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Historically Informed Performance Practice (MA) (Taught)

Study level:
Postgraduate
Scheme:
UCAS Conservatoires

Course summary

The MA in Historically Informed Performance Practice is offered by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in conjunction with the University of Glasgow. It will provide you with opportunities to develop insight and experience in historical performance practice of music, through a combination of vocal or instrumental study, performance-related academic research and an element of apprenticeship with professional ensembles.

The programme draws upon the staff expertise and facilities of both institutions, offering a unique opportunity to study alongside world-class performer-scholars within both the University and the Conservatoire environment.

Your study will involve attending seminar series, practical presentations and a practical portfolio. You will also be assessed by dissertation and through a performance recital.

As an accomplished performer, you will find that this programme will enhance your performance skills and knowledge with detailed, rigorous study of historical performance practice (particularly of music of the 17th and 18th centuries).

If you are aspiring to perform professionally or wishing to undertake historical research relating to performance practice, or both, this programme is designed for you.

Please note, the international deadline for this programme is the 1st December 2023, but we would encourage applicants to apply by the 2nd October 2023 to be guaranteed consideration for the first round of scholarship.

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.

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.

Primary instrument/specialism
  • Accordion
  • Bassoon
  • Bassoon (Historical Performance)
  • Cello
  • Cello (Historical Performance)
  • Chittarone
  • Clarinet
  • Clarinet (Historical Performance)
  • Clavichord
  • Cornet
  • Cornetto
  • Double Bass
  • Double Bass (Historical Performance)
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • Flute (Historical Performance)
  • Flute (Renaissance)
  • Fortepiano (Historical)
  • Guitar (Classical)
  • Guitar (Historical Performance)
  • Harp
  • Harpsichord
  • Horn (French)
  • Horn (Natural)
  • Horn (Tenor)
  • Lute
  • Lute/Theorbo
  • Oboe
  • Oboe (Historical Performance)
  • Oboe d'amore
  • Ophicleide
  • Organ
  • Percussion (Orchestral) & Timpani
  • Piano
  • Recorder
  • Sackbut
  • Saxophone
  • Serpent
  • Timpani (Historical Performance)
  • Trombone (Alto)
  • Trombone (Bass)
  • Trombone (Tenor)
  • Trumpet
  • Trumpet (Natural)
  • Tuba
  • Vihuela da Mano
  • Viol
  • Viola
  • Viola (Historical Performance)
  • Viola da Gamba
  • Violin
  • Violin (Historical Performance)
  • Violone
  • Voice (Alto)
  • Voice (Baritone)
  • Voice (Bass)
  • Voice (Bass-Baritone)
  • Voice (Bass-Baritone) (Historical Performance)
  • Voice (Contralto)
  • Voice (Counter-Tenor)
  • Voice (Counter-Tenor) (Historical Performance)
  • Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Voice (Mezzo-Soprano) (Historical Performance)
  • Voice (Soprano)
  • Voice (Soprano) (Historical Performance)
  • Voice (Tenor)
  • Voice (Tenor) (Historical Performance)

Modules

More information about what the course entails can be found on our website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/postgraduate/masters-music-mmus/historically-informed-performance-practice/

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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.

Apply by
2 October

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:
317F
Institution code:
R58
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Currently around 20% of our students come from outside the UK. Between them, they represent over 60 different nationalities and add a rich diversity to the Conservatoire.

Open days

Entry requirements

Candidates for both the MMus and MA are normally expected to hold a good honours (at least 2:2) degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

Additional entry requirements

Audition
Please refer to our Guide for Applicants for what to prepare for audition - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/studyhere/how-to-apply/music/

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 in each component (with no component below 5.5) is required.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Channel Islands£9250*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9250*Year 1
England£9250*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250*Year 1
Wales£9250*Year 1
Scotland£1820*Year 1
EU£27968*Year 1
International£27968*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

For more information on fees and funding, please see our website - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/finance/feesandfunding

Sponsorship information

The Royal Conservatoire is able to offer a number of entrance scholarships which are awarded as part of the audition/selection process on the basis of merit and financial need. Please see our website for more information - https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/finance/scholarships/.

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