisible rulebook that everyone else has, but you don’t. Finding ways to fulfil yourself creatively is one of the most invaluable things you can do. Who knows where it might lead, or what you might discover about yourself, your art, and your work? It doesn’t need to mean anything to anyone else—it can just be yours. That’s just as fantastic and wonderful as any other kind of success.

Finding those creative outlets and new ways to harness your artistry and love for the profession is so exciting, and I think the College does a brilliant job of nurturing that.’

This year Opera graduate Jessica Robinson became the first Welsh finalist of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World in 20 years.

As well as her operatic performances with WNO and Longborough Festival Opera among others, she is a regular soloist in oratorio and concert performances around the UK and has performed around the world. She also works with the Forget-me-Not chorus, supporting people with dementia.

‘I didn't start acting until I was 17. By the time I realised this was something I wanted to do - or could do - it felt like a big thing. I didn’t know any actors, artists, or anyone working in theatre or the arts. Going to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama was the start of my journey, not just as an actor, but as an artist.

With the training I got and by creating my theatre company Not Too Tame, I’ve found a way to do two things. One is to create work for people who feel like theatre isn’t for them - whether that’s the art form or the building itself. The other is to show that it can be a viable career.

I come from a working-class background in Warrington, where people don’t really do this kind of stuff. We don’t have a theatre or an independent music venue. But if I can send out a Bat-Signal to other working-class people of any age, making them feel like this is for them, then I’ve done my job.

And that all came from the College supporting something I had an instinct I wanted to do. I didn’t want to wait for the phone to ring. I wanted to elbow my way to the bar of the industry and that’s where I stayed.’

- Jimmy Fairhurst

‘From the moment I set foot in the building, I knew it was something special. The audition panel's genuine interest in me, both as an individual and a musician, created a welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for my entire learning experience. The course gave me quality time with my instrument, allowing me to explore all its expressive capacities.

Collaboration is central to a musician's life, whether working with composers, sound engineers, dancers, or multi-instrumentalists. The emphasis on collaboration at the Royal Welsh College has been instrumental in moving forward in my musical journey. Meeting and working alongside fantastic musicians, actors, stage managers and theatre designers created an inspiring atmosphere to study in.

The performing opportunities at College were a highlight of my time there. Performing in the Anthony Hopkins Centre and as well in the Dora Stoutzker Hall and having these amazing performing experiences is one of my favourite memories.

Since graduating from the Royal Welsh College, I moved to London for my postgrad before moving to Valencia, Spain where, ten years after graduating, I am now proud to be a professor at their conservatoire.’

- Jonathan Parkin

'Due to the opportunities, I had at the Royal Welsh College, outreach and community music have become a massive part of who I am.

This has led me to engage with several music educational and health charities, working with dementia and cancer patients for example. I use music, especially singing, to engage communities and bring out people's personalities. Seeing the individual journeys participants go on is rewarding to a level I can't describe. It's addictive to see all the smiles and the joy that’s created just from using singing.

These experiences ultimately shaped my career. I never imagined it would be what it is today – it doesn’t feel like work. And that’s solely due to the opportunities I had during my time at the College.

From the moment I stepped into the building I was encouraged to explore beyond my comfort zone. I was never told ‘no, you can't do it’. It was always, 'okay, how can we help you do this’.'

- Joshua Jones

'At College, there was always time for discussion where we didn't say anything negative, we just worked together to create something better. I think this really gave me the confidence to communicate with people. This kind of session was built in the compositional department, which I really appreciated.'

This College gives you the opportunities to open and expand your talents, even those you didn’t realise you had. To potential students I would say, RWCMD is the right place to give you the skills to work in the sound industry. And for recent graduates, don't underestimate your potential because what you’ve learned throughout your time here is really precious. Just don't be afraid of taking a risk, because people will be there to help guide you in the right direction.'

-Kina Miyamoto

‘I skated past the Royal Welsh College many times growing up, and it always seemed like a bit more elite than what I was used to. For a long time, I didn’t want to go to university, but the jobs I kept getting were unfulfilling and stifling my passion. It wasn’t until I started at the College that I began to feel truly valued in my field and began to thrive.

From the moment I arrived, I felt at home among talented performers from around the world. Moving from studying A-levels in Wales, where diversity was limited, to a college with students from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds was so refreshing. The faculty is incredible, and the building is beautiful. I vividly remember my first week, walking the top floor and hearing opera from one room and various instruments from another—it felt like a musical Hogwarts. The entire place was a magical journey. You could feel everyone’s passion, determination, and drive. Being around such talented people was incredibly inspiring and pushed me to do more.

I was fortunate enough to go straight from graduating to the West End, which I hadn’t really expected. With the training I received, I feel ready to stand confidently alongside anyone in the industry. It felt like the culmination of everything I had worked, trained, studied, and lived for.’

- Levi Tyrell Johnson

Why did you choose to study on the David Seligman Opera School course at RWCMD?

I think RWCMD is the perfect place where you can explore who you are, with space, being a person, not a number. In Cardiff, I could find understanding, time, support, opportunities and people who believed in me.



