MMus/MPerf in Performance

at Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Part One (MMus)

Part One concentrates on your intense learning in Principal Study. The curriculum includes a core module (Reflective Practice) where you discuss and closely monitor your own aims, development, and professional resources. Part 1 also includes a number of elective choices, some led by Principal Study departments, while others are more academic or practical/ professional.

Reflective Practice

This core module supports Masters students in making the transition from student to professional, providing resources and the space for students to develop goals and strategies as they progress through the programme. It encourages reflective thinking, helping students become independent and creative musicians. The module includes:

• Lectures exploring topics such as: musical identities and contemporary professional pathways; effective strategies for coping with intensive demands on mind and body in performance; tools and processes of reflective practice; contemporary research interests of performers, composers and leaders

• Workshops introducing the musician as producer

• Discussion groups to complement these activities and offer the students peer support

Part Two (MPerf)

If you progress to Part Two, as well as continuing Principal Study-based activities from the first year which focus on further development of technical and artistic abilities, you will be given more autonomy in arranging part of your own assessed projects. Breadth of repertoire, individual creative output and professional experience are also key features of Part Two. In addition to Principal Study work, you will write a critique of your personal development as the culmination of reflective work in Part One. 

Standard Requirements

At the entry audition/colloquium, candidates are assessed on their potential to achieve the minimum standard of Master’s level in PS, according to the audition report evaluation criteria for the relevant pathway. As entry is competitive within each pathway, in practice candidates would normally need to demonstrate a higher grading than the minimum. 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 subject may be considered if accompanied by evidence of adequate musical activities and achievements.

English Language requirements

Non-native English speakers are required to have achieved the stated score in one of the following examinations:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) - a minimum overall score of 5.5 with no component falling below 5.5 (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

The fees for MMus/MPerf in Performance may vary from £20,000 to £30,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.