Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Core practical and ensemble tuition form the backbone of the course, supported by lectures, seminars and academic supervision. Core modules and activities include:

• Performance classes
• Masterclasses
• Individual lessons for Principal Study
• Ensemble and Directed Ensemble coaching
• Lectures and Seminars
• Academic supervisions

A broad set of elective modules complements the core work; the offered electives vary year-to-year but examples include:

• Analysis and Aesthetics
• Artist Development (career and entrepreneurial skills, portfolio assessment)
• Attentive Listening
• Composition (for those with prior compositional experience)
• Concert Programmes and Programming
• Concert Workshop
• Creative Collaboration (including a Glyndebourne-led intensive)
• Contemporary Music Workshop
• Creating your own performance projects
• Creative Programming and Research
• Enhanced Performance Techniques
• Historical Performance (period-instrument focus)
• The Interpreter’s Workshop
• Open Academy (participation and community music practice)
• 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 normally hold a Bachelor degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours or higher, or an international equivalent. Unlike the MMus route, the MA in Performance does not require an academic project proposal or a written portfolio; selection concentrates primarily on musical and practical performance at audition.

Career prospects

The programme is intended to prepare performers for professional activity in the music sector, particularly work that draws on historical-performance practice and period instruments. Graduates typically pursue careers as soloists, chamber players, ensemble members, collaborative artists, or develop independent performance projects; the Artist Development provision supports practical steps into freelancing, recording and self-directed initiatives.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding opportunities and scholarships are handled at institutional level; applicants should consult the Academy’s central funding and scholarships guidance for eligible awards and application processes. The course’s Artist Development work also addresses practical skills for sourcing project funding and self-employed finances.