MMus/MComp in Composition (Guildhall Artist Masters)

hands on piano keys

Key information:

Art form:
Music
Fees:
Application Fee: £123 GBP; Tuition Fees: See Fees section below
Deadline:
Apply by 2 October 2023 for September 2024 entry
Level of study:
Postgraduate
Mode of study:
In-person

About the MMus/MComp programme

Guildhall School offers some of the most stimulating and creative training for composers in the UK. Studying Composition at Guildhall Artist Masters level prepares you for professional life as a composer. It allows you to explore and refine your individual artistic voice within the collaborative atmosphere of a busy, modern conservatoire, while also giving you the space for self-reflection. 

The programme centres around weekly one-to-one Principal Study lessons. You will be allocated to one of the Department’s distinguished Faculty of composers, who will guide your creative participation on core projects across the year. The outcomes of core projects are all workshopped, rehearsed, publicly performed and recorded. Weekly composition seminars and open sessions support technical, aesthetic and professional development, and a choice of elective modules support specific aspects of your development.

Guildhall really stood out for the varied and interesting work being made by both the faculty and students, as well as its outward-facing and contemporary approach to composition and to education. I have felt incredibly well supported by the Composition faculty – from a creative, intellectual, and pastoral perspective.

– Joanna Ward, MMus Composition

Programme Structure

Successful completion of Part One meets all the criteria for a Masters level (level 7) award and a student may conclude their studies at this point and be awarded a Master of Music (or a Postgraduate Diploma, according to the modules taken). Part Two represents progression for the student in terms of depth and breadth of repertoire within a project-based structure that mimics, in a controlled environment, professional practice at the highest level. Students who continue to Part Two (progression criteria apply, see Part One below) will be awarded, on its successful completion, a Master of Composition (Guildhall Artist).

Part One concentrates on the student’s intense activities in Principal Study, but also includes core Contextual Studies and a wide range of Elective opportunities.

saxophone player

Creative & collaborative opportunities

There is a focus on the collaborative nature of compositional practice, and the Department benefits from a number of long-standing external partnerships including with London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS) and the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). Recent projects have included generating new work for Plus-Minus Ensemble, EXAUDI and Voiceworks at Wigmore Hall, as well as work with choreographers and dancers from LCDS performed at The Place. See the Composition Principal Study pages for further information on departmental opportunities.

In addition to coursework, we encourage students to take advantage of the many creative and collaborative opportunities Guildhall School has to offer. These might include working on one of the Drama Department’s many productions, collaborating with the jazz students or developing new work with postgraduate performers and singers.The School’s New Music Society, New Music Ensemble and annual projects with the vocal ensemble EXAUDI, new music specialists PlusMinus and City Chamber Choir all provide excellent platforms for public performance.

The Department has enjoyed strong links with the London Symphony Orchestra’s Panufnik Young Composers Scheme, LSO SoundHub, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Composer programme, which have all featured Guildhall composers.