Composition Pathway
Postgraduate
MA
Music
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two and a half year
Next enrolment
September 2023
In a nutshell
From exciting collaborations with your fellow students to learning from professional musicians, this Music MA course is about much more than studying and playing music. It’s about expanding your horizons, working together and immersing yourself in the training you need to establish a successful career in the music industry.
Do you have a clear idea about where you want to take your musical career? We offer three specialist pathways focusing on composition, performance, or interactive music and advanced studio production. If more than one of these options appeals to you, the part time mode of studies offers options to combine modules from different pathways to create the postgraduate music course that best suits your future aspirations.
And what better place to study your music master’s degree? Our New Adelphi Campus in Salford houses state-of-the-art facilities, including six recording studios, well-appointed rehearsal facilities and our 350-seater public theatre. And with easy access to Manchester, you’ll be able to experience the city’s exciting musical heritage.
Why not sign up to our Open Day to learn more about studying your Music MA at Salford.
International applicants: Please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
You will:
- Learn from professional musicians while gaining hands-on experience in performing
- Study a breadth of musical genres, including rock, pop, classical, jazz, and electronic
- Have the opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes, such as the Kirklees Composition Competition
- Develop a portfolio of work that evidences your skills for employers or further study
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You are a committed musician wishing to develop your skills to a professional standard
2.
You have a bachelor’s degree in music or a related subject, or evidence of professional practice experience.
3.
You understand the benefit and importance of studying a wide range of genres to influence your own performance and style.
All about the course
What sets our Music MA apart? Not only is it the sheer range of musical genres and styles you’ll be exposed to, but also the hands-on experience you’ll be able to gain during your time with us.
Designed to excite and inspire, our course draws upon everything from rock and pop, to classical and electronic music. Exploring music from around the globe, you’ll be encouraged to deepen your understanding of the fundamentals of music, while developing your own playing and composition styles.
Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, you’ll complete modules that offer an insight into the worlds of composition, performance and musical text across diverse cultures, generations and contexts. You’ll then choose your chosen specialist pathway, giving you the opportunity to deep dive into the practical aspects of performance, composition or music technology.
The variety of optional modules we offer will provide the theoretical framework for you to develop your final project contextualizing practice in your area of specialism as a research project.
Learn more about the modules we offer in our course breakdown below.
Composition Pathway
Core modules:
The Musical Text (30 credits, trimester one)
In this module you will develop the ability to critically examine your own place in the musical community, the ways in which musical ideas are collectively or individually owned and generated, and the ways in which musical intention and perceived authorship operate within the wider culture.
Ethnomusicology, Community and Pedagogy (30 credits, trimester two)
The module focuses on the nature of Community and its music. Students are supported in the conceptualisation and realisation of a negotiated project based in a Community setting. The framed outcomes and critical reflections associated with the project form the assessed component of the module. Students learn to apply thinking from three frameworks of analysis. An Ethnomusicologist seeks to study of music in its cultural context in order to understand what music (or dance) means to its practitioners and audiences, and how those meanings are conveyed. Students will learn how to conduct participant-observation fieldwork in order to extract the meanings transmitted and will learn the difference between this approach and a more direct engagement with a community that may also involve aspects of pedagogy.
Negotiated Final Project (60 credits, trimester three)
Within the Negotiated Final Project students develop research projects appropriate to their discipline. These most commonly involve practice in composition, performance, music technology and studio production developed as practice based research. It is also possible that the final project is entirely text-based research (traditional dissertation).
Trimester one - (Choose one of these 30 credit modules)
Composition Skills
The module develops students' composition skills to an advanced level, demonstrated in a portfolio.
Or
Immersive and Interactive Sonic Experiences
An introduction and investigation into the role of sound and music in immersive and interactive experiences, such as audio-visual installations and geo-located audio environments. Students will be introduced to the key technologies (e.g. spatial audio, inc. multi-channel speaker arrays, binaural sound and object based audio) and compositional techniques ( e.g. generative composition) in order to produce original works of their own. Students will be required to create an immersive/interactive experience, then project manage this to be hosted as an event at the end of the module. They will also provide a critical evaluation of their process and the final outcome. Students will present a proposal for this project midway through the trimester, where they will be able to receive feedback from staff and peers to help refine its development.
Trimester two - (Choose one of these 30 credit modules)
Applied Composition Skills
Applied Composition Skills equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills required to undertake a bespoke creative project in collaboration with an artist working in a related creative field, such as theatre, film, radio, game design or dance.
Or
Audio Programming
The application of computer programming languages in music and sound design offers many creative possibilities. This may involve the development of audio plugins, sound effects for interactive media, and bespoke interfaces for production and performance. Many musicians adopt such practice to expand their creative potential, or to explore new routes into industry. This module covers advanced techniques for bespoke signal processing and sound design through practical programming exercises in visual audio-based languages such as Max/MSP and Pure Data. An overview of different approaches is given in fortnightly practical workshops, while weekly seminars guide students to direct their independent learning toward their own interests and requirements.
