Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a London-based conservatoire formed in 2005 from the merger of Trinity College of Music (founded 1872) and the Laban Dance Centre (founded 1988). It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in classical music, jazz, composition, musical theatre, dance, and music education. The conservatoire is located across three campuses in Greenwich, Deptford, and New Cross in South East London, and is accredited by the Arts Council of England. All students must audition to gain entry.

Programs and Curriculum

Trinity Laban offers programs across music and dance at undergraduate and postgraduate levels:

• BMus (Hons) in Music Performance: classical and jazz pathways with principal study, ensemble participation, and academic modules
• BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre: a three-year program combining singing, acting, and dance
• MA/MFA in Music: performance, composition, music education, and music therapy pathways
• MPhil/PhD: research degrees in music performance, composition, and dance science
• Dance programs: undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in contemporary dance, choreography, and dance science

The music curriculum centers on one-to-one principal study lessons, supported by masterclasses, ensemble work, and courses in history, theory, and professional development. Students can also take the Study Abroad Programme, which allows visiting students from other institutions to spend up to one year studying at Trinity Laban, earning 120 UK credits.

The conservatoire also runs Junior Trinity, a Saturday program for young musicians and dancers aged 5 to 19 who are preparing for conservatoire-level training.

Campus and Facilities

Trinity Laban operates across two main sites in South East London:

• The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich: a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the music department, including the Peacock Room concert hall, practice rooms, recording studios, and a music library
• The Laban Building in Deptford: an award-winning building designed by Herzog and de Meuron, housing the dance department with studios, performance spaces, and a dance science lab

Facilities include professional recording studios, a concert hall, recital rooms, a dance theatre, and specialized practice spaces. The Greenwich location gives students access to one of London's most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods, with the O2 Arena, Cutty Sark, and central London all within easy reach.

Admissions and Tuition

Admission is by audition only. Applicants apply directly through the Trinity Laban website or through UCAS Conservatoires for undergraduate music programs. Audition requirements vary by program but typically include prepared pieces, sight-reading, and an interview.

For UK students, undergraduate tuition fees are approximately GBP 9,250 per year (2025/26). International student fees are higher, typically ranging from GBP 22,000 to GBP 28,000 per year depending on the program. The Study Abroad Programme costs approximately GBP 8,450 for a full year. Scholarships and bursaries are available, including awards for outstanding audition performance.

Prospective students should check the official Trinity Laban website for current fee schedules, audition dates, and program-specific requirements.

Notable Alumni and Industry Connections

Trinity Laban alumni include conductor Howard Arman, choreographer Lea Anderson, and performers across London's West End, BBC orchestras, and international dance companies. The conservatoire's merger of music and dance creates unique cross-disciplinary opportunities that few other institutions offer.

The faculty includes working professionals from London's orchestral, jazz, and theatre scenes. Guest artists and visiting lecturers regularly give masterclasses and workshops, and the conservatoire maintains partnerships with organizations including the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC, and Royal Opera House.

Why It Matters for Aspiring Musicians

Trinity Laban suits students who want conservatoire training in London with a strong emphasis on contemporary practice and cross-disciplinary work. The merger of music and dance departments means musicians can collaborate with dancers and choreographers, an opportunity unavailable at most single-discipline conservatoires.

Consider the cost. London is one of the world's most expensive cities, and international tuition at Trinity Laban is comparable to other London conservatoires like the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. However, the Study Abroad Programme offers a more affordable entry point for international students who want a year of London conservatoire experience without committing to a full degree.

Students looking for funding should explore music scholarships that support conservatoire study in the UK. You can also use our streaming royalty calculator to estimate how your future recordings might earn revenue on digital platforms.

For a broader view of music education options, browse our complete music schools directory or learn about sync licensing opportunities that London-based graduates frequently pursue in film, television, and advertising.