Course summary

The Master of Music in Performance (MMus Perf) is designed to prepare you for life as a professional musical artist. You will work alongside world-leading musicians to develop your performance skills to the highest international standard while advancing your critical, analytical and research abilities. Usually taken over two years, the MMusPerf can be taken on a fast-track basis over 12 months and is tailored to those who aim to enter the profession at the highest level, and who need to meet the current practical demands of the music industry. With a uniquely immersive conservatoire experience, you will be at the heart of a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. Additionally, you will undertake independent research, exploring the historical, contextual and aesthetic aspects of the music you perform and create. The MMusPerf qualification can also provide the basis for further artistic development through the RCM’s Level 8 Doctoral Degrees. The Woodwind Faculty and the wider RCM community foster a culture of nurturing all students in a supportive environment. You are encouraged to grow into a confident and imaginative performer, taking advantage of all the opportunities available to you. Our outstanding team of woodwind professors, many of whom hold principal positions in major orchestras, combine careers as eminent performers with a passion and dedication for teaching. In addition to their one-to-one lessons, our students enjoy regular performance and ensemble classes, chamber coaching, orchestral playing and masterclasses with distinguished international musicians. RCM students enjoy a wide variety of performance opportunities as part of the College’s diverse performance calendar, which includes several hundred events per year. All woodwind students have the chance to play in our orchestras, which include the RCM Philharmonic, the RCM Symphony Orchestra and the RCM Opera Orchestra, with opportunities to work with some of the finest conductors in the world. We also have our own Wind Ensemble, which often commissions new works. Most students have the option of taking a second study on this course. Second study allows students to receive tuition in a second specialism, taught and assessed at a lower intensity than their principal study, in an area that does not qualify for related study. Second study specialisms are subject to successful audition and the agreement of the relevant Head of Faculty. Auditions take place during the first few weeks of the course, and students will have the opportunity to register for these auditions shortly before the start of the academic year. There is no need to inform the RCM at the point of application. This course is also available on a part-time basis over 3 years upon request.