MMus Music (performance)

We offer a broad-based MMus programme with three pathways: musicology, performance, and composition. All three pathways can be used as professional training for themselves, or as preparation for Ph.D. study. Students in our MMus programme benefit from intensive one-to-one instruction with world-leading experts in music history, cultural studies of music, performance studies, and analysis; internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers; and prominent composers of contemporary art music, electronic music, media music (including film, television and video game music) and jazz.

Introducing your course

Do you want to know how great film scores were composed? Are you interested in the ideas behind musical performances? Expand your knowledge of the components and aspects of music with the MMus Music (Performance, Composition, and Musicology) at the University of Southampton and enhance your musical talents. This broad MMus programme will teach you the elements of musical performance, as well as the different genres of music. Gaining this experience across a variety of categories will prepare you for a successful career in the music industry.

Course Facts

• Degree Awarded: MMus
• Intake: Variable
• Average applications per place: 4
• Administered by: Humanities

The MMus programme in music provides a flexible course of study. Its goal is a professional research project, recital or composition portfolio. Tutors work with each student from the outset of the course to form a portfolio relevant to the student's specific professional aims, whether further research at doctoral level, a career in the music industry or the wider cultural sector, or work as a teacher or free-lance musician. We recognize that music has increasingly become a 'portfolio career' and aim to provide our MMus students with a platform for success in whatever area of music their aspirations lie. Thus the broad modular structure of our programme allows for cross-over between the pathways.

Typical entry requirements

Degree

First- or upper second-class honors degree, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University of Music or a cognate discipline

Selection process

• Intake: Variable
• Average applications per place: 4
• Academic entry requirements: First or upper second class honors degree, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University of Music or a cognate discipline.
• English language entry requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing, 6.0 in listening and speaking, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University.
• Selection process: Online application and audition

The interview may be required on a case by case basis to assess the suitability of course.

Typical course content

• Core: Professional Recital 2
• Compulsory modules: Elements of musical performance; Performance teaching seminar; Professional recital 1, Individual Research Project
• Optional module: Analytical Techniques and Performance teaching seminar can be replaced by Individually Negotiated Topic or another Humanities MA module.

Learning & Assessment

You will develop your knowledge and understanding through tutor-led seminars, the preparation of presentations and student-led seminars, individual instrumental or vocal lessons, study visits, independent study, and practice.

The different modules making up the MMus will assess your practical skills in different ways, including group and individual presentations, coursework essays and analyses, and the recitals.

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