Did you have any notable moments while studying on the course?

Absolutely yes. I would say the first one, and probably the most important is finding out who I wanted to be as a singer.

Thanks to RWCMD, I was also not only able to meet but also speak and have lessons from people like: Antonio Pappano, Carlo Rizzi, Gerald Finley, Julius Drake, and Simon Lepper. They are geniuses, and from these meetings, awesome opportunities were born.



How did the course help you in achieving your chosen career path?

I was gladly surprised to feel absolutely ready when I put a foot in the “professional opera world”. The experiences I had at RWCMD were even more professional than some of some big opera houses. I remember that this was a big shock for me, and it made me aware of how fortunate and well taught I had been.



What is it like to study in Cardiff?

I love the city! I used to joke with my friends saying that Cardiff was my second patria! It is a city full of life, history, and magic! And of course party too!

I enjoyed visiting the castles, Penarth, the Bay, the Millennium Center, St David's Hall, and having cod and chips on the pier... lovely memories.



Describe the course in three words:

Opportunity, Guidance, Experience.

'My teachers at the Royal Welsh College took the qualities I discovered naturally in myself and brought them out in a way that was more polished and stronger. I was completely self-taught before I started classical guitar, and although I had a lot that was unique about me in a good way, it needed shaping and moulding. The whole philosophy of the College is to become your own musician, and what really inspires me is that idea of being something that's very individual and highly original.

It’s so valuable having teachers like Helen, John and Zoran. They're all so different but they work together in a complimentary way. They really help to create more than just
a really good guitarist but bring out an individual artistic identity and a creativity.

The College is an environment that gives you the real time and space you need to grow as an artist, to develop your own unique voice. That's something no other conservatoire has in quite the same way.'

-Luke Bartlett

Natalie is a composer and performer based in Cardiff, having graduated in July 2022 with a First-Class Honours degree in Composition. Turning her craft to both acoustic and electronic music in a variety of genres, her music has been performed by the likes of BBC National Orchestra of Wales and The Band of the Welsh Guards and has been seen on BBC 2 Wales in the short film PARKLIFE. Natalie continues her love for piano and flute performance, working as an actor-musician in children’s theatre company The Flying Bedroom which she also composed the music for - touring around many festivals and schools in Wales.

Natalie has a huge passion for electronic music, studying Music Technology at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, in a year abroad. Natalie has received the RWCMD Composition Prize 2022 and The Musicians’ Company Silver Medal award. She also has a love for radio and presenting, which she discovered through her work with RWCMD’s Nat and Jake Show bringing new music to listeners throughout the COVID lockdown periods.

‘I really enjoy teaching here at the College because the students are so naturally curious and eager to absorb knowledge. What's remarkable is that each of them already possesses a strong musical identity. When I was their age, the hybrid path I envisioned, blending classical and non-classical music, wasn't readily available, but I now have what might be called a classic portfolio career. My goal at RWCMD is to help students explore their own unique musical identities and nurture their relationship with music.

I take immense pride in my work with the National Youth Folk Ensemble of Wales project. It's been instrumental in creating a pathway into the music industry for orchestral musicians and several of our original members are now successfully working in that field.’

- Patrick Rimes

'The Royal Welsh College has prepared me not just technically, but also collaboratively. It’s instilled in me the value of open-mindedness, flexibility, and the ability to inspire others through music. The training is not just classical but it appreciates all types of music. Nowadays, being a musician isn’t just about having amazing technical skills, but also about how you get on with others. And its important to be able to transmit your technique into inspiration so that others can be inspired by you.

It's about self-belief, believing in yourself and where you want to go with your instrument, and being as involved in as many different things as possible, because you never know what opportunities that will bring for you in the future.

Through projects with the Paraorchestra, who work with non-conventional music, I've had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented musicians and contributing to groundbreaking initiatives that promote inclusivity and accessibility, and create opportunities for musicians with disabilities to thrive.'

- Rachel Starritt

'I loved that the course was so practical and collaborative - I collaborated with singers, actors, designers, conductors, stage managers, technicians and many more, gaining hands-on experience that I could take with me into the industry.'


- Rosie Kat
Graduate and Opera Director

'It’s important to show the positive journey we can take. Over my 30 years in the industry, I’ve championed the visibility of women in the sector - it’s important for young women to have role models to aspire to and be influenced by. We've had to be trailblazers and pass our hand down to the women coming up behind us.

To me the College has been integral to everything I’ve done in my career. The College was really good to me; it gave me those skills and that training. And I recognise that in the generations that have come after me.

It’s been really important to me to maintain that relationship and that network of support, learning and mentoring.'

- Sarah Hemsley-Cole

Why did you choose to study the MMus course at RWCMD?

I was drawn to RWCMD for its collaborative environment and the unique blend of drama and music, which provides a rich platform for artistic growth.


How did you tailor your experience to best fit your future plans?

I believe that every moment, encounter, and experience shapes my creative process. I embraced every opportunity, taking part in masterclasses, competitions, and collaborations with a diverse range of musicians.


