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MA Music – Performance Practice Pathway

The Music – Performance Practice programme from University of Birmingham prepares students for careers as performers and scholars. You will combine the studies of contemporary performance with those of historical practice.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £22,950 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

This Music – Performance Practice programme from University of Birmingham differs from the Performance Pathway in that it incorporates a more substantial academic component, representing an ideal training model for future performer-scholars.

Full time staff include Director of Performance Ceri Owen, an award-winning collaborative pianist and scholar, and scholar-performer and early music conductor Andrew Kirkman. They join forces with Simon Halsey, renowned chorus master of the CBSO and Berlin Radio Choir, and orchestral conductor Daniele Rosina, plus instrumental and vocal lessons arranged with the faculty of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

You also receive the opportunity to take advantage of the early performance opportunities afforded by the Centre for Early Music Performance and Research (CEMPR).

Students wishing to study performance practice pre-1800 will benefit from access to these facilities, as well as period-specific resources. Those wishing to study music of the mid- to late-19th century will have access to an 1851 original Erard piano which can be used for performance of relevant repertoire. Those with an interest in 20th and 21st Century music will have the opportunity to work with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Courses included:

  • Advanced Performance
  • Musicology
  • Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
  • British Music Studies 1850-1975
  • Electronic Music Studies
  • Fieldwork Methods
  • Historically Informed Performance (recommended)

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

Birmingham’s Music postgraduates work in a wide range of careers within and beyond the music world. A postgraduate degree in Music develops a broad base of skills including general skills such as communication, problem solving and research, and also specific skills developed by practice and performance such as self-management, team work and presentation.

Requirements

  • We usually ask for a good Honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in Music or a related subject with a substantial musical component. Degrees in other subjects will be considered where candidates have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications.
  • Your application should include a personal statement of approximately 5,000 characters. You should use your personal statement to explain why you are interested in studying this programme.
  • All prospective students for pathways in performance must also submit a sample of written work of at least 1,500 words – in English – in addition to the usual supporting documents. This should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references.
  • For this pathway, you must also present a 20-minute programme during which you play a varied programme specific to the performance practice period you intend to study at Birmingham.

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