Course Outline
Course Structure
The programme is equally split between performance and pedagogy, approximately as follows:
Full-time
- Year 1: 30 credits - Performance, 45 credits - Pedagogy
- Year 2: 60 credits - Performance, 45 credits - Pedagogy
Part-time
- Year 1: 15 credits - Performance, 45 credits - Pedagogy
- Year 2: 15 credits - Performance, 45 credits - Pedagogy
- Year 3: 60 credits - Performance
However, there will be scope to negotiate the order in which you complete the modules in Years 2 and 3. As a part-time student, your total individual tuition will be the same as for a full-time student (60 hours of first-study performance tuition and 10 hours with a pedagogy mentor), but spread across your entire period of study.
Performance
The MMus Performance and Pedagogy offers a total of 35 hours of specialist tuition in each year of full-time study, of which 30 will be individual first-study lessons. This performance tuition leads first to a preliminary performance assessment, followed by a major final recital at the end of the programme. Work in your first-study area will be supported by a programme of group activities such as performance classes and masterclasses with visiting specialists.
Like all our postgraduate courses, the MMus Performance and Pedagogy is designed to be flexible, allowing you to develop a specialism or distinctive musical profile within your chosen area: for instance, in the performance of contemporary music, chamber music or piano accompaniment. Throughout your course, you will be able to take part in the broad programme of practical activities offered by the Conservatoire; you may normally audition for places in our orchestras, choirs, bands and other groups alongside undergraduate students, and be able to participate in our programme of Professional Development electives, allowing you to sample diverse activities ranging from early music to performing with technology. Our Professional Portfolio module will help you negotiate a suitable programme of these activities to help you enhance those skills relevant to your career aspirations. If you are an international student, you will benefit from further tuition in English language for academic purposes.
Pedagogy
Modules will cover a range of practical considerations as well as the more theoretical principles that underlie learning and teaching pupils of all ages and at all levels. The programme of study will include sessions on such generic topics as:
- planning
- learning styles and musical development
- special needs
- tension and anxiety in pupils
- practice
- improvisation
- group teaching
It will also include some bespoke provision relating to teaching your own instrument / voice (five hours in each year): this will be with an experienced mentor (a teacher of your own instrument) who will support your development as a teacher throughout the programme, and will include some sessions in which they observe and provide feedback on your own teaching.
The programme will provide the opportunity for a significant amount of observational work in a range of different teaching situations, including the Conservatoire’s own Junior School. The Pedagogy part of the programme will culminate in your own self-defined project in which you will demonstrate your own application of theory to practice.
Entry Requirements & Applications
Entry Requirements
English Language Requirements
Please see our general English Language Requirements, but note that this course requires:
- IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.5 in the speaking component)
Academic and Other Requirements
- You should normally possess at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree (preferably in Music) or equivalent, with a minimum of 60 per cent in your first study area.
- Non-UK candidates should normally possess a good Bachelor’s Degree, or a similar degree equivalent Diploma from a conservatoire or equivalent institution.
- You will need to demonstrate at audition/interview that you possess appropriate skills in your chosen specialist area and have strong verbal communication skills.
- You will have to complete a successful Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before starting the programme.
Audition Requirements
Postgraduate audition requirements vary according to area of specialist study. A summary of the major audition elements is provided below; full details are available from the Admissions Team.
- Performance candidates (excluding Jazz performers and accompanists) will be asked to present a varied programme of about 15 minutes duration. Depending on the area of study, candidates may be required to include orchestral excerpts, an extended piece and/or specified material.
- Singers must include works in at least three European languages, including English.
- Piano Accompaniment candidates should bring a singer with whom they must perform three works (including a Lied), and must also perform an extended piece/movement for solo piano and sight-read.
- In addition, an interview will form part of the selection process for this programme.
Application Details
Applicants for 2011 entry will need to complete our postgraduate application form.
Course Application Form for 2011 Entry (PDF)
Entry for 2012 onwards will be via CUKAS.
Enquiries
Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.
Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.
Further Information
Admissions Team:
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5901
Email: conservatoire.admissions@bcu.ac.uk