Music MA: Performance Practice pathway

Core modules

You will study three 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

This module prepares you for the field of Musicology by examining key issues, theories, and methodologies in the field. It is taught as a series of seminars by a number of staff in the Department of Music, and any research presentations organised for department staff and visiting scholars.
Assessment: Two 2,500-word essays

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

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

For more information, see our Music module descriptions.

In addition to your taught modules, you will present a substantial solo recital, of around 30 minutes in length, supported by a prose commentary of 3,800 words. The recital offers you the opportunity to unite practical and theoretical musicianship. The performance interpretation should be informed by historical context, and the commentary should establish and discuss the rationale for the interpretation with reference to that context. The recital programme should be built around a particular historical repertory or technique.

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.