BMus – Bachelor of Music Honours degree

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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. EPM candidates must refer to EPM auditions page.
Level of study:
Undergraduate
Mode of study:
In-person

About the BMus programme

The BMus programme is centred around world-leading one-to-one tuition for performers, composers and electronic musicians. Its principal aim is to develop your ability as a practical musician. At least two-thirds of the programme is focused on your Principal Study.

A minimum of 30 individual lessons a year with our renowned professorial staff are combined with over 100 hours a year of departmental classes, workshops, coaching, and projects with high profile artists, as well as opportunities to perform in some of the country’s finest venues.

From the start, you will be treated like a professional, and given the support and encouragement you need to prepare for the industry. You will establish contacts and gain exposure through our partnership organisations such as the Barbican, London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. A Joint Principal Study pathway is also available.

 

I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to study with such respected musicians and forward-thinking teachers, and to have access to such beautiful performance spaces. The exposure we receive to the arts industry is better than I could have ever imagined and the inter-disciplinary opportunities that Guildhall provides are unparalleled. At Guildhall we are training to be artists, not just musicians.

– Nicole Petrus Barracks, BMus Jazz

Principal Study options

At the heart of your training will be intensive, one-to-one and small ensemble sessions with Guildhall’s core staff of over 400 practitioner teachers.

We offer study in the following areas:

Horn players chatting during a rehearsal

Brass

Including horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba.

Hand writing notes on sheet music

Composition

Supporting your creative development as a composer, whatever your interests or sources of inspiration.

Two Electronic & Produced Music students in a studio

Electronic & Produced Music

Including principal study options in Electronic Music, Film Music, Sonic Arts, Game Audio, Live Electronics, Popular Music Production and New Media.

Guildhall saxophonists performing in a big band rehearsal

Jazz

Including principal study options in Voice, Composition & Arranging, Clarinet, Double Bass, Drums, Electric Bass, Flute, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, and Violin.

Guildhall pianist performing in Milton Court

Keyboard

Offering a wide array of solo, ensemble and accompaniment training.

double bass

Strings

Including bowed strings (violin, viola, cello and double bass), as well as classical guitar, harp, lute and viols.

Singer and pianists perform in Milton Court Concert Hall

Vocal Studies

With one-to-one lessons, specialist coaching, small-group work, repertoire classes and performance projects.

bassoon

Wind

Including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone and recorders.

singer with studio orchestra

Performance & Collaboration

Studying music at an internationally-renowned conservatoire means you can become immersed in a world of performance from day one. Whatever your instrument or specialism, Guildhall School provides a host of opportunities for you to perform, record and collaborate (and if you’re a composer, to hear your own works performed).

Top

ranked conservatoire in the Guardian University Guide music league table

Programme Structure

Years 1 and 2

In addition to Principal Study, the curriculum includes classes and tutorials for integrated and progressive learning in musicianship and critical/ analytical skills. From Year 2, depending on completing the Musicianship courses in Year 1, you can select up to two electives.

Year 1 also includes the Professional Studies 1 module which explores performance psychology, wellbeing, and improvisation and communication skills. In Year 2 you will also take a course in conducting. 

Years 3 and 4

In Years 3 and 4, Principal Study continues to be the main focus, alongside the culmination of the two core learning areas of critical and analytical skills, and Professional Studies 2.

You also choose from a variety of electives, including specialised work in Principal Study if you achieve the required level, and specialised academic or practical/professional courses.

Modules & Electives

Our Academic Studies department is here to support your Principal Study development in a variety of ways and to enable you to become an enquiring, articulate and well-informed musician. Our emphasis is on promoting the integration of practical and theoretical aspects of music-making, by developing necessary musical knowledge and skills, and by supporting your development in areas of particular individual interest and strength.

Our programme offers a combination of core subjects and specialist electives, and we also offer additional support in English as a Second Language where necessary.