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University of Birmingham: Music (Performance pathway)
| Institution | University of Birmingham View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music View department profile |
| Web | www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/arts-law-graduate-school |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
Hone your skills as a performer and benefit from our expertise in instrumental and vocal performance. Gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to perform at an advanced level.
You'll develop and refine your skills as a performing musician through expert individual tuition and performance classes, seminars, and tutorials.
As well as enhancing your professional skills as a performer, you'll gain the knowledge you need to build a music career.
Our practical employability module will give you the tools to become a successful music professional.
At Birmingham you'll receive instrumental or vocal tuition through one-to-one lessons by leading professional performers from the University or the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
You can also take advantage of the early performance opportunities available through our Collective for Early Music Performance and Research (CEMPR).
-
We're leading developments in performing and studying music. Discover our range of module options covering current UK and global music practices.
-
Access facilities including the Bramall Music Building, and the University Music Hub with a recording studio and flexible rehearsal spaces.
-
Develop industry specific and transferable skills suited to a range of careers.
-
Top 10 for Music in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Music. We can consider an Honours degree in another subject if you have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. In your personal statement, please include the MA Music pathway you're applying for in the first paragraph. All applicants for pathways in performance must submit a sample of written work. This needs to be in English and at least 1,500 words. The written work should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references. You'll also need to present a 20-minute audition where you play a varied programme focusing on Western classical repertoire. The audition should include a brief spoken introduction to the programme, discussing the repertoire performed. This needs to be spoken in English. All applicants are expected to submit a video-recorded audition through an internet video link, (e.g., YouTube/Vimeo/Youku or Dropbox/WeTransfer/YouSendIt). The URL should be pasted into a text document and uploaded to the application portal. The video and written work should be submitted at the same time as your application or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If these aren't provided in this timeframe then your application may be declined. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
Summary
Hone your skills as a performer and benefit from our expertise in instrumental and vocal performance. Gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to perform at an advanced level.
You'll develop and refine your skills as a performing musician through expert individual tuition and performance classes, seminars, and tutorials.
As well as enhancing your professional skills as a performer, you'll gain the knowledge you need to build a music career.
Our practical employability module will give you the tools to become a successful music professional.
At Birmingham you'll receive instrumental or vocal tuition through one-to-one lessons by leading professional performers from the University or the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
You can also take advantage of the early performance opportunities available through our Collective for Early Music Performance and Research (CEMPR).
-
We're leading developments in performing and studying music. Discover our range of module options covering current UK and global music practices.
-
Access facilities including the Bramall Music Building, and the University Music Hub with a recording studio and flexible rehearsal spaces.
-
Develop industry specific and transferable skills suited to a range of careers.
-
Top 10 for Music in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Music. We can consider an Honours degree in another subject if you have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. In your personal statement, please include the MA Music pathway you're applying for in the first paragraph. All applicants for pathways in performance must submit a sample of written work. This needs to be in English and at least 1,500 words. The written work should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references. You'll also need to present a 20-minute audition where you play a varied programme focusing on Western classical repertoire. The audition should include a brief spoken introduction to the programme, discussing the repertoire performed. This needs to be spoken in English. All applicants are expected to submit a video-recorded audition through an internet video link, (e.g., YouTube/Vimeo/Youku or Dropbox/WeTransfer/YouSendIt). The URL should be pasted into a text document and uploaded to the application portal. The video and written work should be submitted at the same time as your application or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If these aren't provided in this timeframe then your application may be declined. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
Summary
Hone your skills as a performer and get ready for a brilliant career in the music industry.
Gain all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ll need to perform at an advanced level. Get ready to pursue your passion for playing music as a profession as we nurture your musical development.
At Birmingham you'll receive instrumental or vocal tuition through one-to-one lessons by leading professional performers from the University or the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. You can also take advantage of the early performance opportunities available through our Collective for Early Music Performance and Research (CEMPR).
You'll develop and refine your skills as a performing musician through expert individual tuition and performance classes, seminars, and tutorials. You'll also enhance your professional skills and gain the knowledge you need to build a music career, as well as transferable skills for other career paths.
-
We’ve taught music since 1905 and have a strong reputation as a Music department at the forefront of cutting edge developments in the field of practicing and studying music. This is reflected in our diverse module options covering current UK and worldwide music practices.
-
Take advantage of our fantastic music facilities, such as the Bramall Music Building, and the University Music Hub’s superbly equipped recording studio and flexible rehearsal spaces.
-
Turn your passion for music into your career with our practical employability module, providing you with the tools to be a successful music professional.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Music. We can consider an Honours degree in another subject if you have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. In your personal statement, please include the MA Music pathway you're applying for in the first paragraph. All applicants for pathways in performance must submit a sample of written work. This needs to be in English and at least 1,500 words. The written work should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references. You'll also need to present a 20-minute audition where you play a varied programme focusing on Western classical repertoire. The audition should include a brief spoken introduction to the programme, discussing the repertoire performed. This needs to be spoken in English. All applicants are expected to submit a video-recorded audition through an internet video link, (e.g., YouTube/Vimeo/Youku or Dropbox/WeTransfer/YouSendIt). The URL should be pasted into a text document and uploaded to the application portal. The video and written work should be submitted at the same time as your application or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If these aren't provided in this timeframe then your application may be declined. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
Summary
Hone your skills as a performer and get ready for a brilliant career in the music industry.
Gain all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ll need to perform at an advanced level. Get ready to pursue your passion for playing music as a profession as we nurture your musical development.
At Birmingham you'll receive instrumental or vocal tuition through one-to-one lessons by leading professional performers from the University or the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. You can also take advantage of the early performance opportunities available through our Collective for Early Music Performance and Research (CEMPR).
You'll develop and refine your skills as a performing musician through expert individual tuition and performance classes, seminars, and tutorials. You'll also enhance your professional skills and gain the knowledge you need to build a music career, as well as transferable skills for other career paths.
-
We’ve taught music since 1905 and have a strong reputation as a Music department at the forefront of cutting edge developments in the field of practicing and studying music. This is reflected in our diverse module options covering current UK and worldwide music practices.
-
Take advantage of our fantastic music facilities, such as the Bramall Music Building, and the University Music Hub’s superbly equipped recording studio and flexible rehearsal spaces.
-
Turn your passion for music into your career with our practical employability module, providing you with the tools to be a successful music professional.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Music. We can consider an Honours degree in another subject if you have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. In your personal statement, please include the MA Music pathway you're applying for in the first paragraph. All applicants for pathways in performance must submit a sample of written work. This needs to be in English and at least 1,500 words. The written work should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references. You'll also need to present a 20-minute audition where you play a varied programme focusing on Western classical repertoire. The audition should include a brief spoken introduction to the programme, discussing the repertoire performed. This needs to be spoken in English. All applicants are expected to submit a video-recorded audition through an internet video link, (e.g., YouTube/Vimeo/Youku or Dropbox/WeTransfer/YouSendIt). The URL should be pasted into a text document and uploaded to the application portal. The video and written work should be submitted at the same time as your application or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If these aren't provided in this timeframe then your application may be declined. |
| Location | Edgbaston Campus Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TU |
Why you should choose the School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music at the University of Birmingham
Join a community of translators, art historians, curators, and musicians at a world top 100 university for arts and humanities (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Benefit from our academic expertise in a range of specialisms.
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