Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Core activity is centred on performance tuition and ensemble work with a range of taught elements to support that practice.

• Core modules: performance classes, masterclasses, individual lessons for Principal Study, ensemble and directed ensemble coaching, lectures, seminars and academic supervisions.
• Electives (examples that may be offered): Analysis and Aesthetics; Artist Development (covering online content, recording techniques, audition preparation, funding and self-employed finances, assessed via a portfolio); Attentive Listening; Composition (for students with prior composition experience); Concert Programmes and Programming; Concert Workshop; Creative Collaboration (a three-day intensive in partnership with Glyndebourne); Contemporary Music Workshop; Creating Your Own Performance Projects; Creative Programming and Research; Enhanced Performance Techniques; Historical Performance (period-instrument practice); The Interpreter’s Workshop; Open Academy (community and participation 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 usually hold a bachelor’s degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours or higher, or an international equivalent. Unlike the MMus route, applicants to this MA do not need to submit an academic project proposal or written portfolio; selection focuses primarily on musicality and practical performance. The chosen programme length can be discussed and adjusted at audition.

Career prospects

Graduates can reasonably expect to pursue careers as professional performers on historical instruments, ensemble players, chamber musicians, or freelancers developing their own concert projects. The programme’s emphasis on artist development, programming, recording and collaboration also supports routes into teaching, community and participatory music work, and self-directed creative projects in the wider early-music sector.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should explore institutional scholarships and external funding aimed at postgraduate performance study, and consider the programme’s Artist Development activities which include guidance on professional documentation, auditioning and funding applications. Practical experience in recording, programming and community work can strengthen funding and career applications.