Royal Academy Of Music

Forget Madame Toussaud's (which is just around the corner, literally) - if you're classy and wanna visit a classy place, visit the RAM Museum.

It is free of charge, you will find objects there that you can't find anyplace else. And it won't take up more than an hour of your "London time".

The closest Underground station is Baker Street. When you're at street level, turn left from the corny Sherlock Holmes statue in front of the station - just as you would if you visit Madame Toussaud's. Pass by all the stupid tourists in the queue and head straight on a little further, then on the next corner you will see the Royal Academy of Music to your left.

On the ground floor you will find a temporary exhibit (Last time I visited it was about classical music and WWI) - and some historic documents, photos and scores from the RAM library. Go up to the first floor for a selection of magnificent string instruments (violins by Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri etc) - though some of them may be on loan for a concert). Just terrific - there's even a luthier on the same floor.

On the top floor you'll find a delicious selection of keyboard instruments, from harpsichords to modern grand pianos. Usually, there's a RAM student nearby to guide you through the exhibit at no extra charge.

If you're interested in classical music AT ALL, go and visit the RAM Museum.

I feel a bit silly reviewing somewhere that is obviously world class, but I had such a good experience at a concert here yesterday. Firstly, it's very cool to wonder past real-live music students (actually maybe this is only the case if you not-so-secretly desperately wish you'd been one). Secondly, it's incredibly cool to be able to wander into a free concert of some of the top up-and-coming musicians playing Beethoven (the focus of this year's Chamber Music Festival). I really want to come back to more concerts, the museum and also they allow the public into masterclasses! Thirdly, their cafeteria has ridiculously cheap food e.g. roast beef & yorkshire pud for £3 (didn't have time to try it which was mega disappointing).

Conclusion: rockin.

If you love music or film and are a thrifty person looking for a unique experience, this is the place for you!


This is a place that can totally make you glad you are in london for a short or long period of time because the experience is terrific.


The academy of music offers FREE concerts every once in a while for the public to attend and the performers are TEENAGERS. They are very gifted individuals capable of producing beautiful music. The theatre/hall is in itself a museum of sorts because it is full of brilliant portraits of incredible musicians who have attended this prestigious academy. accompanying the art work is chandeliers that were remarkable which created a sophisticated element to the venue.


I recommend this event for 3 reasons: 1) if you love music, such as myself, you really should get out to a symphony and experience it live. the way the conductor moves and how the musicians follow his leads are incredible and very entertaining. being at a symphony is something i didnt think i would enjoy before, i thought attending rock concerts was enough for me, but this is something you need to see for yourself. 2) if you are a movie buff, you will like this because you feel like your in a movie! the venue and the music played made me think of too many films, and i felt like i was in them! from jaws, lord of the rings, indiana jones and star wars all popped into my head and made my appreciate films and musical performances even more. 3) if your cheap, like me, what else could you ask for? this is FREE!!


i cant stress it enough how fantastic this is, because these are teenagers afterall producing beautiful sounds in a disciplined manner.

The Royal Academy of Music is one of the worlds leading performer training institutions and is located at the junction where Marylebone Road meets Marylebone High Street. For me this is one of the real hidden gems of London as the institution holds concerts almost every day without fail. Some of these are small and are really mock concerts wit a few audience members but every few weeks there are large concerts held in the Dukes Hall which is next-door. The concerts are of a world class standard almost on a par with the top London orchestras but best of all most of the concerts are FREE!!

I went to the Royal Academy of Music to attend the FREE performance of the Junior Symphony.
IT WAS AMAZING!!


The children were very talented and played some fabulous pieces of music. It felt like I was listening to the sound track of a film like Star Wars, Jaws, Indiana Jones, or Lord of the Rings!


The venue is in a beautiful hall full of portraits and chandeliers which creates a magical atmosphere.


The performers were very talented teenagers who played every instrument imaginable from the violin to the gong!


Best of all, the entire show was FREE!!


It was something we definitely wouldn't have done back home, and we are so glad we had the opportunity to experience it. It was one of the most memorable things we have done in London to date.

This is a great place to come and hear music at a very reasonable price. Some of the events are even free! There is also something inspirational about watching young student performers as they hone their craft at performing. There are many events throughout the academic year; these are listed on the Academy website; alternatively, you can call them and they will send you the diary of events for each semester. The main hall is beautiful; chandeliers adorn the ceiling. The standard of music-making is exceptionally high; you will come away feeling invigorated. Head for Baker Street tube and be prepared for some wonderful sounds!