Procedure

  1. A call for nominations is opened to students, staff (current and former) and alumni in the first term of each academic year. Nominators are given up to one month to submit nominations via an online form. The link to the form will be disseminated through the Principal's Bulletin, the Alumni Newsletter, the Academy’s website and via a notice on the Principal's board. A reminder email will be sent a week before the deadline for nominations.
  2. All eligible nominations will be submitted to the relevant committee after the closing date for nominations.
  3. Honorands are decided by the committee(s) and their decision is ratified by Governing Body. The rationale for decisions is confidential. The decision is final and there is no appeal process.
  4. Nominators will not be notified directly on the outcome of their nomination but honours will be announced through the usual Academy channels - eg on the website and via social media.
  5. Honours will be awarded using the following criteria:

    Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music (FRAM)
    Awarded to alumni who have distinguished themselves within their field, commanding national or international recognition, or who have given exceptional service to the Academy. Limited to 300.

    Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music (Hon RAM)
    Awarded to distinguished musicians, who did not attend the Academy, who command national or international recognition within the music profession. Limited to 300.

    Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM)
    Awarded to alumni who have made a significant contribution to the music profession or society in general. Unlimited in number.

    Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (Hon ARAM)
    Awarded to individuals who did not study at the Academy but have given significant service to the Academy, whether they have been professional musicians or not. Financial donations, per se, do not attract conferral. Unlimited in number.

    Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music (Hon FRAM)
    Awarded to distinguished individuals, who did not study at the Academy, who have given exceptional service to the Academy or the music profession in general. Financial donations, per se, do not attract conferral. Limited to 100.
  6. Any questions about the process should be directed to honours@ram.ac.uk

Policy

  1. Honours will not normally be conferred on a serving politician.
  2. Honours will not normally be conferred to a major financial donor to the Academy.
  3. Self-nominations will not be accepted for consideration.
  4. Nominations of current students will not be accepted for consideration.
  5. The Governing Body's decision is final and there is no appeal process.
  6. Nominators will not be notified directly on the outcome of their nomination.
  7. Nominations for Honorary Doctor of the University (Hon DMus) may be considered or held back for up to three years in advance of conferment.
  8. In accordance with the Academy's supplementary charter, the Governing Body has power to remove an honour from an individual who brings the name or reputation of the Academy into disrepute.