Fast-Track Master of Music in Performance (Percussion) (Taught)

The Master of Music in Performance (MMus Perf) is designed to prepare you for life as a professional musical artist. You will work alongside world-leading musicians to develop your performance skills to the highest international standard while advancing your critical, analytical and research abilities.

Usually taken over two years, the MMusPerf can be taken on a fast-track basis over 12 months and is tailored to those who aim to enter the profession at the highest level, and who need to meet the current practical demands of the music industry. With a uniquely immersive conservatoire experience, you will be at the heart of a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.

Additionally, you will undertake independent research, exploring the historical, contextual and aesthetic aspects of the music you perform and create.

The MMusPerf qualification can also provide the basis for further artistic development through the RCM’s Level 8 Doctoral Degrees.

The Percussion Faculty currently boasts more than 40 former students in the UK’s leading orchestras. The backbone of our teaching has a clear orchestral bias, but today’s training covers all aspects of percussion activity, enabling you to enter the profession equipped with the musical tools of the trade. Percussion students at the Royal College of Music enjoy the benefits of a vibrant faculty housed in a purpose-built percussion suite. We have state-of-the-art technology and practice facilities for teaching world percussion alongside the orchestral repertoire. Percussion students have numerous opportunities to take part in public performances as soloists, in chamber groups and in the RCM’s various orchestras and ensembles. Orchestral performances are often directed by internationally renowned conductors, providing invaluable experience of truly world-class rehearsal and performance.

The RCM is the first institution in the UK to offer solo Marimba as a principal study at postgraduate level. The course aims to prepare students for a career as a solo artist through intensive training in all aspects of solo performance, and also includes ensemble and chamber coaching and masterclasses with world-renowned marimbists.

Due to the intensive nature of the programme, we are unable to offer a secondary specialism to percussionists.

Course Modules

The course includes two research-led MMus modules: Critical Portfolio in Year 1 and Research Project in Year 2. These modules are taken alongside a full programme of performance studies in common with the MPerf Programme.