The RCM Studio

The RCM Studio

In 1966, Tristram Cary prepared a report discussing the feasibility for setting up an electronic music studio in London, outlining the functions of the studio, the equipment necessary, the cost of setting up the studio, and a detailed plan establishing such a centre.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of Cary and others within his circle, a centre for electronic music in the UK was never established. Compared to the facilities and developments in European countries, and even with the best efforts of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, electronic music in England lacked the benefits of institutional support.

Aside from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, the only other organisation that approached something like a national centre for electronic music was the RCM Studio. In 1967, the Director of the Royal College of Music, Sir Keith Falkner, approached Cary with a proposal to establish an electronic music studio that could operate as part of the music programme. Cary accepted the offer, establishing one of the first electronic music studios offering courses in electronic music to students in the country. The studios still exist today, although they no longer focus exclusively on electronic music.