London College of Music

The London College of Music stands in Ealing, west London, as part of the University of West London. Founded in 1887, it began as an independent examiner of musical skill before moving to its present site in 1991. The college began life in central London’s Great Marlborough Street, first at number 5 and later at number 47. Its early leader was British composer Alfred Caldicott, who set up the Educational Department in 1892. Former principals include William Lloyd Webber, father of the well-known composer and his cellist brother. John McCabe and Professor Colin Lawson also led the college before moving on to other posts.

The college is recognised for its strong composition faculty and its long-running Composers’ Workshops. These sessions have welcomed guests such as Stephen Montague, Jonathan Dove and Judith Weir. The Piano Department carries forward a tradition begun by Chopin specialist John Vallier, whose pupil Raphael Terroni later became Head of Piano for fifteen years. The college became London’s first All-Steinway School in 2011, filling its studios and halls with Steinway instruments. Its global reach comes from the London College of Music Examinations, set up in 1887 to run graded tests and diplomas worldwide.

Visitors find a modern campus with 25 recording studios and the Native Instruments Labs. The music technology department trains students in Logic, Pro Tools and Ableton Live, with staff including Grammy winner Pip Williams. Alumni include Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright and opera singer John Treleaven. The college’s buildings sit among Ealing’s quiet streets, yet house some of the finest instruments and studios in the capital.