Course summary

In this practice-based and highly personalised MMus Masters in Popular Music Performance course, you’ll take your already impressive musicianship and performance skills to the next level. Whether you’ve just completed your undergraduate music degree and wish to continue immediately with postgraduate studies, or you’re keen to build upon your notable experience in the music industry, this challenging course will see you accomplish even greater proficiency on your chosen instrument. With the ability to study the masters as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme, you’ll advance your instrumental technical expertise along with your performance capabilities, critical reasoning qualities and academic research skills. As an MMus student, you’ll be expected to work autonomously, engaging in self-directed study but with guidance and support from members of ICMP’s experienced professional faculty. Across your studies, you’ll be encouraged to identify your own personal learning requirements, select your essential resources, and design and implement a plan for achieving them. All MMus in Popular Music Performance students are required to undertake a substantial practice-as-research performance project, which leads to the production of a significant body of recital work on your instrument. With support and supervision from a faculty mentor of your choice, you can negotiate the form this project takes – whether a written dissertation, live or live-streamed performance, video-recorded recital or more. On top of four highly specialised core units, you can choose to study one of multiple optional modules, which include an investigation of a performance tradition, the use of music in health and wellbeing, and studies in instrumental pedagogy for prospective music teachers. This dynamic course will see you collaborating regularly with the highest calibre performers in your fellow classmates. You’ll explore your leadership and musical management skills as you take on the role of ensemble musical director, culminating in a performance of challenging original and existing repertoire. You’ll also benefit from a regular schedule of visiting lecturers who’ll discuss their different approaches, philosophies and ideas with you, including musicians, academics and guests from the wider creative industries. Music technology and digital diversity will enhance your learning experience. As an MMus student, you’ll have direct access to ICMP’s world-class facilities filled with industry-standard hardware, software and instruments, including a 24-track recording studio, high-tech Mac labs and dedicated performance spaces which can all be booked free of charge outside of class hours, seven days a week. Ultimately, the MMus in Popular Music Performance course will take you on a journey that will change the way you think about yourself as both a musician and a person. You’ll graduate with the skills, self-reliance and motivation needed to build and sustain a successful portfolio career as a talented music professional – whichever step you decide to take next.