Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Teaching emphasises practical conducting skills combined with contextual study and professional preparation. Key taught elements include:

• Conducting and baton technique — practising beating patterns and gesture to convey musical intentions.
• Concerts and collaborations — conducting singers (including Royal Academy Opera and Vocal Faculty) and ensembles, working on contemporary repertoire and student composition premieres, and opportunities to organise projects.
• Rehearsal observation — observing visiting international conductors in rehearsals, with lessons or discussions often arranged by the Head of Conducting.
• Repertoire classes and masterclasses — analysing and practising a broad range of repertoire including early music, concerto, mainstream orchestral works and contemporary pieces under faculty, visiting professors and guest artists.
• Aural, keyboard skills and score-reading — developing practical skills for rehearsal technique such as transposition and score study; keyboard ability is optional and can be developed during the course.
• Seminars — professional-development sessions covering history, performance style, analysis, programme building and planning; additional sessions (for example with Nicholas Chalmers) provide choral repertoire and conducting experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold a Bachelor of Music (BMus), or a university bachelor’s degree with music as a core component, or an international equivalent. The MA in Performance route does not require an academic project proposal or written portfolio; selection focuses primarily on musical and practical ability.

Selection includes a multi-stage audition process:

• Round One — Video pre-screening: an uploaded video (minimum 15 minutes total) shot from the orchestra's view showing you conducting an ensemble or orchestra within the last 18 months; footage should include at least two contrasting pieces or movements from different styles/eras and may include rehearsal material; a piano arrangement is acceptable if no ensemble is available.
• Round Two — Live audition days (London): a two-day practical assessment. Day One: a small-ensemble rehearsal (around 15 minutes), aural tests and an interview; candidates are notified by email around 9pm if invited to Day Two. Day Two: a two-piano session assessing score layout and gesture, possibly followed by a short interview about career direction.
• Application materials: concert biography (programme-style), comprehensive repertoire list, CV detailing musical background and teachers, and a 3–5 minute spoken English video introduction addressing musical background, ambitions and reasons for applying to the Academy.

Career prospects

The course is designed to prepare students for professional conducting careers by building conducting technique, rehearsal leadership and broad repertoire experience. Graduates leave with practical experience leading singers and instrumental ensembles, observing eminent guest conductors, and directing projects within a conservatoire environment.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The course page does not list programme-specific scholarships. Prospective applicants should consult the academy’s central funding pages and postgraduate scholarships, and consider external awards and travel grants relevant to conducting studies.