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Master of Performance (Strings) at Royal College of Music - UCAS

Royal College of Music

Degree level: Postgraduate
UCAS Conservatoires

Master of Performance (Strings) (Taught)

Course summary

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. The Strings Faculty at the Royal College of Music is a supportive community of talented individuals excited by the study and practice of music. From dedicated world-class professors to extensive performance opportunities in recital, chamber groups, large-scale ensembles and orchestras, the faculty will broaden your horizons and support you in reaching your full potential as an artist. We provide string players with an innovative programme of study combining instrumental training of the highest calibre with the skills needed to succeed as an artist. Students have regular opportunities to learn from internationally renowned visiting artists through public masterclasses and orchestral performances with some of the world’s finest conductors. Chamber music is a key part of your musical experience and RCM groups receive extensive chamber coaching from any professor of their choice. There are numerous performance opportunities (both internal and external), festivals, collaborations and competitions for RCM chamber ensembles. There are lots of opportunities for chamber groups to perform, both as part of the RCM’s chamber music concert series and at venues across London. Violinists, violists and cellists are able to work with professional accompanists to help develop their duo skills. In addition we provide specially tailored ensemble opportunities for double bass, harp and guitar students. Our students are offered unparalleled orchestral experience. A vibrant orchestral life exists across multiple ensembles, including the RCM Philharmonic, RCM Symphony Orchestra and RCM Opera Orchestra, plus many other smaller groups. 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.

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.

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.

Primary instrument/specialism

  • Cello
  • Double Bass
  • Guitar (Classical)
  • Harp
  • Viola
  • Violin

Modules

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.


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.

Application codes

Course code:
704F
Institution code:
R56
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

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, however deadlines may differ for some of our overseas audition venues.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree or diploma, or an equivalent international qualification, usually in music.

Additional entry requirements

Audition

Details of audition requirements are available at http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/auditions/


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)5.5Score 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 Academic59Score 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 AdvancedLevel B2Overall score of 160-179 and no less than 160 in any component.
Trinity ISEPassTrinity ISE II certificate. Must include a pass in all components.
TOEFL (iBT)72Overall 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:

http://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/


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

LocationOn-time FeeLate 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

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time FeeLate Fee
LondonNot available at this location
Recorded AuditionNot available at this location
USA (New York City)Not available at this location
BangkokNot available at this location
SingaporeNot available at this location
Hong KongNot available at this location
BeijingNot available at this location
SeoulNot available at this location
ShanghaiNot available at this location
TokyoNot available at this location

Additional information

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.


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

Our tuition fees are still to be confirmed for the 2025-26 academic year. More information can be found at www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/

Sponsorship information

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.

Master of Performance (Strings) at Royal College of Music - UCAS