Course summary

Our MA programme is the perfect fit for advanced performers wishing to immerse themselves in the world of chamber music. Our ensembles form part of a thriving performance community, with opportunities to collaborate both with fellow musicians and artists from other disciplines. This programme is designed primarily for existing chamber ensembles who wish to further their development through Masters level study. The individuals making up the group will normally have undertaken formal study beyond undergraduate level: as a team, you should be ready to commit to working together for the duration of the programme. We also welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate an aptitude for and experience of chamber music, and a keen desire to work with others. The offer of a place will be dependent upon the potential for viable ensembles to be formed. There are several RCS competitions for ensembles to enter, as well as potential opportunities for performances both in RCS and around Scotland. Ensemble coaching is provided by experienced chamber musicians and visiting specialists. Overseas Auditions We are operating a pre-screening process for all our international audition locations. All videos must be submitted to your Acceptd account before the below deadlines. There is no set repertoire for the pre-screening round, and you are welcome to perform different repertoire should you be successfully offered a live audition. Please note some departments may have some additional requirements needed at audition, please check the relevant page on our website for more information. For live in-person auditions being held in Qingdao, Seoul, Singapore and Kuala Lumpa: UCAS Conservatoire applications and Acceptd submissions must be submitted by the deadline of 2nd October 2025. For live in-person auditions being held in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Toronto: UCAS Conservatoire applications and Acceptd submissions must be submitted by the deadline of 1st December 2025. All keyboard applicants MUST submit their application by the 2nd October 2025 regardless of which audition location you choose (including the recording option). If successfully offered a live in-person audition at one of our overseas locations, then applicants applying from that country will be expected to attend in person. We strongly encourage people to attend in person to be able to meet some of our staff members face to face and ask questions about our programmes, and life at the Conservatoire. For live auditions, we cannot guarantee that a member of our teaching staff will be on the panel for your specific discipline. We may not be able to audition certain instruments at our overseas auditions. Where required, all applicants will need to provide their own instruments (except piano) and accompanist for auditions. Further details of dates and locations can be found on our departmental webpages, under the 'How to apply' section. Please note, our locations are subject to change at short notice. If you choose a location that becomes unavailable we will be in touch to offer an alternative, this will likely be a recorded submission. If you are unable to attend a live in-person audition, then we do offer a recorded submission option. Recorded submissions will go through the same pre-screening process, and applicants will be invited to a live online audition at the discretion of the relevant Head of Department. You may be asked to perform additional repertoire or complete a small aural task as part of this process. If you are recalled, further details and online meeting links will be sent to you. Curriculum Review We are currently in the review cycle for our postgraduate music programmes starting in 2026, these courses are currently designated 'subject to validation'. This is standard practice during curriculum review periods. The outcome of this process, may mean there are some changes to how your programme is delivered.