Primary instrument/specialism
- Voice (Alto)
- Voice (Bass-Baritone)
- Voice (Contralto)
- Voice (Counter-Tenor)
- Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
- Voice (Soprano)
The Royal College of Music offers a diverse two-year Masters programme with multiple study routes, which allow students to work towards the qualification most suited to their needs. Normally taken over two years, the Master of Performance (MPerf) develops performers’ practical skills, complemented by options which reflect current vocational and professional needs. Such skills are particularly relevant for those who aim to enter the profession as practitioners at the highest level and who need to meet the current practical demands of the music industry. Vocal study at the Royal College of Music is designed to cater for your individual talents and aspirations. Our reputation for producing outstanding international vocal artists is unsurpassed and you will receive training specifically designed for young artists preparing for a successful performing career. As a student-centric institution we aim to keep the individual’s needs at the core of both our one-to-one and class provision. You will work on developing a secure and flexible vocal technique and our comprehensive range of class provision will enhance all aspects of your craft. Our students graduate being able to present themselves with confidence, authority and autonomy in a professional context. There are creative opportunities to explore modern and period works in regular collaborations with the Composition and Historical Performance Faculties. We initiate cross-faculty song, chamber music and thematic-based projects working with distinguished artists both within and outside of the RCM. You will also receive opera coaching alongside your principal study lessons and participate in the Opera Scenes series, providing singers with additional opportunity to work with professional directors in the production of semi-staged scenes accompanied by piano. Royal College of Music vocal students perform regularly in choral projects, solo concerts, operatic performance and much more. In addition to performances within the RCM, further opportunities exist for external work through our extensive contacts in the music business and the engagements offered by the RCM Creative Careers Centre. Vocal students benefit from regular masterclasses given by international artists and coaching from the repetiteurs of London's world-renowned opera houses. Due to the intensive nature of the Vocal Studies course, it is not possible to study a secondary specialism.
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:
Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.
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.
Alongside your Principal Study, the programme offers a range of options. In most cases, these are divided into Faculty Options, which are exclusive to your specific faculty, and Professional Options, which offer skills relevant to any aspiring music professional.
*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.
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.
The following entry points are available for this course:
The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. Our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity. Almost half of our students are from outside the UK, studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The application process is the same for students of all nationalities. Different application deadlines may apply for some of our overseas audition venues, please see our website for details.
An undergraduate degree or an equivalent international qualification, usually in music.
Audition
Details of audition requirements are available at http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/auditions/
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 5.5 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
PTE Academic | 59 | Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 59 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid. |
Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | Overall score of 160-179 and no less than 160 in any component. |
Trinity ISE | Pass | Trinity ISE II certificate. Must include a pass in all components. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 72 | Overall score of 72, with minimum component scores of: Reading -18, Listening -17, Speaking -20, Writing -17 |
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UK Home Office) do not need to sit an English test if you can provide a valid passport from an English speaking country. Some other exceptions apply - please consult our website for details.
The RCM's English Language Requirements are available in full at this link:
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.
Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
---|---|---|
London | £115 | £115 |
Recorded Audition | £115 | £115 |
USA (New York City) | £115 | £115 |
Bangkok | £115 | £115 |
Singapore | £115 | £115 |
Hong Kong | £115 | £115 |
Beijing | £115 | £115 |
Seoul | £115 | £115 |
Shanghai | £115 | £115 |
Tokyo | £115 | £115 |
Australia (Melbourne) vocal applicants only | £115 | £115 |
Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
---|---|---|
London | Not available at this location | |
Recorded Audition | Not available at this location | |
USA (New York City) | Not available at this location | |
Bangkok | Not available at this location | |
Singapore | Not available at this location | |
Hong Kong | Not available at this location | |
Beijing | Not available at this location | |
Seoul | Not available at this location | |
Shanghai | Not available at this location | |
Tokyo | Not available at this location | |
Australia (Melbourne) vocal applicants only | Not available at this location |
Auditions for all principal studies are available in London. Our main audition period runs from late November to mid-December. Application deadlines, application fees and audition dates vary between venues, and some overseas venues have an initial pre-screening process; please see http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/auditions/auditionlocation/ for details.
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 .
The RCM is able to support many students with scholarships thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts, companies, businesses, individual members of the public and legacies. Any student who auditions live, or via video will automatically be considered for a scholarship or study award. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on performance at audition.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 2BS
Please select a course option to view the information for the course