Royal Academy of Music, University of London

Programme overview

This intensive one-year full-time programme prepares students for careers in musical theatre as musical directors and coaches. Teaching is delivered by industry professional Musical Directors and is tailored to each student’s experience; the course runs alongside the Academy’s Musical Theatre programme and emphasises practical work in a professional environment, including public and industry-facing performances and an agents’ showcase.

What you'll study

Core practical training centres on piano, conducting, arranging and orchestration, with one-to-one piano tuition and a 30-minute weekly singing lesson. Students accompany and attend Musical Theatre classes and workshops when timetabling allows, act as Musical Director on performance projects (collaborating with a professional director), and accompany and conduct public performances and competitions. Masterclasses and workshops led by visiting performers, composers and directors are included; past guests have included Claude‑Michel Schönberg, Pippa Ailion, Hadley Fraser, John Bucchino, Jenna Russell, Imelda Staunton and Cynthia Erivo. Projects across the year include musicals, revues, concerts, cabarets, plays, devised work, interdepartmental collaborations and recordings, many accompanied by the Academy Musical Theatre Orchestra in the Susie Sainsbury Theatre.

Entry requirements

Performance: applicants should demonstrate a performance standard at least equivalent to a recognised music performance diploma.

Academic: applicants should hold a Bachelor degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours or higher, or an international equivalent.

Audition: selection has two stages. Round One is a digital video audition assessing piano playing, musicianship and stylistic range: submit two contrasting piano performances (choices flexible: e.g. one classical and one musical theatre piece, or two contrasting musical theatre selections) and a performance accompanying a singer in a musical theatre song. Round Two is a live recall audition; applicants may optionally provide supplementary material such as footage of conducting, ensemble leadership, arranging or orchestration.

Career prospects

Graduates typically enter the musical theatre industry as musical directors or performers and benefit from industry relationships fostered during the course. Career paths reported by alumni include West End and international productions, non-musical theatre and screen work, creating original work, teaching singing, and other roles within stage and screen industries. The programme emphasises practical strategies for entering the industry, including mock auditions and sessions with casting and directing professionals.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding and scholarship opportunities vary; prospective applicants should check the Academy’s central funding pages and external scholarship providers for awards targeted at postgraduate performing arts students. Consider early enquiries about departmental bursaries, travel grants for auditions, and external arts funding bodies.