POSTGRADUATESTUDIES2021/22

WELCOMETOP POSTGRADUATE DESTINATION The Royal Academy of Music has the largest body of postgraduate musicians in the UK, bringing together talented musicians from across the globe. Our uniquely collaborative performance environment is designed to help you fulfil your potential, and the networking opportunities provided by our vibrant community are second to none. The Academy’s busy performance calendar provides opportunities to work alongside talented peers, under the direction of world-leading musicians.

CELEBRATING THE INDIVIDUAL While the size and energy of our community are vital to our success, we also celebrate and nurture individuality. We provide one-to-one tutorial supervision for all students, which is unique in the sector, and our highly flexible programmes of study can be tailored to suit your interests and career ambitions. Your principal study lessons (90 minutes per week in most departments) will be supported by a wide spectrum of artist development and professional skills training. We understand that managing a musical life is complex, so we also provide individual portfolio supervision to help you manage your studies and establish your creative niche. In addition, we offer personal support and pastoral care throughout your studies.

I’ve had so much support from my professor and Head of Department – it’s reassuring to know that they understand my goals and are helping me acquire the tools I need to achieve them

Postgraduates collaborate closely with our creative staff and an exceptional peer group.The bespoke approach to studying enables you to take full advantage of the vast array of expertise that walks into the building every day

PROFESSOR NEIL HEYDE, HEAD OF POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

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ZOË PERKINS TRUMPET

I began my undergraduate degree at the Academy in 2016, after having beena member of Junior Academy for four years. I am now studying on the Master of Arts course, and despite Covid I havegained so much from my degree so far.As well as my principal study lessons, I have been involved with inspiring projects including Royal Academy Opera’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

with Sian Edwards and the Royal Academy Sinfonia, and a performance of works by Mark-Anthony Turnage with the Manson Ensemble, the Academy‘s specialist contemporary music ensemble.

Although we have not been able to play to in-house audiences this year, we have still had valuable performance opportunities. Concerts have been livestreamed via YouTube, and I have been able to build my confidence by taking on a wide range of repertoire in formats other than Academy Symphony Orchestra. The Brass Department has made the absolute best of the situation, offering non-stop support and online opportunities during the early stages of the pandemic and onwards. Online masterclasses, warm-up classes and Q&As with internationally renowned musicians, as well as regular online one-to-one lessons, have all helped to ensure that my studies remain structured and developmental.

Throughout my time at the Academy, there has also been a focus on building professional skills. I have learnt how to conduct myself as a professional and what to expect in the industry. All of these opportunities combined have enabled me to develop into a well-rounded musician.

‘I have learnt how to conduct myself as a professional and what to expect in the industry’

KEVIN SUHERMAN PIANO ‘We are so fortunate to have opportunities to work with outstanding musicians, coaches and visiting professors’

For me, going into the Academy every day means working with the most wonderful musicians, learning from thevery best, and being inspired to search for new sounds and ideas.

I’m originally from Indonesia but I grew up in Melbourne, Australia. I was thrilled when I was offered a place on the Master of Arts course at the

Academy – I knew it would change my life. I quickly realised how fruitful it is to be a student here, so I stayed on for the Professional Diploma course and am now studying for an Advanced Diploma in Performance, specialising in Liszt’s transcriptions of Beethoven symphonies.

I’m very grateful to have Professor Joanna MacGregor CBE as my teacher. She is an incredible mentor and a creative, daring and innovative musician. From her I’ve learnt a great deal of things beyond pianistic skills and an expansive repertoire – ideas, imagination and thoughts that I will carry with me throughout my career. Chamber music also plays a vital role at the Academy, and we are so fortunate to have opportunities to work with outstanding musicians, coaches and visiting professors, perform in the Academy’s world-class performance spaces and have access to state-of-the-art recording facilities.

The Academy is a friendly, vibrant environment to be a part of, both musically and socially. It is enriched by its strong student body, made up of people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds who come together in a common aim – to make wonderful music and be constantly inspired.

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TAILORED STUDYWe will help you to identify your individual needs and work with you to meet them

DEVELOPING YOUR OWN PATHWAY It is critical that postgraduate study is not simply more of what you have already done, but a genuine springboard to a career. We recognise that trajectories can be very different, so we offer both one- and two-year pathways for most MA and MMus students. We can also respond flexibly to changing needs during your study – a significant number of students move between the one- and two-year options as circumstances alter and new opportunities are discovered.

RESPONSIBILITY AND CHALLENGE Studying at the Academy is a demanding journey. Working as a musician is a privilege but also requires exceptional commitment and dedication. You have a dual responsibility: to develop and deepen understanding of musical traditions, and to contribute your own creative ways of making music. We support your development by giving you unique performing opportunities, bringing out the best in you and rewarding your success. You will leave the Academy ready to challenge the world as an artist.

