Dr Clair Rowden appointed Vice President of Royal Musical Association

Dr Clair Rowden, Reader in Musicology at Cardiff University’s School of Music has been appointed Vice President of the Royal Musical Association (RMA), the professional body for academic musicians and musicologists in the UK.

The appointment has a tenure of five years. Dr Rowden will also serve as Chair of Events Committee.

Dr Rowden previously served on the RMA Council and Search and Awards Committees between 2011 and 2013, and organised the RMA annual conference in collaboration with Welsh National Opera in 2012.

The RMA hosts and supports several events each year, from flagship conferences to study days, workshops and chapter meetings. The Events Committee also oversees the organisation of study groups, and provides affiliation and financial support for those that organise events.

Of the appointment, Dr Rowden said: “Throughout my career, I have always endeavoured to link research, institutions and individual researchers with performance and audiences through knowledge transfer and engagement with the music professions.”

“As Vice President, and Chair of the RMA Events Committee, I aim to facilitate exchange and to communicate the ways in which research can inform, assist and invigorate the work of practitioners and the experiences of audiences. In this way the RMA can strengthen its role as ambassador, advocate and facilitator, bringing wide-ranging academic, musical and cultural experiences to diverse audiences and communities to develop knowledge, artistry and employability, adaptability and wellbeing.”

As the RMA approaches its 150th anniversary in 2024, Dr Rowden will be working to establish a legacy of bequests and a series of events and publications in celebration of the society’s rich history.