*
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    


Whitburn

Double boost for Whitburn

August 26 • New solo signings boost Scottish Champion's ranks ahead of major challenges.


Tertnes

New duo to lead Tertnes

August 26 • Margie Sutherland Antrobus and Katrina Marzella Wheeler will spearhead the musical approaches of Tertnes Brass on contest and concert stages over the next year.


wsbba

Troon set to welcome entertainers

August 26 • Defending champion Unite Scotland Kinneil leads the entertainers in Troon at the West of Scotland Entertainment Contest this weekend.


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Tuesday (1st) in our bandroom at 11am. Why not come along for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake/coffee and it’s all free.. We welcome players of all abilities and blowing with us doesn’t affect your No1 band.


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd