Master of Performance (Brass) (Taught)

The Master of Performance (MPerf) is an advanced training degree offering tailored tuition, performance opportunities and industry experience, through masterclasses, orchestral projects, opera productions and professional collaborations. Normally taken over two years, the MPerf 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.

This course is particularly relevant for those who aim to enter the profession as practitioners 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.

The MPerf qualification can also provide the basis for further artistic development through the RCM’s Level 8 Artist Diplomas in Performance or Opera.

The brass faculty is an active community with an outstanding team of professors, many of whom hold principal positions in major orchestras. In addition to your one-to-one lessons you will attend regular classes and ensemble coaching. The faculty benefits from visiting professors of the highest quality and distinguished visiting international musicians give masterclasses each term. You will have the opportunity to perform in a wide variety of ensembles of various sizes and the RCM orchestras works with some of today’s greatest artists and international conductors.

Jazz trumpet and jazz trombone are available as second or related study options to promising students. Brass players also have the opportunity to join the RCM Swing and Big Bands. Related study allows instrumentalists to receive tuition on an instrument closely associated with their principal study. Related studies are approved by the relevant Head of Faculty once a student has started their course. No audition is required and you do not need to let us know about your interest in related study before you arrive at the RCM.

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.

This course is also available on a part-time basis over 3 years upon request.

Course Modules

Alongside your Principal Study, the programme offers a range of options. In most cases, these are divided into Faculty Options, which are exclusive to your specific faculty, and Professional Options, which offer skills relevant to any aspiring music professional.