Lois Fitch is a musician, having trained as a singer and violist at Bablake School, Coventry and Durham University, performing with ensembles including Palatinate Voices and Durham Polyphony. On completion of her BA Hons (Music) she undertook a PhD, also at Durham, on New Music and interdisciplinary aesthetics. Whilst studying, she developed a passion for teaching, which became the basis for a 25-year career as a lecturer in music, performance studies, music history and interdisciplinarity in the arts. She is the author of a monograph on composer Brian Ferneyhough (University of Chicago & Intellect Press, 2013).  Lois was Head of Undergraduate programmes at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester between 2008 and 2018, and during that time produced work including a live performance installation of Mauricio Kagel’s Ludwig Van with original commissions and adapted material, as well as leading curriculum development, and working to enhance students’ learning experience and outcomes.

At the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Lois is Deputy Principal, responsible for the complete academic portfolio, student services and information services. Lois is regularly sought after as a trustee with expertise in music, academic governance and strategy, and has contributed to BBC Radio programmes, national academic reform and is Vice-President of the Royal Musical Association.