Masters (MMus) in Popular Music Performance - Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocal

Course Overview

The course will encourage you to develop the highest levels of instrumental skill through individual lessons and personalised learning. You will also develop your leadership and musical management skills through the leading of an ensemble, culminating in a performance of challenging original and existing repertoire.

On the course, you may select from options that include an investigation of a performance tradition, the use of music in health and wellbeing, and the cultural aspects of music. You will also produce a significant body of work for the recital, together with supporting research that underpins and informs your final project. The ICMP’s MMus is aimed primarily at individuals who wish to continue their studies after having distinguished themselves on a degree-level course, or who have acquired comparable industry experience and are committed to attaining even greater mastery of their respective instruments.

Course Details

You will further the development of your instrumental skills, focusing on your personal relationship to your instrument and the extension of your technical ability, as well as your role as a performer within the context of live and studio environments. This element of the programme is delivered using a variety of modes of study, including one-to-one lessons, ensemble classes and lectures, as well as private and group tutorials; this combination enables a personalised approach to study.

Academic and Research Skills

You will undertake a significant research project that will lead to the production of a substantial performance and dissertation. You will be challenged to develop a variety of skills and techniques, and you will additionally acquire and refine the critical reasoning skills that will enable you to review current academic literature and output.

Professional Development

A vital part of your own professional development rests on your ability to operate autonomously, which, within the context of the programme, involves effectively engaging in self-directed study. The ability to identify your own personal learning requirements and then design and industriously implement a plan for attaining them, while effectively selecting and deploying the appropriate resources, is a critical skill that is developed, supported and challenged throughout the programme.

Featured Tutor

Hailing from Massachusetts, USA, Chris is a highly experienced pro guitarist with over 20 years guitar experience.

After attending Berkeley in Boston, he immediately became a busy touring and recording guitarist, moving to these shores in 1992. Artists he has worked with include Caribbean Soca/Calypso artist Arrow, featuring on his massive hit 'Hot Hot Hot' as well as Sister Sledge, Odyssey, Mick Ronson and Felix Pappalardi.

More recently he has recorded several albums and performed with songwriter Jeb Loy Nichols and continues to be a very busy studio and live guitar player. Chris is a master musician and always plays with great taste, which is why he's so in demand.

Key Facts

• The personalised learning experience equips you with the knowledge, understanding and skills for successful employment in the music industry
• One-to-one instrumental lessons with the tutor of your choice and individual research supervision
• The London location provides opportunities to perform in gigs at top London venues and immerse yourself in the current music scene
• High-quality teaching by industry practitioners
• Extensive music industry links and access enable you to build that all-important network
• A creative and inspiring learning environment
• You can focus on realising your unique identity as a musician
• Combines advanced performance with rigorous scholarship
• Enhances your creativity and confidence as a performer and academic
• One year full-time or two years part-time study

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have a good honours degree (upper second or first) or equivalent, or comparable professional or research experience.

The Institute also welcomes applications from established practitioners who are keen to undertake study at the postgraduate level but may not possess the required qualifications. These students may be given credit for their prior study or experience.

International: English language requirement - Min Level B2 of the CEFR - for more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.

When completing an application for the Masters, please use the upload function to provide copies of the following:

• A personal reference (ideally from an undergraduate institution where appropriate)
• A personal statement

Additionally, you will be asked to complete an audition/interview. Further documentation/evidence in support of your application may be required in certain cases.