Ready for the next big step in your music career? An MMus in music performance offers a unique opportunity to deepen your artistry, expand your musical knowledge, and prepare for a successful career in music. This degree can get you on the path to wherever you want to go, whether it’s a solo career, orchestral positions or teaching. You’ll be sure to gain essential skills and experience to help you achieve your goals with this advanced degree.
This post will explore all the benefits of an MMus in music performance, and hopefully, by the end, you will know for sure whether it’s the right step for you.
What is music performance?
Music performance is the art of bringing music to life through sound. It's about interpreting a piece of music and sharing that interpretation with an audience.
Whether you're a singer, instrumentalist, or part of an ensemble, performance is at the heart of what it means to be a musician. It’s a blend of technical skill, artistic interpretation, and emotional connection.
A music performance degree is a more advanced level of education that explores various aspects of music and takes your musical skills to the next level. You can take a more specialised approach focusing on things like conducting, music therapy, music theory and voice performance.
At the end of your studies, you may have a music performance assessment, which includes reflective work to ensure you have understood the course material and are ready for the next stage.
Importance of advanced musical education
Think of an MMus as a deep dive into your musical world. It's about refining your skills, expanding your musical knowledge, and developing a deeper understanding of your instrument or voice.
An advanced degree can encourage you to explore new musical territories and challenge you to grow as a musician and artist. You’ll develop a refined aesthetic, enabling you to interpret and communicate music with greater depth and nuance.
Career opportunities with an MMus in music performance
An MMus isn’t just an extra bit of education, it can open several more doors to exciting career paths. This advanced degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in diverse musical settings.
Here’s a list of some of the career opportunities available to MMus graduates:
- Orchestra musician: Join a symphony orchestra, ballet or opera company as a core member and contribute to live performances.
- Solo performer: Build a career as a solo artist, performing recitals, concerts and potentially recording albums.
- Musical director: Lead and shape the musical vision for theatre productions, operas or other performance groups.
- Songwriter: Create original music, including lyrics and melodies, for various genres and platforms.
- Film scoring: Compose music for films, television shows and other visual media.
- Music industry entrepreneur: Launch your own music label, management company or music-related business.
- Project manager: Oversee music production projects, from conception to completion, coordinating various teams and resources.
- Music therapist: Use music to support the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of clients.
- Music producer or arranger: Create and shape the sound of recordings, working with artists and engineers to bring music to life.
- Music critic or journalist: Share your musical expertise through writing, reviews and analysis for publications or online platforms.
Skill development in music performance
An MMus is all about honing your craft. You'll develop advanced technical proficiency, refine your musical interpretation, and enhance your performance skills.
You'll also learn about music theory, history and analysis, broadening your musical understanding. This comprehensive approach to music education equips you with the tools to become a well-rounded and versatile musician.
A music performance degree can strengthen your work ethic, discipline and time management skills. These qualities are valuable not only for your career but can also help you develop personally.
Benefits of specialising in music performance with an MMUS
We’ve already discussed quite a few reasons why you should pursue an MMus in music performance, but if you’re still not convinced, take a look at the list of benefits of music performance below.
Advanced skill development
An MMus enables you to refine your technical abilities to a professional level. This degree provides you with focused training to elevate your music performance skills, whether it’s perfecting your instrument's nuances or mastering complex musical techniques.
Artistic growth
Beyond technical proficiency, an MMus furthers your artistic growth. You'll delve deeper into music theory, history and analysis, expanding your musical knowledge and interpretive abilities. This holistic approach cultivates a better understanding of music and enhances your ability to communicate your artistic vision.
Mentorship
A master’s degree in music performance has great mentorship opportunities where you can benefit from the guidance of experienced musicians. Building relationships with established professionals can provide invaluable insights, career advice and networking connections.
Performance opportunities
MMus programmes often offer ample performance opportunities, allowing you to gain stage experience, develop a distinctive artistic personality/voice and refine your specialist performance skills. These experiences will help you develop in professional performance-based industry settings.
Portfolio building
An MMus provides the ideal platform to build a strong performance portfolio. You’ll be able to showcase your talents through recordings, recitals and competitions. A well-curated portfolio is essential for career advancement and securing future opportunities.
Career advancement
An MMus can significantly enhance your career prospects. The advanced skills, knowledge and network developed during the programme prepare you for a variety of roles within the music industry.
Collaborative projects
Collaborating with fellow musicians is a cornerstone of the music world. MMus programmes often encourage collaborative projects, giving you the chance to develop teamwork skills and explore new musical territories. These experiences can enrich your artistic growth and expand your professional network.
Technological integration
The music industry is increasingly reliant on technology. An MMus can provide exposure to music technology, digital audio workstations and music software. Understanding these tools is essential for contemporary musicians and can open up new creative possibilities.
An MMus in music performance can really take your music career to the next level. It can help you to develop further as an artist, develop specialist skills and refine your instrumental skills to an industry standard. By the end of this degree, you’ll be more than prepared to excel in this competitive industry.
FAQs
How does an MMus in music performance enhance my musical skills?
An MMus provides intensive training, refining your technical abilities and musical interpretation. You'll delve deeper into music theory, history and analysis, expanding your musical knowledge. Some degrees provide practice-based programmes where you will develop even further as a musical artist through projects to produce bodies of work and lead ensembles.
What are the career opportunities after completing an MMus in music performance?
There are many career paths after an MMus in music performance. You might pursue a career as a solo performer, musical director, arranger or music teacher. Other options include music therapy, music production, composition, music journalism or academia. The specific career path depends on your individual interests and goals.
What performance opportunities are available during the programme?
Music performance courses often offer a wealth of performance opportunities, including composing for film and other media, working with guest artists and directing ensembles. These experiences are invaluable for building confidence, refining performance skills and networking with industry professionals.
What support services are available for MMus students?
Many universities offer dedicated support services for MMus students. This can include academic advising, career counselling, financial aid and mental health support. Additionally, access to practice rooms, recording studios and performance venues is essential for student success.