Sir Elton John Global Exchange Program

The Royal Academy of Music, London announced a new program which will promote global mobility and international collaboration between deserving and talented young musicians.

The scheme, developed by the Academy and endorsed by Sir Elton John, goes live in September 2022 and will enable students from twelve of the top conservatoires in the world to take part in educational exchanges with the Academy. These will vary in length from one week of intensive project-based work to, in exceptional cases, a full year of study.

Over 200 years, the Academy has a long history of international collaboration, and some of its closest partner conservatoires are among the list of organisations taking part in the scheme.

Confirmed exchange institutions include:

·       Sydney Conservatorium of Music

·       The Juilliard School (New York),

·       Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

·       Shanghai Conservatory of Music

·       Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki

·       mdw - University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

·       Hanns Eisler Academy, Berlin

·       The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

·       University of Music and Performing Arts, Munich

·       Reina Sofía School of Music (Madrid)

·       The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto

·       Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Music and Graduate School of Music

The Global Exchange Program will primarily be supported by new income from an existing fund created by Sir Elton to provide scholarships for exceptionally talented musicians across multiple genres. The scope of the gift has been expanded to meet the growing need for an international educational forum and exchange. Up to 20 participants a year from the Academy and its partner conservatoires will benefit from short, collaborative projects, a single term, or a full year of tuition at their host institution.

Head of School and Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Anna Reid said: “The Con is thrilled to have been selected to join this prestigious Program which creates a fresh and unique opportunity for our students; an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from the finest conservatories around the world.”

Sir Elton, an Academy alumnus, has aided the international student body over the years, and is deeply committed to ensuring that young musicians are able to collaborate, innovate and develop as artists in the broadest environment.

“As the Royal Academy of Music turns 200 in 2022, this program allows us a fresh chance to open our arms and celebrate our collaborations with international partners, which always bring so many benefits and joys, in projects large and small. I’m delighted to see so many wonderful and world-renowned conservatoires joining us to offer these unique, hands-on, experiences to young musicians.”