MA/MMus/PgDip (Performance and Composition)

MA/MMus/PgDip (Performance and Composition) WHY MMus/MA? The MMus/MA is a taught full-time or part-time postgraduate course that sees you continue with your specialism in either Production, Performance, Composition, or Performance and Composition, and demonstrate critical engagement with your discipline through a viva voce (MMus) or written critique (MA).

Working on a one-to-one basis with our performance staff and/or composers and engaging with Creative Practitioners, you gain a strong academic and vocational understanding of your practice, and of what it takes to be a successful music practitioner in the 21st Century.

Performance students are encouraged to develop challenging and innovative repertoire (assessed through public recitals), while Composition students are given the support to prepare portfolios of original compositions and submit realisations. THE COURSE The MMus/MA follows the same programme of study as the PGDip but with an additional module at the end, culminating in – for Performance students – a final performance in the presence of a panel of examiners and an invited audience or, for Composition students, a final composition portfolio that must demonstrate artistic vision and an emerging compositional identity.

In your final project, you are expected to demonstrate the skills and professionalism you have developed and be responsible for all aspects of your project's realisation; for example, as a Composition student, you take responsibility for all performers and recording engineers, and as a Performance student, you look after all aspects of the performance including planning, organisation, coordination of resources (human/physical), sound reinforcement, stage setting and rehearsal.

Further to this, MMus students undertake a viva voce to demonstrate an appropriate level of critical engagement with their specialist study and MA candidates produce an accompanying critique. MASTERCLASSES, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES A year-round programme of masterclasses delivered by international names and experts helps support your creative development. Recent visitors have included Snarky Puppy, Charles McPherson, David Toop, Will Hick, Jason Rebello Trio, Donavan Hepburn, Deborah York, Emma Johnson, Enrico Rava and Ralph Salmins.

As a postgraduate student at Leeds College of Music, you can also attend seminars and special events at the University of Bradford, placing you in an even wider, collaborative postgraduate community.

You may also submit papers and pieces to our two annual conferences, the International Festival for Innovations in Music Production and Composition (iFIMPaC) and the Leeds International Jazz Education Conference – again, giving you a crucial platform to showcase yourself to potential employers and collaborators. YOUR TUTORS Your tutors have extensive experience of working in the music industry and are passionate about practice-led research.

Their credits include vocal coaching for Paloma Faith, Danny McNamara and Kevin Rowland (Kim Chandler), winning numerous international competitions (Jakob Fichert), working with composers such as Trevor Wishart, Pete Stollery and Alejandro Vinao (Dale Perkins), and recording for labels including Mode, NMC, Nonclassical and Tzadik (Damien Harron). YOUR FUTURE Through linking you with industry and arts-based figures, we offer you tailored research support and prepare you for a robust career.

Our postgraduate alumni include Leaf Label-signed pianist and composer Matthew Bourne (BBC Radio Jazz Award for Innovation, Perrier Jazz Award), James Hamilton (two-time Jazz Yorkshire Award winner, Award for Contemporary Jazz Composition at the BASCA British Composer Awards), Gemma Wild (Lancashire Young Composer of the Year), and David Lawrie, whose MA project Liars, Charlatans, Jinxmongers (for voice and accompaniment) received an independent release.

We maintain strong relationships with our alumni, often inviting them back to perform in our concert season.

Leeds College of Music

At Leeds College of Music, we provide a stimulating and collaborative environment in which students can become creative, confident and versatile practitioners in their chosen fields. See how our relationships with Leeds City College and the University of Bradford help us provide opportunities for the local, national and international communities to engage with music and music-making of the highest standards.

WHY LEEDS?

Shape your future in the UK's real music capital.

An acclaimed music scene and vibrant student population make Leeds the place to be for any musician serious about their future. And as the only UK conservatoire to offer pathways in Classical, Jazz, Popular Music and Music Production at both FE and HE levels, Leeds College of Music provides a uniquely dynamic, collaborative experience.

APPLE

Leeds College of Music was upgraded to an Apple Authorised Training Centre in June 2012, meaning that its facilities and trainers meet the standards set by Apple – the world's number one brand and technology leader in media, education and creative applications – and that the Conservatoire is able to offer the full range of Apple Authorised courses (leading to certified exams) to both internal students and members of the public.

As the only UK conservatoire with AATC status, Leeds College of Music gives its students a competitive edge in the job market through Apple pro training and certification.

STEINWAY & SONS

In September 2011, Leeds College of Music became an All-Steinway School, internationally joining the likes of Yale University's School of Music and the Juilliard School, New York.

As the only English conservatoire to hold the coveted All-Steinway School status – meaning 90% of its pianos are from the Steinway family – Leeds College of Music demonstrates a commitment to excellence by providing its students with the best equipment possible for the study of music.

RELATIONSHIP WITH UNIVERSITY OF HULL

Leeds College of Music’s degree courses is now validated by the University of Hull . The Conservatoire and the University have teaching and research links and are working closely to provide enhanced opportunities for students studying at the undergraduate and postgraduate level at both institutions. The University has launched its new School of Drama, Music, and Screen and is planning further investment in music provision in auditoria, theatre space and media environment. The music partnership with Leeds College offers an extra dimension to music students.

Forward-thinking, modern and student-oriented – and with a firm commitment to celebrating diversity – the University of Hull’s ethos is well-matched with the conservatoire’s own.

CONSERVATOIRES UK (CUK)

Leeds College of Music is an original member of Conservatoires UK, the umbrella organization that represents the collective views of, and lobbies on behalf of, music and training across eight major UK conservatoires.