[2] It is a centre for scholarly research and doctorate-level study in areas such as performance practice, composition, musicology and music history.

[6] Singing classes began in that year and, after some initial struggles, 110 students and were performing regular concerts by 1863.

[8] In 1882 instrumental classes were started, attracting 458 students on their first year, and a separate music section created within the institute.

As part of the Paradise Circus redevelopment the former site of the Conservatoire was subject to a compulsory purchase by Birmingham City Council.

In their Junior Department, training for children aged 8 to 18 years takes place weekly on Saturdays during the local school term.

[16] Conservatoire students perform regularly in the conservatoire's concert venues, and also nationally often at Symphony Hall Birmingham and Birmingham Town Hall and internationally under such conductors as Sir Simon Rattle, Pierre Boulez, Sakari Oramo, Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, Paul Spicer and Jeffrey Skidmore.

As of 2013[update], Royal Birmingham Conservatoire had around 80 full-time members of staff that included active professional musicians, performers, composers, conductors and scholars.