History
We are now one of the leading music colleges in the UK, with strong regional, national and international dimensions. The Conservatoire is a member of both the British and European conservatoire associations and we maintain fruitful links with major arts organisations, including the CBSO. We have over 500 students on undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, as well as a thriving Junior Department.
Based in the heart of Birmingham’s diverse music community, our specialist facilities include the magnificent 520-seat Adrian Boult Hall and state-of-the-art Recital Hall customised for performance with live electronics. Our students can also call on the tremendous resources available through our parent institution, Birmingham City University.
1859
Birmingham School of Music (BSM) founded as a department of the Birmingham & Midland Institute
1886
BSM formally constituted with William Charles Stockley as its first honorary Principal
1900
Edward Elgar recommends Granville Bantock as the School’s first paid Principal
1902
Elgar is named the official “Visitor to the School”
1948
The School’s diploma courses are recognised as conferring Graduate status
1963
BSM gains independence from the Birmingham & Midland Institute
1970
BSM becomes a constituent part of the newly formed Birmingham Polytechnic, but retains its conservatoire status
Cambrian Halls of Residence are opened in nearby Brindley Drive
Cambrian Halls of Residence are opened in nearby Brindley Drive
1973
BSM’s purpose-built accommodation in Paradise Place is opened by HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
1981
The Birmingham School of Music Association (later Birmingham Conservatoire Association) is founded
1983
The School validates its first degree course, the BA
1986
The Adrian Boult Hall is opened by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester
1989
Sir Michael Tippett OM celebrates the inauguration of ‘Birmingham Conservatoire’.
Sir Simon Rattle CBE is named the first President
Sir Simon Rattle CBE is named the first President
1991
The Conservatoire establishes its first international audition centre in Sweden
The BA is revalidated as the BMus(Hons) degree
The BA is revalidated as the BMus(Hons) degree
1992
Birmingham Polytechnic is awarded university status and changes its name to the University of Central England in Birmingham
Having laid its foundations in the 1980s, the Conservatoire Junior Department is re-launched
Having laid its foundations in the 1980s, the Conservatoire Junior Department is re-launched
1993
The Conservatoire’s Research programme is founded – the first in a UK conservatoire
1994
PgDip and MA (later to become MMus) programmes are introduced
1995
HRH The Prince Edward CVO formally opens the Conservatoire’s new ground floor extension, nicknamed “The Void”, including new practice rooms, a suite of organ practice rooms, two recording studios and a new lecture theatre
1998
The BMus(Hons) Raga Sangeet in North Indian music is introduced and runs for five years
1999
The BMus(Hons) Jazz course is introduced
2001
The BSc(Hons) Music Technology course is introduced in partnership with the Technology Innovation Centre
2004
Research at the Conservatoire is expanded to include a specialised Centre for Composition and Performance using Technology
2005
The Conservatoire becomes a founding member of CUKAS, the Conservatoires UK Admissions Service and changes its official name to ‘UCE Birmingham Conservatoire’
The Graduate Diploma in Jazz is introduced
The Graduate Diploma in Jazz is introduced
2006
The Conservatoire becomes even more closely aligned with its partner institution Birmingham School of Acting, a recent addition to the University's performing arts portfolio.
2007
The Conservatoire's parent university changes its name to Birmingham City University and begins a major programme of investment in both the fabric of the university and the student experience. Birmingham Conservatoire's links with the University's other creative arts providers are strengthened.
2008
The PgCert (Specialist Performance) is introduced.