Fast-Track Master of Music in Performance (Historical Performance)

The Royal College of Music offers a diverse Masters programme with multiple study routes, which allow students to work towards the qualification most suited to their needs. Normally studied over two years, the MMus may also be studied on a fast-track basis over 12 months. The Master of Music qualification develops students’ critical, analytical and research skills, as well as their ability to express themselves verbally to a high level. Such skills are particularly relevant for those who are interested in studying the background and context of the music they perform and analyse, and those who hope to teach or communicate about music beyond their principal study (for example as professional educators, facilitators or curators). This is in addition to continuing to develop students’ practical skills to a very high standard. The MMus can also provide the basis for further research through our Level 8 doctoral degrees.

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.

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. 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.