Royal College Of Music
Master of Performance (Conducting) MPerf
Royal College Of Music

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 75 graduates of Master of Performance (Conducting) MPerf at Royal College Of Music for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Music.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £21455 £18360 £22141
25-75 percentile range £17911 - £25024 £13492 - £22848 £16777 - £27979

Course Description

The Royal College of Music offers a diverse two-year Masters programme with multiple study routes, which allow students to work towards the qualification most suited to their needs. Normally taken over two years, the Master of Performance (MPerf) develops performers’ practical skills, complemented by options which reflect current vocational and professional needs. Such skills are particularly relevant for those who aim to enter the profession as practitioners at the highest level and who need to meet the current practical demands of the music industry.

The Royal College of Music’s two-year postgraduate course in orchestral conducting is designed to support students as they develop their own individual conducting style. From contemporary compositions to large symphony orchestra repertoire, recording sessions to rehearsals and concerts, you will be involved in all aspects of musical life at the RCM. A detailed programme of technical and repertoire study compliments a wealth of quality podium time, including public performances with full orchestra plus orchestral and sectional preparation for visiting international conductors. Conductors at the RCM have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, gaining an all-round understanding of the artistic, psychological, practical and business issues involved in making a career as an orchestral conductor. The RCM normally accepts just one or two students onto this course each year, ensuring that each student receives a highly bespoke programme of tuition.

Professional engagement will be a key component of your experience as a conductor at the RCM. Industry professionals periodically meet with our students, providing valuable insights and career advice. In addition, visiting conductors of the highest calibre often work with RCM conducting students on preparing performances of key repertoire. Conducting students regularly rehearse and perform with our in-house ensembles, including the RCM Philharmonic, RCM Symphony Orchestra, and various new music ensembles. They often premiere new works by RCM composers working with the RCM New Perspectives ensemble or as part of our cutting-edge From the Soundhouse series. All of these public conducting opportunities are an integral part of the RCM’s annual programme of events. In addition, our students have directed RCM orchestras in external venues, including London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Due to its specialist nature, this course is available on a full-time basis only and secondary specialisms are not available.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Master of Performance (Conducting) MPerf at Royal College Of Music

40% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
35% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
5% Media Professionals
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Sports and fitness occupations
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Information Technology Professionals

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 5.5

Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 5.5 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.

PTE Academic 59

Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 59 is required in all components. Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.

Cambridge English Advanced

Overall score of 160-179 and no less than 160 in any component.

Trinity ISE

Trinity ISE II certificate. Must include a pass in all components.

TOEFL (iBT) 72

Overall score of 72, with minimum component scores of: Reading -18, Listening -17, Speaking -20, Writing -17

The Royal College of Music has a long tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. Our broad community of staff and students makes the RCM an exciting and diverse hub of musical activity. Almost half of our students are from outside the UK, studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The RCM is able to support many students with scholarships thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts, companies, businesses, individual members of the public and legacies. Any student who auditions will automatically be considered for a scholarship or study award. There is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on performance at audition.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Master of Performance (Conducting), MPerf, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

An undergraduate degree or an equivalent international qualification, usually in music.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

October 2, 2024

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.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

About Royal College Of Music

The Royal College of Music is a music academy that has enjoyed conservatoire status since the year 1882, and can be found in the London district of South Kensington, England. Students at this college have the opportunity to form a part of an enthusiastic group of talented performers, studying just opposite from the world- famous Royal Albert Hall. Whether it’s jazz, orchestra, or opera singing that moves you musically, the Royal College of Music provides exceptional tuition in all areas.

List of 27 Bachelor and Master Courses from Royal College Of Music - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Royal College Of Music

undergraduates:
485
postgraduates:
445
Total:
930

Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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