2:1 or equivalent in Music or another relevant discipline. We will also consider your application if you have a 2:2 honours degree and relevant professional experience.
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
IELTS, 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component
C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, 169, minimum 162 in each component
Duolingo, 100, minimum 90 in all other components
LanguageCert, B2 Communicator High Pass with 33/50 in each component
PTE Academic, 55, minimum 51 in each component
TOEFL, 79, minimum 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing
Trinity ISE III, Pass in all components
This pathway of our MA Music intends to strengthen your playing and theoretical knowledge through intensive piano-based study.
You'll cover a variety of keyboard music from the early Baroque period to the present day, developing your interpretation through workshops and masterclasses, and learning to play different kinds of repertoire with historical understanding. This includes the chance to work with historical instruments such as harpsichord, clavichord and fortepiano.
You'll also have the opportunity to develop other skills such as ensemble performance and piano accompaniment, both as part of the course and externally. The University of York Piano Ensemble is made up of a group of pianists performing repertoire for multiple pianos. They particularly explore contemporary and experimental repertoire, as well as arrangements of older music. You'll gain experience as a pianist through chances to work as an accompanist for other students, frequent masterclasses in performance from visiting specialists and opportunities to perform in a variety of different settings. By the end of the programme, these experiences will have helped you develop into an independent, critically aware and technically proficient performer.
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Modules
Projects I and II
As part of the modules Project I and Project II, you’ll attend a weekly seminar related to your pathway. You'll discuss larger issues of performance and repertoire, examining in detail the works you are studying and thinking about the implications for performance. You'll also study the history of piano repertoire, style and interpretation, pedalling techniques, fingering problems and other issues pianists may come across. The seminars will also consider practical issues such as overcoming performance anxiety, writing programme notes, developing good posture, and healthy practice habits.
At the end of each module, you’ll produce a ‘guided submission’, which differ according to each pathway. For Piano Studies, these take the form of 25-30 minute recitals with accompanying commentaries. The assessment for these two commentaries are submitted as part the Critical Reflection module.
Throughout these modules you’ll receive advice, support and feedback from your academic supervisor. You’ll have the freedom to submit work on areas that interest you - our courses our designed to allow maximum flexibility and independence.
Project III
Project III is an extended individual project. For Piano Studies, this takes the form of a 40–45 minute recital with accompanying commentary.
Critical Reflection in Musical Practice
Critical Reflection in Musical Practice runs throughout the year. In this module you’ll develop sophisticated ways to articulate critical and reflective outlooks on your creative work, writing short, critically reflective essays each week that relate wider issues connected with piano performance to your own practice. These essays are not assessed, but will provide valuable experience and feedback for your assessed recital commentaries.
Your classes will prepare you to write and deliver a research presentation on a topic of your choice to your fellow students.
Music teacher
Freelance solo performer
Performance research and PhD study
Private music tutor
Community arts worker
Sound designer
Insurance - Single: 300 (£) per year