If you are not sure about the right programme for you, use the form at ram.ac.uk/study/course-finder, contact the relevant department via ram.ac.uk/departments or email postgrad@ram.ac.uk.

After researching the Academy’s courses and ethos, I knew it was the right place for me. I liked the idea of being responsible for my own projects, while still receiving specialist support

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JULIE PARK VIOLA ‘The Academy works so hard to cater for each student and supports us in every possible way’

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, I decided to move to the other side of the world to continue my musical studies. I had always dreamt of studying in the UK, and for me it was an easy decision to choose the Academy as the place to do this. I was privileged to meet Martin Outram, now my viola professor and mentor, and I

received such a warm welcome from the Head of Strings and the Principal that I felt instantly at home.

Throughout my studies at the Academy, I have been able to freely explore and develop all kinds of musical skills through solo, chamber and orchestral projects. Two of my most valuable experiences were performing Britten’s Lachrymae as viola soloist with the Sainsbury Royal Academy Soloists led by Clio Gould, and performing as principal in a chamber orchestra project directed by Lorenza Borrani, leader of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. There are so many opportunities here, including competitions, masterclasses and external concerts, and the Academy works so hard to cater for each student and supports us in every possible way. All of these wonderful experiences have helped me not only to explore my passions, but also to find my own voice and get closer to the type of musician I want to be.

My decision to study at the Academy was the biggest of my life so far, and also the best. I have cherished every moment of the three years I have spent here and am excited about what lies ahead.

ELENA SALE CLARINET ‘The Academy has always been by my side, encouraging me to act on my inspiration and achieve my best’

The Academy is a unique, vibrant and inspiring place. Every day is full of possibilities – a quick chat over a cup of tea between classes could spark an idea for a new project; a discussion during a class or an impromptu lunch in Regent’s Park after a concert could be the start of a new chamber music group. You never know exactly how or when these opportunities

will present themselves – my only recommendation is to grasp them with both hands! After completing my BMus in Italy, I was looking for the right place to continue my development as a 21st-century musician. I found the environment at the Academy creative, diverse and non-judgmental. I love being able to share my experience of, and relationship to, music with a community of people from all over the world, thanks to whom I have expanded my knowledge of music and different cultures. I have learnt a lot from my teachers about what it means to be an artist in the current climate, and how to explore my relationship with my instrument and my audiences.

The Academy has always been by my side, encouraging me to act on my inspiration and achieve my best. The staff have made an incredible effort to continue offering courses as usual during the pandemic. I have still been able to get involved in orchestral and chamber projects in a safe, well-organised way. I am truly glad to be part of this exceptional institution, and am very much looking forward to my next experience here in London.

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COURSESWhether you’re studying at postgraduate or doctoral level, your course will be packed with variety and creative opportunities

MASTER OF ARTS (MA) IN PERFORMANCE OR COMPOSITION This is the core postgraduate course, taken by the majority of Academy students. You will be able to tailor your studies to reflect your interests, develop performance initiatives and build a professional network. The MA is normally a two-year course, but in certain cases students can complete it in one year.

MASTER OF MUSIC (MMUS) IN PERFORMANCE OR COMPOSITION This builds on the core MA, adding a Master’s Project. The MMus is the standard postgraduate course for composers. It normally takes two years, but in certain cases students can complete it in one year.

Your final Master’s Project can be a concert- or recording-based project, a dissertation, or a combination of these. A concert built around your own compositions or performance interests might be accompanied by a commentary with a practical focus

on the development and delivery of the event, or you might pursue more conceptual or contextual issues.

Students wishing to prepare applications for a doctorate will normally choose the MMus, as the Master’s Project helps prepare studentsfor the independent work required at doctoral level.

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (PROF DIP) This course is for students looking for an additional year of tailored study that will give you a competitive edge when building a career. Its highly focused combination of one-to-one tuition andprofessional development activity is built around the needs of each student.Applicants will normally hold a Master’sdegree, but the programme is available to all applicants of the appropriate standard.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA (ADV DIP) Performance: This course hones high-level artistry and provides bespoke guidance in the development of a distinctive professional profile (particularly for those pursuing solo career paths). You will be supported by regular one-to-one tuition with specialist teachers.

Opera: This course offers intensive training for opera singers. Prospective students will normally have a Master’s degree, but non-standard entry routes are also possible.