Interactive Music and Advanced Studio Production Pathway
Interactive Music and Advanced Studio Production Pathway
Core modules:
The Musical Text (30 credits, trimester one)
In this module you will develop the ability to critically examine your own place in the musical community, the ways in which musical ideas are collectively or individually owned and generated, and the ways in which musical intention and perceived authorship operate within the wider culture.
Ethnomusicology, Community and Pedagogy (30 credits, trimester two)
The module focuses on the nature of Community and its music. Students are supported in the conceptualisation and realisation of a negotiated project based in a Community setting. The framed outcomes and critical reflections associated with the project form the assessed component of the module. Students learn to apply thinking from three frameworks of analysis. An Ethnomusicologist seeks to study of music in its cultural context in order to understand what music (or dance) means to its practitioners and audiences, and how those meanings are conveyed. Students will learn how to conduct participant-observation fieldwork in order to extract the meanings transmitted and will learn the difference between this approach and a more direct engagement with a community that may also involve aspects of pedagogy.
Negotiated Final Project (60 credits, trimester three)
Within the Negotiated Final Project students develop research projects appropriate to their discipline. These most commonly involve practice in composition, performance, music technology and studio production developed as practice based research. It is also possible that the final project is entirely text-based research (traditional dissertation).
Trimester one - (Choose one of these 30 credit modules):
Advanced Studio Production Techniques
This module covers advanced recording techniques, signal processing, mixing and mastering appropriate to genre context (to be negotiated with the tutor). The module provides experience of a range of advanced recording situations, such that signal processing, mixing and mastering skills are developed with sensitivity to genre concerns. The traditional roles of musician, engineer and producer are developed to explore new more fluid collaborations and interactions.
Or
Immersive and Interactive Sonic Experiences
An introduction and investigation into the role of sound and music in immersive and interactive experiences, such as audio-visual installations and geo-located audio environments. Students will be introduced to the key technologies (e.g. spatial audio, inc. multi-channel speaker arrays, binaural sound and object based audio) and compositional techniques ( e.g. generative composition) in order to produce original works of their own. Students will be required to create an immersive/interactive experience, then project manage this to be hosted as an event at the end of the module. They will also provide a critical evaluation of their process and the final outcome. Students will present a proposal for this project midway through the trimester, where they will be able to receive feedback from staff and peers to help refine its development.
Trimester two - (Choose one of these 30 credit modules):
Location Sound Capture and Reinforcement
This module will explore equipment, concepts and professional practices involved in the live performance sphere. This will include, equipment set-up and tuning, power requirements, PA design, acoustics of the live environment and recording rigs for live performances.
Or
Audio Programming
The application of computer programming languages in music and sound design offers many creative possibilities. This may involve the development of audio plugins, sound effects for interactive media, and bespoke interfaces for production and performance. Many musicians adopt such practice to expand their creative potential, or to explore new routes into industry. This module covers advanced techniques for bespoke signal processing and sound design through practical programming exercises in visual audio-based languages such as Max/MSP and Pure Data. An overview of different approaches is given in fortnightly practical workshops, while weekly seminars guide students to direct their independent learning toward their own interests and requirements.
Performance Pathway
Performance Pathway
Core modules:
The Musical Text (30 credits, trimester one)
In this module you will develop the ability to critically examine your own place in the musical community, the ways in which musical ideas are collectively or individually owned and generated, and the ways in which musical intention and perceived authorship operate within the wider culture.
Individual Performance (30 credits, trimester one)
Students will develop individual performance technique through a range of cognitive and physical approaches. They are required to conceive, develop and present a programme demonstrating technical proficiency and the acquisition of knowledge gained through research and tuition undertaken throughout the module. Critical reflection on the impacts of their research and tuition during the preparation process will be documented via a written report. The report must evaluate chosen methodologies, theories and the use of creative and expressive techniques within the context of the module content.
Ethnomusicology, Community and Pedagogy (30 credits, trimester two)
The module focuses on the nature of Community and its music. Students are supported in the conceptualisation and realisation of a negotiated project based in a Community setting. The framed outcomes and critical reflections associated with the project form the assessed component of the module. Students learn to apply thinking from three frameworks of analysis. An Ethnomusicologist seeks to study of music in its cultural context in order to understand what music (or dance) means to its practitioners and audiences, and how those meanings are conveyed. Students will learn how to conduct participant-observation fieldwork in order to extract the meanings transmitted and will learn the difference between this approach and a more direct engagement with a community that may also involve aspects of pedagogy.
