A man in a suit playing the piano in a studio

London College of Music

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Find a course

London College of Music

London College of Music (LCM), part of the University of West London, is one of the leading music and performing arts institutions in the UK and was formed over 130 years ago.

  • We are ranked as the 2nd modern university* in London for Music in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

As an all-Steinway school with one of Europe's largest studio complexes, we offer an impressive range of innovative courses, which are respected worldwide and delivered with creativity and passion by our expert staff. 

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ARTSFEST students' work

Highlights of final year students' portfolios and showreels from the London School of Film, Media and Design and the London College of Music.

A collage of examples of graduate's work from LCM and LSFMD

Our courses

Our courses

Boasting the first all-Steinway School in London, the London College of Music also features over 25 professional-standard studios and practice areas, 24-hour Mac labs and links to various London venues for performances.

The College gives you the chance to perform in live events including plays, recitals, concerts and workshops.

Explore our facilities by choosing a subject area below.

Facilities

  • Music technology facilities

    Explore one of the largest studio complexes in Europe and learn more about our fantastic range of music technology facilities at the London College of Music.

    A male student working on a computer by a sound desk

  • Music performance, composition and musical theatre facilities

    The London College of Music is London's first All Steinway School and features Steinway pianos in all teaching, performance, practice and recording spaces.

    A man in a suit playing the piano in a studio

  • The Townshend Studio

    A creative music lab facilitating learning, collaboration, experimentation and play, brought to life by a collection of synthesisers donated by Pete Townshend, co-founder of The Who and Ealing School of Art (now UWL) alumnus.

    An array of synthesisers on display in the Townshend Studio at the University of West London

Welcome video

Hear from Professor Nicholas McKay, Director of the London College of Music, on why studying at UWL is a great choice for your future.

Research

A male student at a sound desk in a whilst looking at a computer monitor

Staff and postgraduate students at the London College of Music are engaged in a range of research specialisms that combine practice-led research and advanced professional practice with theoretical and technical analyses of various types. Our areas of research expertise include:

  • 21st century music practice
  • Record production
  • Multi-channel & spatial playback formats
  • Composition
  • 21st century performance practices
  • The business of music making
  • Pedagogy
  • Dramatic arts
  • Musicology.
Learn about research at the London College of Music

What's on

The London College of Music hosts a lively programme of performances by our talented students. For up to date news and information please find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @LCMLive or Instagram.

You can also sign up to our LCM Live mailing list and we will keep you informed about future events. Interested in taking part? Find out how you can join in with LCM Choirs and Ensembles.

Graduates of UWL can enjoy a discounted rate on tickets for many LCM Live events, along with other benefits, by applying for an Alumni Card. Please visit the alumni website for further information.

 

LCM Live

Performances from our talented students are open to the general public. Our programme includes theatrical performances and concerts, which mostly take place at our Ealing site.

The cast of a play performing at Lawrence Hall

Student experiences

Join Esmeraldah for a day in the life of an acting student studying at the London College of Music.

Amy, BA (Hons) Actor Musicianship student, talks us through her best advice and tips on how to ace your auditions for drama and music courses.

Find out more about our student vlogs

LCM alumni

LCM alumni

We are very proud of all the alumni at London College of Music. We're even more proud that they use the skills and knowledge that they've gained during their time with us to go on to a wide variety of professional careers within our industry.

LCM Examinations

A violinist performing a solo

LCM Examinations

LCM Examinations in music, and in drama and communication, are held at centres worldwide. Our qualifications are unique in the graded exam sector in being awarded by a university.

LCM Examinations

Our staff

Our staff

School management

  • Nicholas McKay Photo

    Professor Nicholas McKay

    Director of the London College of Music
    London College of Music

    Nicholas took up the post of Director of LCM in 2019.  Prior to this he worked at Canterbury Christ Church University (2013-19) as both Head of the School of Music & Performing Arts and Head of the University Graduate School (2017-19); at Sussex University (1998-2013) as Head of the Music Department, Director of Student Support (School of Humanities), University Champion for the Creative Arts and Leverhulme Research Fellow; and at Durham University (1994-1998) as Associate Tutor for the Music Department and Resident College Tutor for St. John’s College.

    Nicholas took up the post of Director of LCM in 2019.  Prior to this he worked at Canterbury Christ Church University (2013-19) as both Head of the School of Music & Performing Arts and Head of the University Graduate School (2017-19); at Sussex University (1998-2013) as Head of the Music Department, Director of Student Support (School of Humanities), University Champion for the Creative Arts and Leverhulme Research Fellow; and at Durham University (1994-1998) as Associate Tutor for the Music Department and Resident College Tutor for St. John’s College.

  • Gavin Baker

    Associate Professor Gavin Baker

    Head of Subject for Performing Arts, Performance and Composition
    London College of Music

    Gavin's academic journey has been diverse, having studied at Rhodes University, the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Zululand in South Africa. He has an undergraduate degree in Drama and Anthropology, followed by a Masters degree in Voice and Speech, which focused on helping second-language learners of English. Gavin also has a doctorate in Applied Theatre and Corporate Communication, where he explored the use of theatre as a tool for change in post-apartheid South African businesses.

    Gavin's academic journey has been diverse, having studied at Rhodes University, the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Zululand in South Africa. He has an undergraduate degree in Drama and Anthropology, followed by a Masters degree in Voice and Speech, which focused on helping second-language learners of English. Gavin also has a doctorate in Applied Theatre and Corporate Communication, where he explored the use of theatre as a tool for change in post-apartheid South African businesses.