DOCTORATES IN PERFORMANCE PRACTICE OR COMPOSITION Our research degrees are aimed at performers and composers who already have highly developed skills and focused career aspirations, including those with a well-established career. You will work on a substantial research project, supported by a supervisor and a team of creative staff at the Academy. This will typically be driven by your creative activity as a performer or composer, but will also require critical context and reflection.

The Academy offers a PhD degree over three or four years, although students can exit with an MPhil after two. Students begin on MPhil status and apply for an upgrade to PhD after two years of study. You will be allocated 30 hours of supervision per year, which can be divided between academic and practical supervision. The fourth year of study is a writing-up year and is charged at a lower rate.

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ARTIST DEVELOPMENTPrepare practically, creatively and strategically for a sustainable career in the music profession

We know how competitive the music business is for our graduates. That’s why the focus of our Artist Development provision is to empoweryou – the next generation of professional musicians – to make the most of your individual skills when you leave. Since the Covid-19 crisis, it has become more important than ever to have the most up-to-date industry knowledge and know-how. With specialisms and contacts across the music world, our team has the expertise to ensure that you leave here as a fully rounded, creative and adaptable musician, with the tools to gain employment even in unpredictable times.

Our talks and seminars are designed to develop your core artist skills, self-knowledge and professional awareness. They cover a comprehensive range of practical subjects, including preparing professional documents, auditioning well, how to get funding, working with online content, personal recording techniques, self-employed finances and how to practise effectively. We also consider all your creative and career options, with talks and workshops on effective programming, orchestral life, working with promoters, and producing and creating your own projects. Alongside our lectures and events, there are one-off sessions

throughout the year focusing on more specialised areas, such as West End work, writing for video games, TV and film, and the improvising musician. Our events are run by Academy specialists and invited experts from all fields of music, including established solo artists, orchestral fixers, agents and festival directors. We engage with health and wellbeing concerns for musicians, too, inviting speakers who are experts on injury prevention and psychological resilience.

There will be a two-day artist development event in January, with sessions on all aspects of skills development, a health and wellbeing event in the Autumn, year-round talks by music professionals working across genres, and one-to-one career coaching.

By the end of your time at the Academy, you should feel confident to make bold artistic choices, and to make your career in music whatever you want it to be.

OPEN ACADEMYDevelop your skills and find new meaning in your music making

Open Academy is the Academy’s learning, participation and community initiative, working with more than 6,000 people beyond our enrolled students and staff each year.

As the importance of participatory and community music programmes in education, health and wellbeing continues to grow, it is crucial that our students have the opportunity to obtain skills and experience in this exciting and expanding area of work.

Open Academy works closely with artistic and community partners to enable students and participants to explore making music together. Projects include workshops with

children and young people in schools and special educational needs and disability (SEND) settings, people receiving treatment in hospitals, residents and staff of care homes, and people attending day centres.

All projects are led by experienced professionals, giving you the opportunity to develop your musicianship, skills and confidence in different environments, make connections with people from all walks of life, and reflect upon the contribution musicians can make to society. Postgraduate students can explore this field of work as part of their professional portfolio by choosing the Open Academy Pathway.

I’ve experienced first-hand the transformative nature of music on people of all ages and backgrounds. Seeing their joy has been truly inspirational

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It was also the prospect of one-to-one hours with someof the best musicians in the world that prompted me to choose the Academyover any other conservatoire

MASIMBA USHE VOCAL STUDIES ‘I have had a lot of catching up to do, but I’ve already learnt a huge amount from both staff and students’

My journey to the Academy started when I had a chance meeting with mezzo-soprano Sarah Walker. She listened to me sing and helped me to navigate my way from my non-musical background to a position where I could pursue singing classically. I took several short coursesat Morley College before successfully auditioning for the Academy.

My Academy teachers and I have forged a relationship based on trust and respect. I have never been made to feel that my lack of musical knowledge or background is holding me back. They have been nothing but supportive, and have helped me to begin to understand the potential of my voice and what it takes to use it effectively. I have learnt to recognise when to work and – equally important – when to rest. I have had a lot of catching up to do, but I’ve already learnt a huge amount from both staff and students. I have been encouraged to collaborate with other students and get involved in operatic productions outside the Academy, including a production of Porgy and Bess with Grange Park Opera in the summer of 2019.

Studying at the Academy has been a brilliant experience for me. It has taught me the value of learning and has pushed me to be the best version of myself. The support I’ve received has given me the confidence and the courage to undertake the challenges of a career in classical music.

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PATRONHM The Queen

PRESIDENTHRH The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO

PRINCIPALProfessor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE

The Academy is a registered charity, number 310007, and a company registered with Companies House, number RC000438.

MARYLEBONE ROAD, LONDON NW1 5HT +44 (0)20 7873 7373 | RAM.AC.UK

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