Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Core tuition focuses on individual and ensemble performance and on building professional practice. Core activities include:

• Performance classes
• Masterclasses
• Individual lessons for Principal Study
• Ensemble and Directed Ensemble coaching
• Lectures, seminars and academic supervisions

A broad range of elective modules is available (these vary year to year). Electives listed for recorder/historical performance students include:

• Analysis and Aesthetics
• Artist Development (practical career-preparation skills and a portfolio assessed across the course)
• Attentive Listening
• Composition (for those with prior composition experience)
• Concert Programmes and Programming
• Concert Workshop
• Creative Collaboration (three-day intensive with Glyndebourne)
• Contemporary Music Workshop
• Creating Your Own Performance Projects
• Creative Programming and Research
• Enhanced Performance Techniques
• Historical Performance (period-instrument practice and historically informed approaches)
• The Interpreter’s Workshop
• Open Academy (learning, participation and community engagement)
• 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’s degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours or above, or an international equivalent. Unlike the MMus route, the MA in Performance does not require an academic project proposal or written portfolio; selection is principally based on musicality and practical performance demonstrated at audition.

Career prospects

The programme is designed to develop the performance skills, repertoire knowledge and professional practice needed for work as a performing musician. Emphasis on artist development, project creation and ensemble work is intended to help graduates move into freelance performance, ensemble careers, teaching or self-directed creative projects, depending on individual goals and prior experience.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships and funding opportunities are not listed here; prospective students should consult the Academy’s finance and scholarships pages. The course’s Artist Development provision includes practical preparation (such as funding applications and self-employed finances) that supports students’ ability to seek and manage external funding and professional income.