On 1 February Marjolein Niels has started as a new head of the Vocal department. She is a singer, a graduate of the Conservatory of Amsterdam, the Dutch National Opera Academy and the former Dutch Opera Studio. She studied Cultural Management at the University of Antwerp and was the education manager of the Dutch National Opera Academy from 2017 to 2021. Most recently, she was team leader Interior Design at the Hout- en Meubilerings College Rotterdam. Marjolein's appointment marks a new chapter for the much-loved Vocal department, which has been under the skilful leadership of Monica Damen for many years.

Marjolein: 'My new role as head of the Vocal department at the Royal Conservatoire brings together my broad experience in both music and education. The Royal Conservatoire stands for high quality music education and continuous reflection on the role of music in society today and in the future. It is in this spirit of research that I feel connected to the Royal Conservatoire. It is with great pride and ambition that I, together with my team and the many partners, will continue to shape the vocal education of the Royal Conservatoire.’