Digital Composition and Performance - MSc

This interdisciplinary programme focusses on composition and performance with a variety of computer-based technologies. It is open to active musicians with or without a formal music education. It covers electronic/computer/instrumental composition and performance; sound design concepts and techniques; real-time and non real-time sound synthesis and signal processing; interface design; laptop performance strategies; sound diffusion and spatialisation; algorithmic composition; cultural theory; and more. The focus is upon developing bespoke software for the realisation of personal musical visions. This, along with exposure to a wide variety of techniques and musical styles, fosters the creation of highly individual styles and helps graduates stand out from the crowd.

This programme is for talented, creative composers; burgeoning laptop performers; obsessively meticulous digital sound producers; visual artists incorporating sound in their exhibitions; glitch-happy hardware hackers; sound designers itching to go further with musical structure; interactive sound installation artists; performers wishing to branch out into the world of electronic and computer music; classically-trained composers wanting to break into the digital age.

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University composition courses are usually open only to musicians with years of training on a classical instrument, with all the music theory that this entails.This degree recognises a need to engage with musicians who either never had the opportunity of such a training, or whose practice never demanded it. Its starting point is a drive to make and perform music with digital technologies, as well as to explore a variety of music and texts to inform and develop a highly personalised musical style.

As this degree involves a wide range of disciplines both technical and artistic, you will gain a number of transferable skills ranging from the core matters of composition, audio production, and music programming to more indirect but highly employable skills such as research, documentation, critical thinking, oral presentation, teamwork, and software development.

Potential new programme survey

We would like to hear your views on a potential new Masters in Music and Music Pedagogy. Our survey will only take about 5 minutes to complete, and your answers will help inform the development of this exciting new programme.