Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

The programme combines individual and group tuition with a wide choice of electives so you can develop specialist historical-performance skills alongside broader professional competencies.

• Core elements: performance classes; masterclasses; individual Principal Study lessons; ensemble and directed ensemble coaching; lectures; seminars; and academic supervisions.
• Electives (vary year to year and respond to student needs): Analysis and Aesthetics; Artist Development; Attentive Listening; Composition (for those with prior composition experience); Concert Programmes and Programming; Concert Workshop; Creative Collaboration (including a three-day intensive with Glyndebourne); Contemporary Music Workshop; Creating Your Own Performance Projects; Creative Programming and Research; Enhanced Performance Techniques; Historical Performance; The Interpreter’s Workshop; Open Academy activities; Performing Experimental Music; Performing French Music; The Pianist’s Heritage; Principles of Chamber Music; Thinking about recording / The self-directed recording artist; Transcription and Arrangement.

Entry requirements

Applicants will usually hold a Bachelor's degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours or higher, or an international equivalent. Unlike the MMus route, this MA does not require an academic project proposal or a written portfolio; selection is primarily based on musical and practical performance at audition.

Career prospects

Graduates emerge with advanced solo and ensemble performance experience, historical-performance techniques on period instruments, programming and collaborative project skills, and practical artist-development training. These prepare you for careers as a performing cellist in period and modern ensembles, chamber musician, freelance recitalist, and for roles that combine performance with project leadership, community engagement or self-directed recording and promotion.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students on performance MAs commonly pursue institutional scholarships, performance bursaries, or external funding bodies supporting musicians; the programme’s Artist Development and Open Academy activities are designed to help you prepare professional materials and pursue funding, freelance income and promotional opportunities.