Master of Performance in Popular Music (Taught)

Through a combination of advanced practical and pedagogical training and vocational studies, the RNCM’s specialist Master of Performance (MPerf) programme heightens the skills and techniques needed to ensure you thrive.

It’s perfect for graduates who are looking to become professional performers, providing exceptional one-to-one tuition, solo and ensemble performance opportunities, and specialist guidance on self-promotion. The course also offers training in instrumental teaching, the chance to gain real-world experience via an external industry placement, and the opportunity to work with professionals to create and edit your own expertly-produced recording, ensuring your future is as sustainable as it is successful.

The MPerf comprises five main components:

• Principal Study: intensive one-to-one tuition, masterclasses, group classes, lectures and workshops. This solo performance component equips you with the breadth and depth of musical experience required for a career as a professional instrumentalist, singer or collaborative pianist.
• Recording Project: intensive practical knowledge of the recording industry and the recording session environment. You will collaborate with professional producers to make a demonstration recording showcasing your work. Teaching is delivered through lectures, masterclasses, team teaching and one-to-one tutorials.
• Practical Pedagogy: vocational training in developing the skills, methodologies and strategies essential for a career in instrumental/vocal music teaching. Devised in collaboration with One Education in Manchester.
• Research Module: a choice from giving a lecture recital to undertaking research degree proposal training or writing a dissertation, delivered flexibly through seminars and one-to-one tutorials.
• One Practical Option: choose from accompanying; arrangement; aural analysis and critique composition; conducting; contemporary songwriting; dalcroze eurhythmics and dynamic rehearsal; electronic experimental ensemble; the freelance musician; musicianship for instrumentalists; musicianship for vocalists: consort singing; professional audition; professional placement; small ensemble performance (chamber music; historical performance; jazz; popular music).

The core structure includes:

Year 1:

• Core Principal Study (no credits)
• Research Module Choice (30 credits)
• Optional Module (30 credits)

Year 2:

• Core Principal Study (60 credits)
• Practical Pedagogy (30 credits)
• Recording Project (30 credits)

Summative Assessment is undertaken through live examinations and submitted coursework. In all cases assessments are undertaken or submitted at the end of the module. Examinations and coursework submissions normally occur once in a module. The balance of assessment through either mode depends on the optional modules you choose. Principal Study in Popular Music is normally assessed through examination.