Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Core teaching concentrates on instrumental and ensemble performance, with complementary coaching and seminar activity. Core elements listed in the programme include:

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

A broad range of elective modules supports specialist and professional development. Electives that have been offered include Analysis and Aesthetics; Artist Development (career practicalities, online content, recording, auditioning, funding and freelance finance assessed via a portfolio); Attentive Listening; Composition (for those with prior composition experience); Concert Programmes and Programming; Concert Workshop; Creative Collaboration (including a three-day Glyndebourne collaboration); Contemporary Music Workshop; Creating Your Own Performance Projects; Creative Programming and Research; Enhanced Performance Techniques; Historical Performance (exploration of HIP on period instruments); The Interpreter’s Workshop; Open Academy community and participation work; 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 at RQF Level 6 with a lower second-class honours (2:2) or higher, or an international equivalent. Unlike the MMus pathway, the MA in Performance does not require submission of an academic project proposal or a written portfolio; selection is based principally on musical and practical performance at audition.

Career prospects

The programme is designed to prepare players for professional performing careers, particularly in historically informed and period-instrument contexts, chamber ensembles and freelance work. The curriculum balances solo and ensemble practice with preparation for contemporary professional demands (recording, programming, collaboration and audience-facing activities), equipping graduates to pursue work as specialist performers, ensemble members, collaborative artists or self-employed musicians.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Prospective applicants should investigate institution-level scholarships, departmental awards and external funding bodies that support postgraduate musicians. Given the course emphasis on performance and portfolio assessment, candidates can strengthen funding applications by documenting recent performances, recordings and proposed performance initiatives. Also consider travel, instrument and period-instrument hire costs when budgeting.