Master of Performance

MPerf entrants must pass an RNCM audition and normally hold a good degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing). This qualification need not be in music, but all candidates must be able to satisfy the College that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area, and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment.

Candidates whose first language is not English must have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent in each and every component (or CEFR B2).

UK applicants may be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check to participate in some professional placement modules within this course. Applicants from countries other than the UK, or UK residents who have spent six months or more in any non-UK country within five years of the course start date must additionally provide a police certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.

In some cases, candidates who have completed relevant modules of a postgraduate (Level 7) qualification at a recognised Higher Education Institution may be considered for direct entry into year 2 of the RNCM MPerf programme. In the first instance, please email details of your prior learning (summary of educational background and copies of transcripts) to [email protected]

Performance in Keyboard, Strings, Voice, Wind, Brass, Percussion and Popular Music

Students who wish to study two disciplines may apply for joint principal study, which is available in the following combinations:

• Composition with any instrument from the School of Keyboard Studies, School of Strings, School of Wind, Brass and Percussion, or School of Vocal Studies and Opera.
• Any two instruments within the School of Strings (e.g. violin and viola).
• Any two instruments within the School of Keyboard Studies (e.g. piano and harpsichord).

All MPerf students will:

• Receive weekly instrumental tuition from the RNCM’s team of internationally-acclaimed tutors
• Work with professional producers to create a demonstration-standard recording showcasing your work
• Learn how to teach musicians across a range of age and ability through practical work directed by teaching professionals
• Build on their knowledge of the stylistic and interpretative challenges in a range of repertories and traditions within classical music

The MPerf comprises five main components:

Principal Study tuition which consists of intensive one-to-one tuition, masterclasses, group classes, lectures and workshops. This solo performance component equips you with the breadth and depth of musical experience required for a career as a professional instrumentalist, singer or collaborative pianist.

Recording Project which provides intensive practical knowledge of the recording industry and the recording session environment. You will collaborate with professional producers to make a demonstration recording showcasing your work. Teaching is delivered through lectures, masterclasses, team teaching and one-to-one tutorials.

Practical Pedagogy, devised in collaboration with One Education in Manchester, provides vocational training in developing the skills, methodologies and strategies essential for a career in instrumental/vocal music teaching.

Research Module in which you have a choice from giving a lecture recital to undertaking research degree proposal training or writing a dissertation, delivered flexibly through seminars and one-to-one tutorials.

• Research Lecture Recital
• Minor Dissertation (30 credits) (in Artistic Research, Musicology)
• Repertoire Project
• Research Methods (choice of Artistic Research, Music Education, Music Psychology, Musicology
• Dalcroze in Context

And one Practical Option from:

• Accompanying
• Arrangement
• Aural Analysis and Critique
• Composition Elective
• Conducting Elective
• Contemporary Songwriting
• Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Dynamic Rehearsal
• Electronic Experimental Ensemble
• The Freelance Musician
• Musicianship for Instrumentalists
• Musicianship for Vocalists: Consort Singing
• Professional Audition
• Professional Placement
• Small Ensemble Performance (chamber music; historical performance; jazz; popular music)

Click here for module descriptions.

1-Year MPerf

• Major Solo Performance (60 credits)
• Core Modules
  • Practical Pedagogy (30 credits)
  • Recording Project (30 credits)
• Research Module (30 credits), from list above
• One optional practical module (30 credits), from list above

2-Year MPerf

Year 1:

• Core Principal Study (no credits)
• Research Module Choice (30 credits)
• Optional Module (30 credits)

Year 2:

• Core Principal Study (60 credits)
• Practical Pedagogy (30 credits)
• Recording Project (30 credits)

The Advanced Postgraduate Diploma is for those with a Master’s-level qualification who wish to pursue a further year of study and training within a world-class conservatoire.

Information about research at the RNCM is available here.