About This Course
The MMus Performance course is ideal for those who are already proficient instrumental or vocal performers, and wish to refine their skills and extend their knowledge. On this programme you will refine your technical and interpretative skills, acquire a deeper understanding of contemporary and historical contexts relating to the performance of music, and develop skills and methodologies to undertake specialist research relating to your creative practice. You will also hone high-level transferable skills in critical thinking, conceptual thinking, problem solving, analysis, communication, self-direction and originality.
You will work closely with professional performers and established researchers, most of whom have international profiles. The School enjoys close links with industrial and third-sector partners such as Welsh National Opera, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Ensemble Cymru, and it is often possible for students to undertake a work placement during the course of the programme.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
The programme is divided into two parts: two semesters of taught study (Part 1, 120 credits) and a substantial recital prepared over the summer (Part 2, 60 credits).
Part 1 (Diploma):
On this programme, you will undertake Solo Performance Projects in both semesters, leading to a short recital at the end of each one.
In Semester 1, you will also study theories, practices and the history of performing in Performance and History. In Semester 2, you can choose from a range of options which will enhance your knowledge of repertoires and their historical contexts; options include Early Music, Contemporary Music Practice or a supervised Independent Research Project on a topic of your choice.
Part 2 (MA):
The Part 2 Project consists of a public recital lasting 50-60 minutes, normally given in early October of the following academic year.
Teaching is provided through a combination of individual tuition and small-group seminars. MMus Performance students receive 36 hours of specialist instrumental or vocal tuition over the course of the programme, in addition to training given in masterclass and workshop settings.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Performance Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
- A first degree at 2.ii standard or higher (or equivalent) is required.
- Candidates for this programme must be able to demonstrate excellent performance skills; most will have either an excellent grade in an undergraduate final-year recital (good 2.i or higher), a high mark in DipABRSM (or equivalent) or at least a pass at LRSM (or equivalent).
- Applicants will be asked to audition, or, where this is not feasible, to provide a recorded video performance featuring contrasting repertoire (25-30 minutes) which can be in the form of links to content on YouTube or Dropbox, or by uploading video files (PLEASE NOTE: your face must be clearly visible in any submitted videos)
- English proficiency (for non-native English or Welsh speakers): IELTS English test with a score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5).
- Applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and candidates may be asked to submit a piece of written work in support of their application. Please contact us for more information.
Careers
The MMus in Performance will widen your experience of performing and will develop your academic skills in relation to your practice. The programme will equip you for further study of performance and/or musicology at PhD level and beyond. It will also equip you with skills in creativity, self-discipline, analysis and communication which are valued by employers both within and outside the field of music. Recent graduates have pursued successful careers as professional performers, concert promoters, arts administrators, teachers, educational advisers, performers, and business people.
