Music Performance MMus
Subject and course type
- Music
- Creative Arts
- Postgraduate
Ready to become a professional standard performer? This Music Performance MMus course at Kingston University will give you the skills and knowledge to take your musical career prospects to the next level.
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Master the art of performance
Specialise in composition or conducting and refine your knowledge in arranging and ensemble performance.
Our MMus in Music Performance could lead to a range of careers, both in the industry and in related fields. Previous graduates have gone on to work in performance, teaching, outreach, composition and more. If you’re already employed, this programme could seriously accelerate your promotion prospects.
During the course, you’ll choose the modules that engage you most and deepen your expertise accordingly. You’ll develop your performance skills across multiple genres, from western classical to popular and world music. The course also covers issues including performance practice, aesthetics of music performance, analysis for performers, psychology of music performance and performance presentation.
Professional performers will be on hand to give you individual tuition on your voice or instrument while you study. You’ll also be able to attend masterclasses and workshops with performers and composers, as well as live performances at London’s major venues throughout the year.
I can't speak highly enough of my time as a postgraduate student at Kingston. For me, studying on the Music Performance MMus course was a time of not only discovery, but also rediscovery of a self that I had forgotten about.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. We’re ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and our highly experienced academic staff are active performers, composers and producers themselves.
The Coombehurst Complex and Visconti Studio
As a music student, you’ll access a range of professional studio facilities and practice rooms in the Coombehurst House Complex. Here, you'll find five recording studios, a computer suite with iMac workstations, plus audio and video editing facilities and band rehearsal rooms.
You’ll also be able to use our flagship Visconti Studio, an analogue-meets-digital space with a 300m² octagonal live room and a selection of vintage and rare recording equipment. This tape-based studio features a unique collection of instruments including a Mellotron, a Hammond organ and a Steinway concert grand piano.
Access to instruments and loans system
Our extensive instrument collection includes around 30 pianos, a harpsichord, drum kits and orchestral and classroom instruments. We also have a double-size Javanese gamelan and a set of djembe drums.
You can book a range of recording and performing instruments, rooms and equipment through our online system. Studios are open for use 24 hours a day.
Music in the library
The Nightingale Centre’s music library holds an extensive collection of books, anthologies, scores, sheet music, periodicals, and audio and video recordings. Kingston also subscribes to Grove Music Online, RILM and the Naxos online recordings catalogue. You can access these resources from any University workstation.
The Art School Experience
As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where we encourage collaborative working and critical practice.
Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
Course content
You will cover issues of performance practice, aesthetics of music performance, analysis for performers, psychology of music performance, and performance presentation.
A range of option modules allows you to develop your skills in related topics, such as composition, conducting, arranging and ensemble performance.
You'll need to take all four compulsory modules, totalling 150 credits. You can then choose a further 30-credit optional module, to total 180 credits altogether.
Modules
You will have the opportunity to develop and enhance your performance skills through one-to-one tuition, group classes, workshops, recitals and ensemble participation.
You will also be asked to critique and evaluate your own performances, and will undertake a performance-based project.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Core modules
30 credits
This module is core for MMus Performance and is offered as an option for other level 7 Music programmes. The module will consider the musical preparation and performance from a psychological perspective. This will include the psychology of performance presentation and musical learning and the psychology of performance anxiety. Practical strategies for developing strong mental health in relation to both areas will also be considered and in particular relaxation techniques and neuro-linguistic programming, a form of mental and practical rehearsal, will be investigated. Critical evaluation of performance and performance practice will also be addressed through the aesthetic analysis of a range of performances on video and consideration of issues such as the meaning and authenticity of the performance will be undertaken. The presentation of the student as a performer will also be addressed through the development of a promotional strategy and a folio of promotional materials including both a website and social media presence.
30 credits
This module is core for MMus Performance and is offered as an option for other Level 7 Music programmes. The module will address the practical issues of preparing and delivering a musical performance. Individual lessons will provide expert tuition on the students' instrument. Practical workshops will provide feedback on a range of technical, interpretational and presentational issues and lectures will prepare students for the written elements. Assessment will be through a recital of 20 minutes duration, a portfolio of promotional and presentational materials for the recital and a critical self evaluation of the performance itself.
60.00 credits
This module supports the development of a major piece of research, or creative work, or performance which is focused on the subject of the student's programme of study. Therefore the nature of the project is chosen from the following: a dissertation; a folio of produced popular music compositions/covers; a folio of sonic arts work; a folio of compositions to moving image; a folio of compositions; or a performance. In the case of the creative work, students will also undertake related research which culminates in a paper or critical commentary to complement and support their creative work. The module is taught through a mixture of seminars and individual tutorials.
30 credits
Researching Music is designed to prepare students for their research and writing on the Music Masters' programmes. The teaching covers academic referencing, creating a bibliography, library skills, use of research online indices such as RILM, writing skills, and approaches to research. Later in the module research seminars will be given by Kingston and visiting researchers/composers/performers which provide opportunities for student discussion on a variety of issues in current music research. The module is assessed through a folio of written work including an extended annotated bibliography, an extended research paper and an online forum.
Optional modules (may vary from year to year)
30 credits
This module gives you a deep and thorough understanding of the processes and techniques involved in recording and producing popular music. It will look at a range of recording techniques and provide you with the opportunity to gain fluency in operating a recording studio. The role of the producer in creating, developing, managing and presenting a recording project will be studied, and students will be equipped with the faculties to produce work that demonstrates creativity and is of a professional standard.
