Primary instrument/specialism
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Cornet
- Double Bass
- Drumkit
Course summary
Through a combination of advanced practical and pedagogical training and vocational studies, the RNCM’s specialist Master of Performance (MPerf) programme heightens the skills and techniques needed to ensure you thrive. It’s perfect for graduates who are looking to become professional performers, providing exceptional one-to-one tuition, solo and ensemble performance opportunities, and specialist guidance on self-promotion. The course also offers training in instrumental teaching, the chance to gain real-world experience via an external industry placement, and the opportunity to work with professionals to create and edit your own expertly-produced recording, ensuring your future is as sustainable as it is successful.
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.
Joint main specialism
You would like to study two specialisms, both studied equally.
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.
Secondary instrument/specialisms
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Cornet
- Double Bass
- Drumkit
Modules
The MPerf comprises five main components:
- Principal Study: 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: 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: vocational training in developing the skills, methodologies and strategies essential for a career in instrumental/vocal music teaching. Devised in collaboration with One Education in Manchester.
- Research Module: 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.
- One Practical Option: choose from accompanying; arrangement; aural analysis and critique composition; conducting; 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).
- Core Principal Study (no credits)
- Research Module Choice (30 credits)
- Optional Module (30 credits)
- Core Principal Study (60 credits)
- Practical Pedagogy (30 credits)
Assessment method
Summative Assessment is undertaken through live examinations and submitted coursework. In all cases assessments are undertaken or submitted at the end of the module. Examinations and coursework submissions normally occur once in a module. The balance of assessment through either mode depends on the optional modules you choose. Principal Study in Popular Music is normally assessed through examination.
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:
- W320
- Institution code:
- R57
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
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 MPerf programme. In the first instance, please email details of your prior learning (summary of educational background and copies of transcripts) to [email protected].
International applicants
Over 900 students from more than 60 countries currently call the RNCM their home, and our vibrant community is continually enriched by the international students we welcome each year. If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the MPerf, an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent in each component (or CEFR B2) is required. For further information, visit rncm.ac.uk/international
Entry requirements
- All applicants hold a good honours degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing). - All applicants must be able to satisfy the RNCM 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. - Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent in each component (or CEFR B2).
Additional entry requirements
Audition
All applicants must pass an RNCM audition.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Other
All applicants are required to submit an academic transcript of undergraduate studies achieved to date and an example of prior written work demonstrating academic referencing in electronic format (e.g. Word document or PDF).
English language requirements
If you are hoping to join us from overseas and your first language is not English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For the MPerf, an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent in each component (or CEFR B2) is required.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Online | £80 | £80 |
| RNCM, Manchester | £80 | £80 |
| Singapore | £80 | £80 |
| New York | £80 | £80 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online | £120 | £120 |
| RNCM, Manchester | £120 | £120 |
| Singapore | £120 | £120 |
| New York | £120 | £120 |
Additional information
Visit rncm.ac.uk/youraudition for full audition requirements.
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
The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of students for fee purposes, we follow regulations issued by the UK Government. If you don’t qualify for Home status, you’ll be enrolled as an International student.
Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for course fees and information about scholarships and bursaries.
Sponsorship information
Scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered. Scholarship Awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise). A limited number of Bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay. Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for information about scholarships and bursaries.
Provider information
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD