Music Performance MMus

Program Overview

Through a combination of tuition, masterclasses, recitals, and ensemble participation, students develop their performance abilities, learn to critique their performances, and complete a performance-based project. The program prepares graduates for careers as professional performers, music teachers, studio recording engineers, and other roles in the music industry.

Program Outline

The Music Performance MMus degree is designed for aspiring professional performers or instrumental teachers who want to improve their skills and knowledge. Through a combination of tuition, masterclasses, recitals, and ensemble participation, students will develop their performance abilities, learn to critique their performances, and complete a performance-based project. The compulsory modules cover:

• Critical Aspects of Performance Presentation (30 credits): This module focuses on the psychology of performance presentation and musical learning, including performance anxiety, mental health strategies, relaxation techniques, and neuro-linguistic programming.
Students will also analyze performances and develop promotional strategies and materials (website and social media presence).
• Performance Studies (30 credits): This module covers practical aspects of preparing and delivering a musical performance.
Students receive individual lessons on their instruments, participate in workshops, and attend lectures. The module is assessed through a 20-minute recital, a portfolio of promotional materials, and a critical self-evaluation of the performance.
• Major Project (60 credits): This module allows students to develop a major piece of research, creative work, or performance.
For creative work, students will also conduct research and write a paper or critical commentary.
• Researching Music (30 credits): This module prepares students for research and writing in Music Masters' programs.
• Advanced Production of Popular Music (30 credits): This module provides in-depth training in recording and producing popular music, covering techniques like microphone usage, digital editing, sequencing, mixing, mastering, and genre-specific production.
Students create a portfolio of recordings and develop a recording project.
• Composing and Marketing Popular Music (30 credits): This module focuses on popular music composition techniques and marketing strategies.
They will also create a portfolio of compositions and a marketing project.
• Constructing Music Education in the UK (30 credits): This module examines music education practices in the UK, exploring the diverse approaches and research surrounding music provision in schools.
Students design an investigation exploring pedagogy through either a school placement or peer teaching.
• Live Sound and Event Management (30 credits): This module offers hands-on training in live sound reinforcement and event management.
Students learn about monitoring, lighting, stage design, professional conventions, and logistics. Students gain experience through a work placement or by developing new educational applications of music and technology. Students publish their work and create a unique archive. They also have opportunities to create radio journalism.

Assessment:

The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Public Performance Recitals: Students will give live performances to demonstrate their skills and artistry.
• Portfolio of Presentational and Promotional Materials: Students will compile a collection of promotional materials showcasing their performances and career aspirations.
• Essays, Critiques, Debates, and Critical Reviews: Students will engage in written analyses of performances, musical concepts, and other relevant topics.
• Extended Project Essay: Students will develop a comprehensive written project related to their chosen area of specialization.

Teaching:

The program offers a mix of traditional and innovative teaching methods:

• One-to-One Tuition: Students receive individual instruction on their chosen instruments.
• Group Classes and Workshops: Students participate in group sessions for skill development and collaboration.
• Masterclasses: Students attend workshops led by experienced performers and composers.
• Recitals and Ensemble Participation: Students gain experience performing in recitals and ensembles.
• Guided Independent Study: Students are encouraged to engage in self-directed learning through research, analysis, and project work.
The faculty consists of:
• Dr. Cynthia Stephens-Himonides (Course Leader and Admissions Tutor)
• Dr. Oded Ben-Tal
• Mr. Ali Kiresci
• Dr. George Reid
• Liz Swain

Careers:

The Music Performance MMus degree prepares students for a range of career paths in the music industry, including:

• Professional Performer: Graduates may pursue careers as musicians in various genres and settings, including orchestras, bands, solo performances, and more.
• Music Teacher: Graduates may teach music in schools, private studios, or higher education institutions.
• Studio Recording: Graduates may work in studios as recording engineers, producers, or session musicians.
• Outreach Work: Graduates may engage in outreach programs, educational workshops, or community-based music initiatives.
• Students benefit from the vibrant and collaborative environment of the Kingston School of Art, fostering multidisciplinary connections and creative exchange.
• The university has a music library with a rich collection of books, scores, sheet music, periodicals, and audio/video recordings.

Home 2025/26 MMus full time £10,300 MMus part time £5,665 International 2025/26 MMus full time £20,700 MMus part time £11,385 Home 2024/25 MMus full time £9,900 MMus part time £5,445 International 2024/25 MMus full time £19,900 MMus part time £10,945