Music MA: Open Pathway with Performance

Core modules

You will study two core modules:

This module focuses on the technical aspects of performance, and is for advanced performers who are approaching a professional standard. The module culminates in a recital, and the repertoire must be chosen from either the LRSM or FRSM syllabus.
Assessment: 15-minute recital

Following on from Advanced Performance 1, your skills will be honed through individual tuition with experts on your instrument/ voice.
Assessment: Lecture recital comprised of a 15-minute recital and a 15-minute lecture

You will also choose four optional modules from a range which typically includes:

• Advanced Studies in Electroacoustic Composition 1 and 2
• Advanced Studies in Instrumental/Vocal Composition
• Advanced Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Music
• Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
• British Music Studies 1850-1975
• Composition Tutorials 1 and 2
• Contemporary Music Studies
• Experimental Music and Sound Art
• Fieldwork Methods
• Historically Informed Performance
• Introduction to Global Popular Musics
• Introduction to Musicology
• Laptop Ensemble
• Performance Skills 1 and 2 (recommended)

You may also select one undergraduate module to take at the MA level. Modules may include:

• Love, Death, Religion and Music in the Renaissance
• Music Festivals
• Music, Protest and Social Activism
• Ralph Vaughan Williams and His World
• The Blues

For more information, see our Music module descriptions.

You also have the opportunity to take one optional module outside of Music. Modules may include:

• Empire and Identity
• Ideas, Ideals and Ideologies
• Sexuality, Gender and Representation

In addition to your taught modules, you will complete a final project in one of the following formats:

• Composition portfolio: one or more compositions amounting to approximately 13-23 minutes duration in total (length to be agreed with your supervisor), and an accompanying written commentary of approximately 3-5,000 words.
• Musicology dissertation: a substantial research project, 15,000 words in length.
• Recital: a substantial solo recital, 45 minutes in length
• Recital with commentary: a recital of around 30 minutes in length, supported by a prose commentary of 3,800 words.

The format will be decided in consultation with the programme convenor.

Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.