Master of Performance (Historical Performance) (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 Royal College of Music’s Historical Performance Faculty provides intensive training in all aspects of historically informed interpretation from more than 500 years of music history. Students on both historical and modern instruments have the chance to combine unparalleled access to knowledge with a wide range of performance opportunities.

There are outstanding research and study opportunities to support your training, including an extensive collection of manuscripts and early printed editions. Our collection also contains a wide array of historical instruments which are available to borrow. We also have one of the largest collections of early keyboards in any higher education institution.

Individual lessons are offered on the complete range of period instruments by professors who are active as soloists and in leading period instrument ensembles. A full schedule of performing opportunities includes frequent chamber projects and concerts, baroque and classical orchestral projects for both modern and period instruments and regular masterclasses.

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

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.