Music (Performance) (MMus)

Expand your knowledge of music performance with our master's degree at the University of Southampton. Whether you are a classical pianist, a jazz-and-pop musician, an opera singer, or a musical theatre performer, our programme gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of musical performance. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a career in music or further study.

Our MMus Music Performance master's degree gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of the field. On this course, you'll study:

• the technique, history and repertoire of your instrument or voice
• principles and presentation skills of performance
• key skills in music performance and research
• key skills in performance teaching

Our academic staff and music teachers are internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers, as well as established composers and musicologists. These world-leading experts can offer you intensive one-to-one tuition in performance and additional training to make you a stronger, better informed professional who will be heard in today's music world.

We offer a broad-based MMus programme with 4 specialist pathways:

• Performance
• Musicology
• Music Education
• Composition

On the Performance pathway, you’ll work towards the final goal of a professional recital. We’ll work with you to create a portfolio that’s relevant to your career aspirations. Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to:

• continue your research at a doctoral level
• work in the music industry or wider cultural sector
• become a teacher
• work as a freelance musician

You can mix your Performance modules with topics from other MMus pathways to develop a wider range of skills and personalise the course to your interests.

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Chiying Lam. She completed her doctoral study at the Royal College of Music, London, and her research focuses on musicians' pedagogical practice and post-colonial discourses of power & identity within the music practitioners' community.Visit Dr Chiying Lam's staff profile to learn more about her work.

You'll need a 2:1 degree in Music or a related subject.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

For the Performance pathway, you'll need to submit samples of recorded performance. These should be 2 to 3 contrasting pieces for a total of 20 to 30 minutes, showing your technical proficiency and interpretive ability. You must be able to read at sight and learn pieces quickly.

Careers