Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

The course centres on performance-based tuition and collaborative music-making. Core activities include:

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

There is a broad elective programme (varying year to year) offering options such as Analysis and Aesthetics; Artist Development; Attentive Listening; Composition (for those with prior composition 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; The Interpreter’s Workshop; Open Academy; Performing Experimental Music; Performing French Music; The Pianist’s Heritage; Principles of Chamber Music; Thinking about recording / The self-directed recording artist; and Transcription and Arrangement.

Entry requirements

Applicants will usually hold a bachelor’s degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours or above, or an international equivalent. Unlike the MMus track, this MA does not require an academic project proposal or a written portfolio; admission is assessed primarily on musical and practical performance at audition.

Career prospects

The programme is intended to form a bridge into a performance career: graduates develop advanced solo and ensemble skills, project planning and collaborative experience useful for freelance performing, period-instrument ensembles, chamber groups and specialist early-music work. The course’s emphasis on artist development and portfolio assessment supports professional readiness in diverse musical roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding opportunities and scholarships vary by year and provider. Applicants should check the institution’s postgraduate funding pages and external funding bodies for awards aimed at performance students; the course’s Artist Development provision also covers practical career-preparation skills relevant to applying for grants, competitions and commissions.