City

What you'll study

The programme focuses on sustained, high-level practical training built around one-to-one principal study and regular public performance. Core components typically include advanced principal lessons, a public recital or solo programme, chamber and ensemble performance, and modules in performance practice and repertoire research. Students on the MMus also complete a research project or written dissertation that links practical work with contextual study; the PGDip follows the same taught and practical profile but normally omits the final dissertation element.

• Principal study: weekly one-to-one lessons with specialist tutors tailored to technical and interpretative development.
• Performance modules: solo recitals, chamber music, orchestral or ensemble participation and regular concert presentation.
• Contextual and research skills: modules covering performance practice, historical/contextual studies, and methods for practice-led research.
• Professional skills: career development, audition technique, recording skills, programme planning and enterprise in the arts.
• Optional workshops: contemporary performance, improvisation, new music, and collaboration with composers and directors.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in music or an equivalent professional qualification, with a strong performance profile; a 2:1 is commonly the benchmark, though exceptional professional experience may be considered. All applicants must prepare an audition (live or recorded) demonstrating repertoire and technical command at postgraduate level, and may be invited to an interview.

• Undergraduate degree in music or equivalent professional experience.
• Performance audition (recorded or live) and programme list.
• Academic reference and/or professional references.
• Statement of purpose outlining artistic aims, programme choice and proposed repertoire or research focus.
• International applicants will need to meet English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers as soloists, chamber and orchestral players, and freelance musicians working across performance, recording and touring. The course also equips musicians for teaching at advanced levels, leadership roles within ensembles, arts management and community engagement projects. Many alumni combine performing careers with further study or research (such as a PhD), composition, or roles in music production, programming and education.

Why study at City

City provides concentrated performance training in the heart of London, offering regular concert opportunities, collaboration with peers across disciplines and access to the city’s rich professional music network. Teaching is delivered by practising performers and scholars, and students benefit from specialised facilities for practice, rehearsal and recording. The programme’s emphasis on both high-quality performance and practical career skills prepares graduates for the varied demands of contemporary professional music-making.