Primary instrument/specialism
- Bassoon
- Bassoon (Historical Performance)
- Cello
- Cello (Historical Performance)
- Clarinet
- Clarinet (Historical Performance)
Course summary
The RCM Master of Music Education Teaching Musician is a taught degree programme designed for aspiring music educators that aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful professional career as a Teaching Musician. This course offers a unique blend of practical training in performance or composition, vocational training in music education skills and theoretical knowledge of teaching and learning, equipping students with the expertise to succeed in a range of music education settings. Throughout the programme, students will receive rigorous training in performance or composition, enabling them to continue developing their musical skills to the highest international level. At the same time, they will receive vocational training in the essential skills required for a range of music education settings, including teaching and learning skills, curriculum/project design, instrumental pedagogy, and creative musicianship. The programme is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary music education practices and techniques, enabling them to develop their creative potential and acquire a diverse range of teaching techniques. Central to their studies, students will participate in a range of music education placements benefitting from the RCM's unique partnerships with schools, music services and hubs, and the education departments of various music organisations. The programme is delivered by an expert team of music educators, composers, and performers, who bring a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to the course. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, and practical sessions, students will engage with a diverse range of music education approaches and techniques. Graduates of the Teaching Musician programme will be well-equipped to pursue a range of career paths in the music education sector, including instrumental / vocal / composition teaching, both privately and in some school settings, working within music services or hubs, participatory music programmes and the education departments of a range of musical organisations. They will also have the skills and knowledge required to pursue further study at doctoral level. Overall, the RCM MMusEd Teaching Musician programme offers a unique opportunity for students to develop their professional performance or composition skills while gaining the essential vocational training required for a successful career in music education. The course is offered full-time and is delivered over one calendar year. It is available to students requiring a visa to study in the UK. Please note that this programme is not an initial teacher education programme and therefore does not carry UK Qualified Teacher Status. This programme is subject to validation.
Course details
Principal study options
During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:
Main specialism
Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.
Instrument/specialisms
For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.
Modules
Principal study in performance or composition (with optional second study), with regular faculty-based workshops, activities, and performance opportunities Teaching Musician Supporting Studies module Professional Portfolio comprising a Placements module and an Elective module
How to apply
*If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.
02Oct
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 725F
- Institution code:
- R56
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international studdents from all over the world. Our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity. Almost half of our students are from outside the UK, studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The application process is the same for students of all nationalities. This course is available on a full-time basis for students requiring a visa to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree or equivalent international qualification, usually in music.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 5.5 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
| PTE Academic | 76 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 59 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Trinity ISE III certificate. Must include a pass in all components. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall score of 180-200, with no less than 160 in any component. For tests sat before January 2015 we require an overall pass at Grade B OR Grade C and at least ‘borderline’ in all four components. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 95 | Overall score of 95, with minimum component scores of: Reading -24, Listening -22, Speaking -25, Writing -24 |
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UK Home Office) do not need to sit an English test if you can provide a valid passport from an English speaking country. Some other exceptions apply; please see the RCM website for further details.
The RCM's English Language Requirements are available at this link:
http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/#d.en.22587
Assessment locations
In the event of a successful assessment, applicants may be invited for a further interview prior to being made an offer.
Remote assessment recordings may be accepted in the event that you cannot attend an assessment in person.
Single specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded Audition | £115 | £115 |
| London | £115 | £115 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded Audition | Not available at this location | |
| London | Not available at this location | |
Additional information
Applicants will be invited for an online interview. The interview gives you an opportunity to explain your interest and motivation for undertaking the course and to discuss any particular areas of interest in the field you may have. The interview also gives you the opportunity to find out more about the programme in particular and studying at the RCM in general. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an audition on their principal study. Composers audition by submitting a portfolio of work to the RCM for consideration.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Our tuition fees are still to be confirmed for the 2025-26 academic year. More information can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/
Sponsorship information
The RCM is able to support many students with scholarships thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts, companies, businesses, individual members of the public and legacies. Any student who auditions in person, or via video will automatically be considered for a scholarship or study award. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on performance at audition.
Provider information
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 2BS