School of Arts
Brunel University
MMus/MA Contemporary Music
This programme is unique in that its focus is expressed in temporal terms (contemporary music) rather than in terms of discipline (composition, performance, studio work, etc). This sets it apart from other programmes but also recognises that there are many promising composers who improvise and many theorists who are fine performers - while avoiding rigidity.
It also recognises the essential interdependence of critical thought and creative practice. The programme explores relationships between different musical practices, and between musical and non-musical domains, without losing the rigour of the central concerns of musical knowledge and compositional and performance technique.
Special Features:
The programme has a strong focus on contemporary practice and emphasises the connections between the various areas of study while offering a degree of choice.
Brunel's proximity to a world music capital brings a wide range of associated benefits in terms of direct contact with the professional world at the highest possible level.
Brunel has an unequalled concentration of contemporary music practitioners of national and international reputation.
The presence of associate artists and ensembles - the well-known contemporary ensemble Piano Circus, the esteemed cellist Matthew Barley, and the renowned South Bank Sinfonia provide an incomparable resource - few institutions can offer postgraduate composition students such a range of professional performers to work with.
General funding sources
For general sources of funding that may apply to this study opportunity, visit the page(s) below.
Study information
- Qualification:
- MMus/MA
- Study duration:
- 1 year full-time, 2 year part-time
- Study mode:
- Full and part-time
- Start month:
- September
- Entry requirements:
- A good honours degree.
