Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive individual and group performance tuition with a range of electives. Core teaching formats include:

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

Elective options (which vary year-to-year) allow you to tailor study toward historical performance and professional practice. Examples include:

• Analysis and Aesthetics
• Artist Development (career preparation, online content, recording techniques, auditioning and self-employed finances; assessed via a portfolio)
• Attentive Listening
• Composition (for those with prior composition experience)
• Concert Programmes and Programming
• Creative Collaboration (including a three-day intensive with Glyndebourne)
• Contemporary Music Workshop
• Creating Your Own Performance Projects
• Creative Programming and Research
• Enhanced Performance Techniques
• Historical Performance (exploration of historically informed performance on period instruments)
• The Interpreter’s Workshop
• Open Academy (learning, participation and community work)
• Performing Experimental Music
• Performing French Music
• The Pianist’s Heritage (repertoire and practice questions)
• 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 above, or an international equivalent. Selection for the MA is focused primarily on musical performance; unlike the MMus route, the MA does not require an academic project proposal or a written portfolio.

Career prospects

The programme is designed to develop professional performance skills and to support students in forming performance initiatives that lead toward a career in performance. With the Artist Development provision and ensemble coaching, graduates are prepared for freelance and ensemble work, project leadership, and other performance-focused roles in the music profession.

Scholarships & funding angle

Specific scholarships and fees are not listed on the course text. Prospective applicants should explore institutional scholarships, external arts funding bodies and funding options related to postgraduate performance study; the course’s Artist Development work also includes practical guidance on obtaining funding and sustaining a self-employed career.