The RMA Student Committee is looking for postgraduate research student candidates for TWO positions starting in January 2024.

The Committee is responsible for a variety of tasks including aiding with the organisation of student events, encouraging student participation, representing students in other RMA committees and at Council, and maintaining the student section of the RMA website. 

It meets at least three times a year: a virtual meeting in May, an in-person meeting in September at the RMA Annual Conference, and a final in-person meeting at the January RMA Research Students’ Conference. Successful candidates are eligible to claim expenses for costs necessarily incurred in attending RMA meetings (for example, travel expenses) in line with the RMA’s expenses policy.

As a member of the RMA Student Committee, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in editing and curating research-related blog content, conference organisation, student engagement, committee leadership, and teamwork. There are also opportunities to provide student input to help shape RMA policies, programmes, and events, and to network with students and academic staff from across the UK and beyond.

The Committee aims to represent the wide scope of music student experiences and perspectives, and welcomes students of all research interests and disciplinary orientations. We particularly encourage students from backgrounds and groups currently underrepresented in the UK postgraduate music studies community to consider putting their name forward, to contact departmental staff for help in writing an application, and to write to the RMA Student Committee with any questions.

Available positions

• Ordinary Member (January 2024–January 2026)
• Student Representative (January 2024–January 2026; i.e., one year as Junior Student Representative, followed by a year as Senior Student Representative / Chair of the Student Committee)

To read role descriptors and testimonials from current Committee members, please click here. Committee members are also happy to discuss their experiences; please email any enquiries to faith.thompson@student.rncm.ac.uk and they will be passed on to the relevant Committee member.

Eligibility

Candidates must be postgraduate students at a UK-based institution. Student Representatives must be resident predominantly in the UK throughout their term in office. Ordinary Members may be resident anywhere.

Candidates do not currently need to be RMA members to put forward an application. However, they must become RMA student members once elected. Click here for more on RMA membership.

Candidates may only hold their position within the student committee for as long they are an RMA Student Member. Candidates are generally expected to continue being students well into the final year of their position.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until 7:59 pm on 10 January 2024. Please email questions and applications to the Chair of the Student Committee at faith.thompson@student.rncm.ac.uk.

Your application should include the following information, which will be published on the online voting page.

1. Your name, affiliation, and current degree.
2. List which of the above positions you would like to run for in order of preference.
3. A brief biography. Make sure to draw attention to the skills, perspectives, and experiences within the RMA and outside of it that you think will be beneficial to the student committee. (200 words max)
4. An explanation for your interest in joining the committee as well as ideas for future projects, improvements, and/or aims you would like to pursue in the role. (200 words max)

Election Procedure

Voting will take place on 11 January from 8:00 am to 7:59pm.

Positions will be allocated based on number of votes, and then by availability of preferred positions. Elected members who are not RMA student members yet will be asked to become one ASAP.

Elected candidates will be invited to attend the RMA Student Committee meeting (virtually or in-person) on 12 January at lunchtime.