Master of Performance (Vocal) (Taught)

The Royal College of Music offers a diverse two-year Masters programme with multiple study routes, which allow students to work towards the qualification most suited to their needs. Normally taken over two years, the Master of Performance (MPerf) develops performers’ practical skills, complemented by options which reflect current vocational and professional needs. Such skills are 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.

Vocal study at the Royal College of Music is designed to cater for your individual talents and aspirations. Our reputation for producing outstanding international vocal artists is unsurpassed and you will receive training specifically designed for young artists preparing for a successful performing career. As a student-centric institution we aim to keep the individual’s needs at the core of both our one-to-one and class provision. You will work on developing a secure and flexible vocal technique and our comprehensive range of class provision will enhance all aspects of your craft. Our students graduate being able to present themselves with confidence, authority and autonomy in a professional context.

There are creative opportunities to explore modern and period works in regular collaborations with the Composition and Historical Performance Faculties. We initiate cross-faculty song, chamber music and thematic-based projects working with distinguished artists both within and outside of the RCM. You will also receive opera coaching alongside your principal study lessons and participate in the Opera Scenes series, providing singers with additional opportunity to work with professional directors in the production of semi-staged scenes accompanied by piano. Royal College of Music vocal students perform regularly in choral projects, solo concerts, operatic performance and much more. In addition to performances within the RCM, further opportunities exist for external work through our extensive contacts in the music business and the engagements offered by the RCM Creative Careers Centre. Vocal students benefit from regular masterclasses given by international artists and coaching from the repetiteurs of London's world-renowned opera houses.

Due to the intensive nature of the Vocal Studies course, it is not possible to study a secondary specialism.

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.