Did you have any notable moments during your time on the course?

I performed as both a solo and collaborative pianist across Cardiff, including at St. David’s Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, and Penarth Pier. I had the opportunity to appear with the Royal Welsh College Symphony Orchestra, as well as collaborate with various individuals and chamber ensembles.

Receiving First Prize at the Bryan Accompaniment Prize in 2023 was a highlight, alongside engaging in masterclasses led by renowned pianists such as Ingrid Fliter, Lise de la Salle, and Llyr Williams.


How did the course help you in your career path, post-graduation?

The course not only enhanced my piano skills but also contributed to my development as a well-rounded musician, providing invaluable experiences and layers to my artistic journey.


What was your favourite part of the course?

I particularly enjoyed the freedom to tailor my module balance and the extensive range of opportunities available for participation in other programmes. This allowed me to explore a wide array of avenues.

After graduating with a BA in Music from the University of Nottingham, Siân started studying for the MA Arts Management in 2020, undertaking work placements at RWCMD as well as at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Siân progressed into the industry as a Development Assistant at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, before being promoted to Corporate Partnerships & Events Coordinator. In her current role, Siân supports all aspects of corporate fundraising through delivering bespoke events and other benefits to corporate sponsors, as well as creating engaging sponsorship proposals to attract support.

After nine months at Sadler’s Wells, Siân will soon be moving to the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) as Corporate Relations Manager; a role that will offer her additional challenges and an opportunity to make a significant impact on the LPO’s corporate portfolio through building creative proposals and working with the musicians on creating occasions for sponsors.

For Siân the fundraising module as part of the MA Arts Management was instrumental in choosing her career option, and the industry knowledge as part of the MA also significantly helped accelerate her career, which enabled her to progress to management level within one year of completing her studies.

'My training at the Royal Welsh College helped instil a sense of discipline. The stamina you need to have to be in a show eight times a week is insane, so it helps to prepare you for that. Had I not done the master’s course, I don’t think I would have had the career I’ve had. I would have probably gotten lost in a group or not been using my singing and dancing.

The College encouraged us to be detailed, do the work, discover different ways and skill sets and ‘Find the joy’. I think it's really important to always find the joy in your work because it’s a tough industry. You get a lot of no’s and a lot of rejection, and you have to build up real resilience. I think that’s a nice little North Star to have when you’re hearing ‘no’ quite a lot.

Going forward, I want to create stories set in a world I grew up in. There's so much amazing content being made in Wales, but it doesn’t always reflect the Wales I know. Representation is important, especially queer representation in rural areas. Hopefully, I can write something that makes young queer kids in a town of 2,500 feel a little less lost. That’s my hope.

I’d like to think that being from a small town in North Wales and attending a comprehensive school from a working-class family shows others that it’s possible. The fact that I’ve been on the West End coming from such a small town is a testament to my teachers, who taught me that it was possible.'

- Teleri Hughes

‘The Royal Welsh College was where I found my voice as an artist. My time there gave me the confidence to trust myself, to listen to my inner voice, and to know that whatever comes my way, I'll have the tools I'll need to figure it out. Over the years, I’ve continued to feel a strong connection to the College and to its ethos of inclusion and innovation.

I feel very passionate about the way the creative arts industry is moving ahead, connecting with our communities and making a difference. We have the potential to transform ourselves, the world we live in and the way that we interact with each other and our environment.

Education is a vital part of this, and RWCMD is a powerhouse where new and diverse voices are nurtured and empowered to inspire, challenge and shape our changing world.’

- Tianyi Lu

‘It’s not an over-exaggeration to say that my time at RWCMD represents the most formative years of my life. The decade-long journey to being appointed Head of Classical Music at Southbank Centre, and the experiences along the way, all stem from my time at the College.

Despite studying as a viola player, the College provided me with the opportunity to develop skills I now utilise in my new role; be it from founding and running a music commissioning and producing company, leading REPCo (the College’s student enterprise initiative), or sitting on the Board of Sinfonia Cymru (the UK’s leading under-30s orchestra).

As I once said: playing your instrument really is the minimum you should do.’

Toks Dada
Head of Classical Music, South Bank Centre

‘The training I received at the Royal Welsh College gave me the self-discipline needed to enter the profession. The College encouraged us to find our own voices and supported me when I wanted to do a project in partnership with Oasis, a Cardiff-based charity supporting people seeking asylum. The project was a bit different and not strictly about design, but the support to explore ideas was invaluable.

I also learned many skills on this course. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I should specialise in one area, but now I’m glad I became a bit of a jack of all trades, as that versatility is really useful in the work I do now. These days, I focus on community work, facilitating workshops, and working in education. Sometimes I still design, but that’s rarer. My work is about setting the space the right way and making sure participants feel comfortable and welcomed - that’s also a form of design.

The course taught me that you don’t need to stick to being a certain type of designer. You can find your own path and creative journey. If you feel you’re not growing creatively, move on, try something else, build connections and relationships, and everything will fall into place.’

- Valentine Gigandet