Primary instrument/specialism
- Bassoon
- Bassoon (Contra)
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Clarinet (Bass)
- Clarinet (E flat)
Course summary
Through a combination of advanced practical and pedagogical training and vocational studies, the RNCM’s specialist Master of Performance (MPerf) programme heightens the skills and techniques needed to ensure you thrive. It’s perfect for graduates who are looking to become professional performers, providing exceptional one-to-one tuition, solo and ensemble performance opportunities, and specialist guidance on self-promotion. The course also offers training in instrumental teaching, the chance to gain real-world experience via an external industry placement, and the opportunity to work with professionals to create and edit your own expertly-produced recording, ensuring your future is as sustainable as it is successful.
Course details
Principal study options
During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:
Main specialism
Only one specialism is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.
Joint main specialism
You would like to study two specialisms, both studied equally.
Instrument/specialisms
For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.
Secondary instrument/specialisms
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Clarinet (Bass)
- Cornet
- Double Bass
Modules
The MPerf comprises five main components: Principal Study, Recording Project, Practical Pedagogy and Research Modules. Visit rncm.ac.uk/master-of-performance/ for more information.
Assessment method
Assessment methods are designed to develop and evaluate various skills in all students. Feedback is provided on all assessments, enabling students to enhance their learning by acting on constructive criticism and appraisals given in the context of all modules, both formatively and in relation to summative, credit-bearing assessments. Assessment methods are diverse, and include the following: recital or performance, dissertation, written project work, self-evaluation, evidence-based portfolio and viva voce.
How to apply
This course is closed for the 2024 academic cycle. Please contact the provider or view the 2025 courses.
*If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.
02Oct
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W310
- Institution code:
- R57
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Proof of suitable credits for APEL
International applicants
Applicants whose first language is not English must have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent in each and every component (or CEFR B2). Visit rncm.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/ for more information about our international requirements.
Entry requirements
MPerf entrants must hold a good Honours degree or equivalent (or be of equivalent professional standing). This qualification need not be in music, but all candidates must be able to satisfy the College that they have already achieved an advanced standard in their main discipline area, and have the potential to develop further towards a professional level of attainment.
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
Interview
Audition
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Assessment locations
In the event of a successful assessment, applicants may be invited for a further interview prior to being made an offer.
Remote assessment recordings may be accepted in the event that you cannot attend an assessment in person.
Single specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online Single Principal Study | £75 | £75 |
| RNCM, Manchester Single Principal Study | £75 | £75 |
| RNCM, Manchester Joint Principal Study | £110 | £110 |
| Online Joint Principal Study | £110 | £110 |
| New York | £110 | £110 |
Joint principal specialism assessment
| Location | On-time Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online Single Principal Study | £75 | £75 |
| RNCM, Manchester Single Principal Study | £75 | £75 |
| RNCM, Manchester Joint Principal Study | £110 | £110 |
| Online Joint Principal Study | £110 | £110 |
| New York | £110 | £110 |
Additional information
Visit rncm.ac.uk/youraudition for full audition requirements.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The RNCM charges tuition fees to all students for each year of study. To determine the status of undergraduate students for fee purposes, we follow regulations issued by the UK Government. If you don’t qualify for Home status, you’ll be enrolled as an International student.
Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for course fees and information about scholarships and bursaries.
Sponsorship information
Scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate outstanding ability and potential at audition. There’s no separate application process for these as everyone is automatically considered. Scholarship Awards are for the first year of study only (unless specifically stated otherwise). A limited number of Bursaries are also available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay. Visit rncm.ac.uk/fees for information about scholarships and bursaries.
Provider information
Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD