The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has agreed a new professional partnership with Edith Cowen University (ECU), home to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Prof Linda Merrick (centre) recently travelled to Perth to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will pave the way for student and staff exchanges, short courses and placement opportunities, knowledge sharing, research collaboration and joint performance projects.

New opportunities

She told 4BR: "The RNCM is constantly seeking new and exciting opportunities to enhance the experience it offers to both students and staff, and our professional partnerships with other world-class providers who share our passion and ethos are integral to realising this ambition."

In response, ECU Vice-Chancellor Prof Steve Chapman (right) added that the partnership would give WAAPA students access to the RNCM's internationally-renowned teachers as well as facilitate knowledge sharing between the two institutions.

"It also opens the door for students from Perth and Manchester to study at either world-class school and broaden their horizons,"he said.

It also opens the door for students from Perth and Manchester to study at either world-class school and broaden their horizonsECU Vice-Chancellor Prof Steve Chapman

Speech

During her visit Prof Merrick visited the Mount Lawley Campus to speak at the Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Oration.

Her speech on the value of performing arts education in a changing world, outlined how in an uncertain world performing arts matters more than ever before.