The Reina Sofía School of Music
Founded in 1991 by Paloma O'Shea, the Reina Sofía School of Music has become one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Based in Madrid, this private institution attracts nearly 150 young musicians each year, representing more than 35 nationalities, selected solely on the basis of merit and artistic potential.
The school has built a strong reputation thanks to the support of figures such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, and Zubin Mehta, and under the honorary presidency of Her Majesty Queen Sofía. Renowned for its personalised and flexible pedagogical approach, the school emphasises rigorous training and frequent performance opportunities, with students averaging 20 concerts per year. The professional integration rate of its more than 1,200 alumni is an exceptional 100%. Another of its strengths lies in inclusion: 100% of students receive free tuition, along with housing grants and instrument loans, ensuring access to excellence regardless of financial means.
The Reina Sofía School of Music also stands out for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including its main auditorium, the Auditorio Sony, which offers an ideal setting for concerts and masterclasses, as well as for its commitment to musical research and pedagogical innovation. The school furthermore fosters international collaborations with leading music institutions, strengthening cultural openness and artistic exchange for its students.
Among the richness of its teaching, the Early Music programme—supported by the Société Générale Corporate Foundation since September 2021—holds a special place. Responding to the growing expectations of the musical sector regarding historically informed performance, this curriculum, directed by conductor Paul Goodwin, immerses students in interpretative traditions ranging from the Renaissance to the Classical era. It prepares them for diverse professional opportunities, notably within orchestras and chamber music ensembles.
Lasting 200 hours per year, the programme is open to undergraduate and master’s students. It offers predominantly practical training: individual and duo work on early repertoire, chamber music and orchestral training, as well as public concerts incorporating historically informed instrumental and stylistic practices. This in‑depth instruction allows students to acquire recognised technical and stylistic mastery, essential for meeting the demands of the international music scene.
Through this programme, the Reina Sofía School of Music actively contributes to the preservation and dissemination of Europe’s musical heritage. By supporting this initiative, the Société Générale Corporate Foundation reaffirms its commitment to culture, artistic excellence, and the professional integration of young talents, convinced that the transmission of knowledge and the promotion of heritage are essential pillars for the future of classical music.