Music Performance

Currently available for voice, strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard, guitar and harp, the programme focuses on performance and performance studies and in particular on your abilities to communicate confidently as a professional musician with a stylish and informed approach.

For students who have learned English as a foreign language (EFL), the MA programme incorporates essential components in English language and cultural studies to support all aspects of the performance studies.

Course Structure

Principal study activities include up to 60 hours of one-to-one tuition, which is complemented by a range of departmental classes and performance activities, including chamber music and large ensemble work. You will also participate in the Postgraduate Lunchtime Recital Series, both as a performer and audience member.

Principal study activities are assessed by means of two public recitals: a 30-minute recital in the final term of the first year and a 60-minute recital in the final term of the second year.

‘The Performing Musician’ module is delivered through a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials. It aims to enable you to perform a wide range of repertoire in an informed manner and to communicate your ideas musically, orally and in writing, drawing on appropriate research. Students work towards delivering a short seminar in the second term and a one-hour lecture recital in term four.

The ‘Communication in Performance’ module aims to equip you with the musical, written and oral communication skills that will enable you to present yourself effectively as a musician at a professional level. You will focus on reflective and critical thinking to analyse your own performances as well as those of other musicians. The module encompasses the Postgraduate Performance Platform - a class in which students discuss general issues related to performance presentation and effective communication as a musician. Further lectures and workshops focus on self-promotion and entrepreneurial skills including the use of appropriate media and technology.

In the ‘Concert Platform’ module, you will participate in a series of classes to discuss issues involved in presenting your own concert, focussing on the non-musical aspects such as setting up a concert, deciding on the programme and providing various publicity materials.

A vocational placement in the first or second term is also a core element of the programme, enabling you to engage with potential employers in fields such as orchestral performance, instrumental teaching, community music and outreach. We are able to offer a range of opportunities for you to work with professional organisations in these fields as part of your course.

Entry Requirements

Candidates will be required to attend an audition and interview at which they are expected to demonstrate that they are of a satisfactory standard for entry.

Typical minimum entrance criteria also include an upper second class degree in music with a significant practical component, or an upper second class degree together with a recognised practical diploma in music.

Students for whom English is not a first language are required to demonstrate a level of fluency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in the written component) or TOEFL 550 (213 for the computer-based test or 79-80 IBT).

Candidates with an exceptional level of ability may be considered without a full range of formal qualifications.