*
banner

Brabbins takes quartet chair at Royal College of Music

Martyn Brabbins is to become Personal Chair in Conducting at the Royal College of Music.

Brabbins
  Brabbins is joined by Profs Tania Lisboa (top right), Neta Spiro and Dr George Waddell.

The Royal College of Music (RCM) has announced that Martyn Brabbins will be appointed its Personal Chair in Conducting.

It further strengthens an association that first saw the former Musical Director of English National Opera become an International Visiting Artist in 2016, before becoming Prince Consort Professor of Conducting in 2021.

International profile

A spokesperson stated: "This new appointment reflects Professor Brabbins' outstanding international profile as a conductor over four decades, together with his contributions to classical music internationally as an educator and ambassador."

The President of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain joins Professor Neta Spiro and Professor Tania Lisboa to Personal Chairs in their fields in Music Psychology and Music and Applied Performance Science respectfully. Dr George Waddell is to become Reader in Performance Research & Innovation.

Prof Spiro's appointment recognises her global standing in music's role in health, education and policy, whilst Prof Lisboa has gained acclaim for her interdisciplinary research in music memorisation, digital learning and arts-based public health.

Dr Waddell's work integrates psychology, health and technology, including the Centre for Performance Science's advanced simulation technologies, leading to new insights into how performance is learned, optimised and experience.

This new appointment reflects Professor Brabbins' outstanding international profile as a conductor over four decades, together with his contributions to classical music internationally as an educator and ambassadorRoyal College of Music

Inspirational leaders

James Williams, Director of the Royal College of Music told 4BR: "The Royal College of Music's excellence is defined by the talented students who study here and the inspirational leaders who guide them.

I am delighted to welcome our new Personal Chairs and Reader; their scholarship and dedication will shape the future for many students and is the foundation upon which our academic community continues to flourish."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


wobplay

Support boosts new Wobplay tenure

August 6 • Nicki Tonge and Adam Goldsmith grateful for the continued support of global subscribers as World of Sound, World of Brass and wobplay look towards future.


NYBBWales

Orbital gets Welsh Youth launch

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will include Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in their ambitious summer course concerts repertoire.


UnIbRASS

Entries open for UniBrass Composition Competition

August 6 • The 2027 UniBrass Foundation's Composition Competition is now open — with an Oxford feel theme.


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd