Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Teaching is dominated by performance activity rather than written assessment. Core provision includes:

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

A broad range of elective modules can be taken depending on yearly provision and student needs; examples include Analysis and Aesthetics; Artist Development; Attentive Listening; Composition (for those with prior composition experience); Concert Programmes and Programming; Creative Collaboration; Contemporary Music Workshop; Creating Your Own Performance Projects; Creative Programming and Research; Enhanced Performance Techniques; Historical Performance (explicitly focused on historically informed performance on period instruments); The Interpreter’s Workshop; Open Academy activities; 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 degree (RQF Level 6) at lower second-class honours 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 focuses primarily on musical and practical performance at audition.

Career prospects

The MA is oriented toward developing practical, project‑based and professional skills that support a performance career. Graduates typically use the programme to advance solo, ensemble and period-instrument work, to create their own performance initiatives and to prepare for professional freelance or employed roles in the music sector.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding opportunities and scholarships vary by institution and year; applicants should consult the academy’s central funding and scholarships information and consider the Artist Development provision, which includes practical preparation for self-employed finances and career sustainability as part of training.