Course summary
The one or two-year Guildhall Artist Masters programme is offered in two parts: Part One (MMus) is available in full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) modes except for Opera which is available in 2 full-time years only. Part Two (MPerf) is available in one full-time year only. Studying for a Guildhall Artist Masters in music performance prepares you for entry to the profession at the highest level. It gives you technical facility and musical flexibility, allowing you to explore and refine your individual artistic voice. This programme is all about developing as an intelligent musician and practitioner; about challenging yourself and taking risks within your field of expertise. The School will provide you with a learning environment that enables you to recognise and nurture your strengths. The emphasis is on students’ individual growth as practical musicians and artists, through pathway-specific principal study modules. This includes one-to-one tuition and classes in specialist areas with acknowledged experts in the field supported by a rich array of experiential opportunities. These experiences are offered not only in-house but often also in partnership with outside venues and organizations, both in the UK and abroad. Continued experience in professional contexts is seen as an integral part of the students’ development, and students are increasingly expected to seek independent opportunities of presenting publicly their principal study work. In Part One (MMus) most of your time is spent on your one-to-one Principal Study. But you will also take modules on topics relevant to your professional life such as research, self-reflection, and professional artistic development. In Part Two (MPerf), even more of your time is focused on Principal Study, with the remainder of the programme allowing time for a critique of your personal development. You can also choose from a variety of Academic Studies and Creative Learning electives to broaden and deepen your musical expertise, develop specific skills and knowledge and understanding in relation to areas of your defined specialism.
Modules
Principal Study modules: Graduate Certificate: Principal Study in Performance; Principal Study in Performance (Part 1); Performance Portfolio (Part 2); Principal Study in Orchestral Artistry (Part 1 and Part 2); Graduate Certificate: Principal Study in Composition; Principal Study in Composition (Part 1); Composition Portfolio (Part 2); Graduate Certificate: Principal Study in Leadership; Principal Study in Leadership (Part 1); Leadership Portfolio (Part 2).
Assessment method
Assessment is mostly based on evaluation of product (e.g. a performance event) but learning processes are assessed too; feedback is a key feature across all methods and modules. The main focus of assessment is formative throughout with the number of summative assessments is kept each year to the minimum necessary. The main types of assessment are: practical examinations (including solo and ensemble), written assignments, individual presentations and progress reports.
Entry requirements
Selection to the programme is based on a principal study audition. The minimum academic qualification for entry is an Undergraduate degree with Honours in Music, or an international equivalent. Undergraduate degrees with Honours in any other subjects can be considered if accompanied by evidence of significant musical activities and achievements. Students who apply for the Guildhall Artist Programme having already done an undergraduate degree may be offered a place in the Extended Guildhall Artist Programme if their Principal Study abilities are not yet at the Master’s level. This extended programme comprises an initial year (the Graduate Certificate Year) almost entirely focused on Principal Study development.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | In exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be replaced by an internal assessment. The School reserves the right to require students to attend a non-credited class in the English language. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Fees are variable depending on the mode of study. Please consult the School website for more information: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/fees-and-funding
Sponsorship information
The School does its best to ensure that no student who is offered a place on merit is prevented from taking up that place on grounds of financial hardship and so a range of financial support is offered. The School offers a wide range of scholarships to students regardless of domicile. A scholarship award may be made to cover either the full cost of tuition fees or a fraction of them, and may include an element for maintenance. Awards are made by academic staff to individuals on the basis of their talent, their potential and their personal financial need. Applicants may be considered for a scholarship at audition and a scholarship may be given along with an offer of a place at the School. All students who accept a place at the School can also apply for scholarship support.
Provider information
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street
City of London
EC2Y 8DT