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Fast-Track Master of Music in Composition - Composition (Taught)

1 Study option · PostgraduateMain Site
Scheme:
UCAS Conservatoires

Course summary

The Master of Music in Composition (MMus Comp) is designed to prepare you for life as a professional composer. You will work alongside world-leading musicians to develop your composition skills to the highest international standard. Additionally, you will undertake independent research, exploring the historical, contextual and aesthetic aspects of the music you compose.

Usually taken over two years, the MMusComp may also be studied on a fast-track basis over 12 months and is tailored to 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 profession. With a uniquely immersive conservatoire experience, you will be at the heart of a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.

The MMus Comp qualification can provide the basis for further artistic development through the RCM’s Level 8 Artist Diploma in Composition and Doctor of Philosophy.

We also offer Composition for Screen as a principal study specialism for students looking to hone their skills and develop professional connections in music for film, TV and gaming.

The Composition Faculty at the Royal College of Music focuses on both the creative and commercial aspects of being a composer. We aim to build and sustain your craft, be it composition for the concert hall, the opera house or for film, television and media. Composition at the RCM is about partnerships between talented composers who want to write music and gifted instrumentalists who want to perform music. Composers are offered a wholly exceptional performance environment in which they have the opportunity to hear their compositions played by resident and visiting musicians, RCM orchestras, ensembles and fellow students of the highest technical and musical ability. Individual lessons and visits from established composers provide an unrivalled opportunity for students to develop creative and technical skills, as well as a distinctive compositional voice. Composers will have the opportunity to benefit from a range of collaborations with artistic organisations in London and beyond.

Students have the option of taking a second study for 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.

Course details

Principal study options

During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:

Main specialism

Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.

Instrument/specialisms

For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.

Primary instrument/specialism
  • Composition

How to apply

If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.

Application codes

Course code:
822F
Institution code:
R56

Fees and funding

Choose a specific option to see funding information.

Course options

Sponsorship information

All composers invited for an interview, both in person and by video, will automatically be considered for a scholarship. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on the strength of portfolio and interview.

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