Music Performance (MA)

The MA Performance programme is designed for students who aim to make music their life’s work.

Perhaps you aspire to become a concert artist or orchestral musician; to accompany, compose or arrange; to work as a freelance instrumentalist or to be a conductor, music leader or animateur. You may be planning to coach or teach, either as the sole focus of your professional life or, more likely, as part of a portfolio career. You might have your sights set on doctoral study, on making a contribution to Scotland’s vibrant music culture or may perhaps wish to fulfil one of the vital specialist music roles in related art forms.

Whatever your rationale for joining the Conservatoire’s MA programme, you are here to refine and extend your musicianship in preparation for your next steps.

Our MA Performance pathway places a main emphasis on performance instead of academic work, with 80 of 120 credits for MA students dedicated to your principal study. The programme is designed to be flexible and you will be able to choose your other credits from a range of options including performance classes, ensembles, rehearsals and masterclasses, and/or other courses from across the many disciplines we offer here at the Conservatoire.

**Please note the following: The international deadline for keyboard students is the 2nd October 2024. The international deadline for all other instruments the is the 2nd December 2024, We would encourage all applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2024 to be guaranteed consideration for the first round of scholarship**

Overseas Auditions If you want to audition at one of our overseas locations, you must submit your application by the 2nd October 2024. We may not be able to audition certain instruments at our overseas auditions, please see our website for more information. Where required, all applicants will need to provide their own instruments (except piano) and accompanist for the audition. Details of audition dates and locations can be found on our website, under the 'How to apply' section. Please note our locations are subject to change at short notice. if you choose a location that becomes unavailable we will be in touch to offer an alternative, this will likely be a recorded submission.

Curriculum Review We are currently in the review cycle for our postgraduate music programmes starting in 2025, these courses are currently designated 'subject to validation'. This is standard practice during curriculum review periods. The outcome of this process, may mean there are some changes to how your programme is delivered.