LCM was founded in 1887 and existed as an independent music conservatoire based at Great Marlborough Street in central London until 1991.

LCM's Chair of Composition and Head of Research is Francis Pott, widely known in particular as a composer of sacred choral music and works for the organ.

Past visiting professors at LCM have included Guy Woolfenden, Nick Ingman and (following his retirement from the role of Principal) John McCabe.

A long-running and successful programme of weekly "Composers' Workshops" has included guest presentations by (among others) Stephen Montague, Jonathan Dove, Judith Weir, David Sawer, Judith Bingham, Deirdre Gribbin, Augusta Read Thomas, Param Vir, Philip Grange, Jonty Harrison, Camden Reeves, Nigel Hess, Francis Pott, Andrew Poppy and Simon Holt.

[citation needed] The music technology department of LCM incorporates 25 recording studios, plus the Native Instruments Labs.