  • Daniel Hagan Profile photo

    Dr Danny Hagan

    Head of Subject for Music Technology and Music Management
    London College of Music

    Live music promotions include: Green Man Festival 2003-2011, Buzz Club 1985-1992; artists promoted include Blur, The Stone Roses, Mumford & Sons, Robert Plant, Fleet Foxes, Primal Scream, Bon Iver, Ben Howard, James Blake

    Recorded music: includes five albums

    'Chimney' - track on Ubisoft computer game Rocksmith

    Live music promotions include: Green Man Festival 2003-2011, Buzz Club 1985-1992; artists promoted include Blur, The Stone Roses, Mumford & Sons, Robert Plant, Fleet Foxes, Primal Scream, Bon Iver, Ben Howard, James Blake

    Recorded music: includes five albums

    'Chimney' - track on Ubisoft computer game Rocksmith

  • Dr Liz Pipe Profile Photo

    Dr Liz Pipe

    Head of Subject - Music Performance
    London College of Music

    Previously, Liz had a successful portfolio career in the areas of performance, business and education, working as a musical director, performer, teacher, examiner and business owner. As an Associate Professor at UWL, Liz teaches across a variety of popular music-, music management-, and music education-based courses, and she is the Course Leader for the MA Music and Performing Arts Education programme. Liz is also the Partnerships Lead for LCM, where she oversees the quality of the academic provision at all thirteen of LCM’s national and international partnerships.

    Previously, Liz had a successful portfolio career in the areas of performance, business and education, working as a musical director, performer, teacher, examiner and business owner. As an Associate Professor at UWL, Liz teaches across a variety of popular music-, music management-, and music education-based courses, and she is the Course Leader for the MA Music and Performing Arts Education programme. Liz is also the Partnerships Lead for LCM, where she oversees the quality of the academic provision at all thirteen of LCM’s national and international partnerships.

Teaching staff

Join in

  • London College of Music Chorus

    London College of Music Chorus rehearses regularly at St Mary's Church, Ealing, W5 5RH (near the University of West London).
    Students and staff from LCM and UWL, as well as members of the local community, are welcome to audition for membership of the choir.

    A performance by the London College of Music Chorus

  • London College of Music Big Band

    The well established and popular LCM Big Band invites instrumentalists to audition for a place in the Big Band. Directed by LCM's Head of Jazz, Pete Cook, the Big Band perform regularly. A great opportunity not to be missed for keen jazzers.
    Certificates not required but players need to be at Grade 7 and above standard. All membership is free.

    Musicians with brass instruments

  • London College of Music Chorus

    London College of Music Chorus rehearses regularly at St Mary's Church, Ealing, W5 5RH (near the University of West London).
    Students and staff from LCM and UWL, as well as members of the local community, are welcome to audition for membership of the choir.

    A performance by the London College of Music Chorus

  • London College of Music Big Band

    The well established and popular LCM Big Band invites instrumentalists to audition for a place in the Big Band. Directed by LCM's Head of Jazz, Pete Cook, the Big Band perform regularly. A great opportunity not to be missed for keen jazzers.
    Certificates not required but players need to be at Grade 7 and above standard. All membership is free.

    Musicians with brass instruments

Partners, honoraries and visiting professionals

  • Partners

    Our partnerships are a very valuable part of what we do; whether facilitating courses, building on our existing subject portfolio or funding new resources, LCM partners help us maintain our position as a leading provider of music education. We're proud to work closely with other top institutions, major manufacturers and even, most recently, Steinway Pianos.

    Studio equipment partners

    Other recent partnerships with major hardware manufacturers including Se, Audient, Apple, Sonotronics and Digidesign and software manufacturers Native Instruments and Ableton, combined with significant capital investment, have brought many new opportunities.

  • Honoraries

    Each year, the University of West London bestows Honorary Masters, Fellows and Doctorates to distinguished individuals, in recognition of their business success, contribution to civic and cultural life, or long-term support for the University’s work.

    Below are some of those who have received honorary awards from the London College of Music.

    • June Abbott
    • David Arnold   
    • John Cameron    
    • Dr Martin Ellerby
    • Guy Fletcher OBE 
    • Jonathan Greenwood
    • Professor John Howard
    • Dr Karl Jenkins  
    • Bill Kenwright CBE
    • Caroline Redman Lusher 
    • Clive Marks OBE
    • Harvey Mason
    • Robin Millar CBE
    • Professor Ken Pickering
    • Courtney Pine CBE 
    • Frank Renton  
    • Mark 'Spike' Stent
    • Wing Commander Dr Stuart Stirling     
    • John Treleaven    
    • Edward Veale
    • Param Vir   
    • Rick Wakeman 
    • Julian Lloyd Webber 

  • Visiting professionals

    London College of Music is very proud of the visiting professionals that are invited throughout the year from across all areas of the Music Industry. Students have an opportunity to engage with our guests either through masterclass sessions, lectures or in Q&A forums - an invaluable experience that transports our students to the heart of 'The Profession'.

    Master classes and workshops

    London College of Music offers master classes and workshops on a wide range of subjects and disciplines.

    • Monday's 'Master class series' are generally music technology focused but always offer something interesting and accessible for all.
    • Thursday's 'Composers' workshops' invite a host of modern composers to LCM.
    • 'Industry platforms' bring in professionals from across all aspects of LCM curriculum
    • Performance 'Master classes' take place throughout the year.

    Master classes and workshops are open to the public. Visit LCM Live for event listings. We welcome and encourage everyone to attend.

Contact us

To get in touch with our School, please contact Valentina Benedetti on 020 8231 2549 or via email at valentina.benedetti@uwl.ac.uk.

To contact us about applying for a course, please get in touch with our Admissions team:

  • courses@uwl.ac.uk
  • 0800 036 8888 and select option 2 - free for land line and mobile users
  • +44 (0) 20 8231 2468 for callers from outside the UK.

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.