Orchestral Performance (Strings) MMus

Overview

Developed in partnership with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), our MMus courses in Orchestral Performance are for advanced level string players considering professional orchestral auditions and on the brink of a professional career.

In addition to one-to-one specialist tuition, you will spend a significant amount of rehearsal time in the CBSO alongside one or more dedicated host players who will act as mentors. You may also be offered opportunities to play at the back of the section to gain further experience. In addition to developing your technical facility, musicianship, interpretative skills and stylistic awareness, you will expand your knowledge of orchestral repertoire, learn how to prepare for rehearsal in the most efficient way, develop strategies which will help you to integrate within your section, and build confidence in preparing for orchestral auditions.

You will also participate in additional performance activities within the Conservatoire’s String Department and the wider Conservatoire, including performance classes, masterclasses, orchestra and chamber music.You'll have full access to our superb £57 million facilities, including our Concert Hall, 150-seat Recital Hall, our black box performance space known as The Lab, and more than 70 practice rooms, ensemble rooms and workshops; all acoustically designed to provide a music-making environment that is world class.

What's covered in the course?

• Specialist individual tuition.
• One or two dedicated CBSO mentors.
• Regular opportunities to rehearse within the CBSO.
• Access to a range of departmental activities and to masterclasses with distinguished visiting guest artists within the Conservatoire.
• Frequent chances to perform within the Conservatoire, including solo, chamber and orchestral opportunities.
• A core career development module designed to get your thinking about your future professional plans.

UK students should normally hold an honours degree, ideally but not necessarily in Music. Non-UK students should hold a Bachelor's degree or a similar degree-equivalent diploma, ideally but not necessarily in Music.