Programme Description

This programme is designed to enhance composers´ creative imagination and technical skills and to develop their thinking about the contexts of composition. It provides ideal training for those wishing to proceed to a research degree, and prepares students for the professional world of composition.

It is taught by Professor Rhian Samuel, whose compositions, publications and international activities give the Department a unique emphasis.

Performance of students´ works is constantly encouraged, for instance, in professional workshops and in concerts by City Lights, an ensemble devoted to the performance of these compositions. Students´ works have also been promoted and developed in the wider, London-based musical community, including workshops with the London Sinfonietta. It is the Department´s policy to include postgraduate work in programmes given by the University Symphony Orchestra, which take place in Central London venues.

Music MA alumni have gone on to teach, compose and perform music in a wide variety of settings, and are also employed in music publishing, broadcasting, music management, arts administration, music retailing and further musical study at MPhil or PhD level.