Program Overview

Introduction to the Music Performance Master's Programme

The Master of Arts Programme in Music Performance at NTNU is designed to support the further development of artistic expression and profile. With a focus on individual artistic projects and goals, the programme aims to educate independent and reflected musicians with a passion for the art.

Programme Structure

The Master's Degree Programme in Music Performance is a two-year full-time study of 120 ECTS credits. The programme strongly emphasizes music performance itself, and in addition to developing instrumental, artistic, and musical skills at a high level, it is designed to educate independent and reflected musicians with a passion for the art.

Study Abroad Opportunities

There are many opportunities to study abroad as part of the Master's Degree Programme in Music Performance. Jazz students may choose the European Jazz Master (EUJAM), an exchange programme in cooperation with music conservatories in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. EUJAM students spend their first and last semester in Trondheim, their second and third semester at two of the other EUJAM-partner institutions.

Study Plan Details

The study plan includes compulsory and elective courses, as well as other details about the programme. The programme is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for developing a personal artistic expression and profile.

What Will I Learn?

The Master's Degree Programme in Music Performance provides students with a solid foundation for developing a personal artistic expression and profile. The programme places strong emphasis on music performance itself. In addition to advancing instrumental, artistic, and musical skills at a high level, it is designed to educate independent and reflective musicians with a deep passion for the art.

Artistic In-Depth Project

The Artistic In-Depth Project constitutes more than half of the programme, comprising 75 credits and three master's concerts. In addition, students complete four compulsory courses totaling 30 credits, and elective courses worth 15 credits.

Compulsory Courses

The compulsory courses focus on:

• Musician's psychology
• Reflection on and around artistic work
• Entrepreneurship for musicians
• Interdisciplinary work at NTNU (Experts in Team)

Elective Courses

Through the electives, students can:

• Develop skills as an ensemble player in one of Trondheim's professional ensembles
• Work with chamber music, improvisation, or a second instrument
• Compose for their ensemble
• Undertake a specific project of their own choice
• Interdisciplinary work at NTNU (Experts in Team)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme have diverse job prospects, including professional orchestras and bands, teaching, conducting, and freelance musicians.

Admission

Admittance to the programme requires a completed Bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian Bachelor's degree with a specialization in performing music in classical music, jazz, or similar. Applicants must also document Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Application Procedure

The application procedure includes:

• Applying through S鷦nadsweb (EU applicants) or a linked form (non-EU applicants) by December 15
• Submitting all required documentation, including secondary school diploma, Bachelor's diploma, transcripts, and documentation of English language proficiency
• Submitting a musical CV and letter of motivation describing plans for the in-depth study
• Participating in an audition process, including a video submission and a possible physical audition

Tuition Fees

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA area or Switzerland will be required to pay tuition fees while studying in Norway. The tuition fee for the Master of Arts Programme in Music Performance is currently NOK 198,800 per academic year.

Study Environment

The performance studies at the Department of Music are located in and around the concert hall Olavshallen, at the center of the city. The department has a creative and safe student environment with around 150 performing music students studying jazz or classical music. About 30 of these students are master's students. The department cooperates with several music institutions to give students relevant, professional, and practical experiences in orchestras and ensembles.

Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed the qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

• Knowledge of and ability to communicate and discuss relevant issues connected to their performative practice
• Knowledge of musical issues from a historical and contemporary perspective
• Ability to analyze and discuss artistic development and research within the field
• Understanding of the relations between practice and theory
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship strategies and the labor market in their field
• Ability to perform music on a high artistic level, both individually and in ensembles
• Ability to integrate artistic content and performance in an insightful way
• Ability to work independently and goal-oriented, individually and together with others
• Ability to shape, reflect on, and present an idea for an artistic development work

Conclusion

The Master of Arts Programme in Music Performance at NTNU is a comprehensive programme designed to support the further development of artistic expression and profile. With a focus on individual artistic projects and goals, the programme aims to educate independent and reflected musicians with a passion for the art. The programme provides students with a solid foundation for developing a personal artistic expression and profile, and graduates have diverse job prospects in the music industry.