The Royal Marines School of Music

In April 1996 the Royal Marines School of Music moved to Portsmouth after 135 years in Deal. This was an occasion tinged with sadness because of the close links which had grown between the RM School of Music and the town, but it is encouraging that a similar relationship is already established with Portsmouth and especially with the local University.

The new site for the School of Music is the former Royal Naval Detention Quarters within the Naval Dockyard and transformation of this listed building posed a number of interesting and challenging problems, not least how to turn cells into music practice rooms. Doors have been converted to include handles on the inside as well as the outside and spy holes have been replaced by glass panels! Major refurbishment is still in progress to transform the somewhat intimidating and austere surroundings, but is constrained by the need to preserve the key architectural features of the site as required by the English Heritage. The Official opening of the relocated School was performed on 28 October 1996 by HRH The Prince Edward who continues to show keen interest in the activities of the Band Service.

1st July 1997 saw a further major change with responsibility for the School of Music being transferred from the Commandant General Royal Marines to the Flag Officer Training and Recruiting. At about the same time, an exciting initiative culminated in the accredition of all Royal Marines musical training for civilian academic awards ranging from Certification to Masters degrees. With this achievement the Royal Marines School of Music has become an even more attractive training organisation and employer and, already there are signs of young people opting to take their degrees at the School rather than at University or conservatoire, and for graduate musicians electing to complete their Masters with the School.

The way is now open for the School to sell its training around the world to any who wish to persue degree accredited music training. Provision of first class training for Royal Marines Musicians while generating income from outside would help offset the cost of running the School of Music to operate as a single service musicians training establishment for many years to come.