Topics covered will include microphone techniques, digital recording and editing techniques, advanced sequencing, mixing and mastering techniques, creating arrangements and communicating with artists and session musicians, investigating genre-specific production techniques, and analysing contemporary and historical recordings. You will also look at the relationship between the producer and the recording and media business. You will be trained to critically evaluate your own work and position it in the context of the wider music and media business environment. You will use these techniques and skills to create a portfolio of short recordings, accompanied by a commentary detailing the techniques employed, and to develop and present a recording project, with supporting documentation.
30.00 credits
The module is designed to give you a deep and thorough understanding of the processes and techniques involved in popular music composition, and to equip you with the faculties to produce work of a professional standard. You will learn compositional techniques applicable to a range of popular music genres and will employ these to enhance your own personal style and create a portfolio of compositions. The nature of the creative process, how collaborators (co-writers, band members) communicate with each other and with other artists, and how popular music terminology and notation is utilised will be discussed. The position of the songwriter and popular music composer within contemporary society and the wider music and media business will also be examined.
This module will also explore strategies behind the manufacture, marketing, distribution and sale of popular music from a global perspective. You will examine music industry models in an historical context, exploring how practices are evolving through the advent of digital technology. You will explore the factors driving this change with critical appraisal of methods used. Topics covered will include the structure of major and independent record labels, management strategies, identifying a target audience, publicity and marketing within different territories, financing, choice of formats, music video, new media, the live industry, going it alone and the value of popular music as a commodity. You will be assessed on a portfolio of work including a project that demonstrates the marketing and promotion of one of their popular music compositions.
30.00 credits
This module examines the diversity of practice associated with school-based music provision in the UK maintained sector and associated research. Current positions concerning universal entitlement to the subject will be explored and traced back to influential antecedents. You will formulate a critical response to course themes by designing a short investigation exploring the complex transactional character of pedagogy which typifies music lessons across the UK. It will be located in a school if possible, supported by DBS checking (and if necessary, ethics clearance), or alternatively, will be based on student peer teaching.
30 credits
The module is core for MA Music Education and is offered as an option for the MA Music and other MMus programmes. The module will consider the psychological processes that underpin musical understanding; interpersonal communication; the social construction of meaning and how such processes contribute to the educational philosophies of world cultures. There will be opportunities to investigate the philosophies and practices in music education in a variety of cultural and international contexts including the UK and those of the students themselves.
30.00 credits
This module deals in depth with the subject of composition for film and television. Students explore, through lectures and seminars, the essential technology and techniques that composers for Film and Television need to master. Subjects covered include the use of Main Themes, underscoring and the harmonic languages of soundtracks, in both big and small screen contexts. Coursework consists of several compositions to image, chosen to encourage musical diversity and exploration of compositional styles, together with a written commentary.
30 credits
The module allows the student to develop further understanding of a range of professional roles undertaken by media composers. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of instrumentation and orchestration alongside practical aspects of the business working as a media composer. They will learn traditional and contemporary techniques of writing for instruments and apply those when working with both real and virtual instruments. They will compose music to picture scored for a small ensemble which will be recorded in the Visconti studio. Students will also be required to engage in post-production mastering and mixing, to achieve a fully professional result. Module content also includes in-depth study of real-world aspects of composition, production and exploitation of music in the media. The assignments set reflect these areas of study – from developing musical ideas and producing a detailed score, to dealing with project management, copyright and budget issues.
Career opportunities
You’ll complete this programme with a blend of compositional and practical skills, plus theoretical knowledge. Our graduates have gone on to perform professionally, teach instruments, work in education and run workshops. Others are working in studio recording or outreach programmes.
Teaching and assessment
On the Music Performance MA, you'll be assessed in a variety of forms, including public performance recitals; a portfolio of presentational and promotional materials; essays, critiques, debates and critical reviews; and an extended project essay.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically involves reading and analysing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc.
Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.
At Kingston University, we know that postgraduate students have particular needs and therefore we have a range of support available to help you during your time here.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 10% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:
- Coursework: 82%
- Practical: 18%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 20-25 students and lecture sizes are normally 25-30. However this can vary from year to year. Other music modules may enrol a lower number, while the shared research modules for all masters students may enrol up to 60.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,300 |
| Part Time | £5,665 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £20,700 |
| Part Time | £11,385 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £9,900 |
| Part Time | £5,445 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,900 |
| Part Time | £10,945 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
Interested in studying a Music Performance MMus at Kingston? The following funding support is available:
Get a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. Find out more.
Receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in your first year of study. Find out more.
Get a 15% reduction in tuition fees. Find out more.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full- and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni. Visit our alumni discount page to find out more.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
After you apply
If the admission tutor wants to see your portfolio, we will email asking you to upload your zipped portfolio to the OSIS portal within three weeks. If we need more information or want to invite you for an interview, we will be in touch directly. After that you will then hear whether your application has been successful.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
As a mature student, with a family and work commitments, the staff were wonderfully friendly and supportive. The outcome of the course exceeded all my expectations, culminating in an exciting day at the Royal Albert Hall, where I celebrated my MA in great style with my octogenarian parents and eight-year-old son.
