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

The Royal College of Music offers a diverse Masters programme with multiple study routes, which allow students to work towards the qualification most suited to their needs. Normally studied over two years, the MMus may also be studied on a fast-track basis over 12 months. The Master of Music (MMus) qualification develops students’ critical, analytical and research skills, as well as their ability to express themselves verbally to a high level. Such skills are particularly relevant for those who are interested in studying the background and context of the music they perform and analyse, and those who hope to teach or communicate about music beyond their principal study (for example as professional educators, facilitators or curators). This is in addition to continuing to develop students’ practical skills to a very high standard. The MMus can also provide the basis for further research through our Level 8 doctoral degrees.

The Woodwind Faculty and the wider RCM community foster a culture of nurturing all students in a supportive environment. You are encouraged to grow into a confident and imaginative performer, taking advantage of all the opportunities available to you. Our outstanding team of woodwind professors, many of whom hold principal positions in major orchestras, combine careers as eminent performers with a passion and dedication for teaching. In addition to their one-to-one lessons, our students enjoy regular performance and ensemble classes, chamber coaching, orchestral playing and masterclasses with distinguished international musicians.

RCM students enjoy a wide variety of performance opportunities as part of the College’s diverse performance calendar, which includes several hundred events per year. All woodwind students have the chance to play in our orchestras, which include the RCM Philharmonic, the RCM Symphony Orchestra and the RCM Opera Orchestra, with opportunities to work with some of the finest conductors in the world. We also have our own Wind Ensemble, which often commissions new works.

Most students have the option of taking a second study on this course. Second study allows students to receive tuition in a second specialism, taught and assessed at a lower intensity than their principal study, in an area that does not qualify for related study. Second study specialisms are subject to successful audition and the agreement of the relevant Head of Faculty. Auditions take place during the first few weeks of the course, and students will have the opportunity to register for these auditions shortly before the start of the academic year. There is no need to inform the RCM at the point of application.

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 or composition studies in common with the MPerf Programme.