Royal Northern College of Music announces Jacob Shaw as new cello professor

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British-Danish cellist Jacob Shaw has been appointed professor of cello at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. He will begin the role in in September 2024.

About the appointment he says, ’I searched long and hard for an institution which I believe shares my ethos – to give the my students careful support and chances in a wonderful and encouraging atmosphere. I am profoundly grateful to the Royal Northern College of Music and those involved in my appointment for embracing my vision and entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. I simply cannot wait to get started!’

Shaw previously held the ‘Gaspar Cassado’ chair as professor of cello at the Academia Marshal in Barcelona, Spain, and currently collaborates with the cello class at the Musikhochschule Münster in Germany as guest professor. He also presents masterclasses internationally and has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Seoul Arts Center and the Musikverein Wein. 

Born in London in 1988, Shaw is an alum of the Yehudi Menuhin School, École Normale de Musique de Paris and Royal Danish Academy of Music. During his education, he also took lessons with János Starker and Roland Pidoux. In competitions, he won the silver medal at the David Popper International Competition, first prize at the Danish National String Competition and was a laureate of the Suggia International Cello Competition, among other competition prizes.

In 2016, Shaw founded the Scandinavian Cello School (SCS), of which he is now the director. The school is located on a farm, along the Danish coastline 60km south of Copenhagen and near the Stevns Klint UNESCO World Heritage Site. The school hosts young cellists from around the world in the form of residencies and larger-scale projects, including lessons with Shaw, chamber music training and career development support. Students also help with farm and outdoor activities, in the hope of fostering a balanced lifestyle and musical experience.

A cello octet formed by the school recently performed at the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, following a short tour in Denmark. The school also concentrates on community work in the local area, performing in places such as care homes and pubs, and aims to bring music to audiences outside of the traditional classical music industry. 

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