MusM Music (Performance Studies)

Year of entry: 2025

Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time

About the course

MusM Music (Performance Studies) will prepare you for a portfolio career in Music Performance and Education in a rapidly diversifying 21st century professional environment. You will deepen your engagement and commitment to Performance and its contexts, developing advanced technical expertise and collaborative skills, theory and practice of teaching, and cultural critique. You will also engage with the latest ideas and methods of Artistic Research in Music Performance.

Your studies will be supported by specialist individual tuition in your first study (instrument or voice), with additional regular coaching and mentoring from experienced Performance staff, resident ensembles, and invited artists. There are various opportunities to engage in community music practices as a socially conscious artist.

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Over the course, you will develop as a multifaceted musician with pedagogical and professional skills, ready to thrive and present yourself with confidence in the contemporary Music, Arts, and Cultural industries.

You will be able to choose units that best match your particular interests and aspirations. Taught units cover topics including:

Professional and Pedagogical Skills
Performance Project – collaboration in ensembles, social projects, and/or composition)
Historical and Contemporary Performance – a short performance of 30 minutes
Recital – a 45-minute performance, with accompanying Electronic Press Kit
Business Strategies for the Arts
Work Placement (15-20 day internships with local Arts venues and organisations)
Historical and Editorial Skills - understanding manuscripts and printed music
World Music Cultures (Ethnomusicology)
Popular Music and Identity
Contemporary Music Studies (20th and 21st century scores)
Advanced Orchestration

These are example course units based on 2024/25 options and are subject to change each year.

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Where will the degree take you?

Our graduates have pursued successful careers in musical and non-musical fields. Some continue to further study via PhD before securing an academic position. Some go on to teach in schools or further education, both in the UK and overseas.

Other areas of work for which advanced musical training has been directly relevant include arts management and the culture industries, producing, music publishing, music, journalism, librarianship, music therapy and performance. Careers outside of music have included accountancy, law, social work and human resources.

Some graduates have gone on to work for companies that include The Old Vic, NHS, Orchestras Live, and the BBC.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

Music in Manchester

Manchester is home to the world-famous Hallé and BBC Philharmonic orchestras, which both perform at the purpose-built concert venue Bridgewater Hall. You can also see major international artists at Manchester Arena and other stadia or see independent and upcoming musicians at venues such as Band on the Wall.