Group Interactions in performance (30 credits, trimester two)
Students will hone their ensemble performance techniques through exploring a range of interactions that place within group performance. They will be required to conceive, develop and present a programme demonstrating technical proficiency and the acquisition of knowledge gained through research and tuition undertaken throughout the module. Critical reflection on the impacts of their research and tuition during the preparation process will be documented via a written report. The report must evaluate chosen methodologies, theories and the use of creative and expressive techniques within the context of the module content.
Negotiated Final Project (60 credits, trimester three)
Within the Negotiated Final Project students develop research projects appropriate to their discipline. These most commonly involve practice in composition, performance, music technology and studio production developed as practice based research. It is also possible that the final project is entirely text-based research (traditional dissertation).
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Be a part of a creative, supportive community
All our Music courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.
Each year - through the Create Student Awards – our School rewards the incredible achievements and successes of our final year and postgraduate students.
Whatever you choose to study with us, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
Music Facilities
Our university music courses are based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of Music on campus.
Our full range of music facilities include:
Recording Studios - our six studios, all of which are large enough to accommodate both bands and chamber classical / brass ensembles. They also contain everything from analogue recording hardware and tape machines, extensive microphone collections, a large selection of drum machines and effect processing possibilities, and a diverse array of software platforms.
Voice Acting Studio – our recording environment for radio drama or video game production. It is possible to achieve a range of capture, from foley recordings in the acoustically flexible ‘live’ room to extremely dry spoken word in the ‘dead’ room.
Computer Suite – passionate about learning music software from experienced technical demonstrators? Our twenty-six workstations (iMac; audio interface; controller keyboard; headphones) are equipped with licences for all of the software we teach. The current software provision comprises of Logic X; Pro Tools; Ableton; Max MSP; Sibelius; Soundtoys; GRM Tools and a huge selection of Universal Audio and Waves plug-ins. This software is also available across all studio spaces.
7.1 Mix - a teaching space designed for mixing in 7.1 and 5.1 surround. The space is used extensively in the teaching of our Advanced Studio Composition and Advanced Audio for Media modules.
Studio 9 – Composition Lab - this studio facility is equipped with an impressive range of hardware including many synthesizers such as DSI OB6, Korg MS20, Roland Juno 106, Moog Sub Phatty, Korg Volca FM, Vermona DRM Mk3 accessed through a full MIDI interface / patchbay. The space is acoustically treated and equipped for 5.1 mixdown.
Rehearsal Facilities - our New Adelphi Building houses twenty-six rehearsal spaces designed to facilitate popular and classical ensemble rehearsals, individual practice, one-to-one instrumental tuition and ensemble teaching. The rooms are well specified with a wide range of carefully chosen and well-maintained equipment including drumkits from DW, Sonar, and Yamaha; Keyboards from Nord and Roland, guitar amplification from Mesa Boogie, Vox, Fender, Orange and Marshall and Bass amplification from Ampeg, Mark Bass and Aguillar.
One-to-one Tuition – we have individual spaces that have well-maintained Yamaha acoustic pianos, a selection of classic keyboards and Bluetooth amplification for playback. All performance spaces have natural light and have been acoustically treated (absorbent and reflective) to suit discipline.
Explore our Music facilities at the University of Salford.
PERFORMANCE SPACES
Our performance assessments, public concerts and masterclasses take place across a number of spaces on and off campus. We operate a high-quality modular PA system which is employed across:
Peel Hall - a three-hundred seat concert hall with excellent acoustics. The hall is used extensively by our large ensembles.
New Adelphi Theatre - the 350-seat theatre features flexible seating configurations to suit a range of events and performances. It is equipped with a range of intelligent and generic lighting, a highly adaptable EM Acoustics PA system, and a high-powered Christie projector.
Atmosphere - our student union bar and venue host a number of staff and student led performances throughout the year.
Explore our Music facilities at the University of Salford.
STAFF PROFILE
Programme leader Dr Phil Brissenden is a musical instrument designer, composer and performer. His innovations include a novel musical interface, the reverse action piano harp, and a bespoke notation system designed for the instrument. He performs regularly on the fifth prototype, working across a range of genres from highly experimental to classical music.
Explore our Music facilities at the University of Salford.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
This master’s degree in music focuses on sharpening your practical and professional music skills, standing you in good stead to work within a range of related careers. Not only will you be well-positioned to find employment as a freelance composer or performer, you’re newly acquired skillsets will also lend themselves perfectly to music education, lecturing and arts administration.
The depth of material covered within this course will also mean you can pursue further study in the areas of composition, performance, technology and musicology, if that’s the direction you choose to go in. What’s more, if you want to perform professionally, you’ll be able to benefit from the professional links we have with local music organisations, orchestras and bands.
FURTHER STUDY
Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Career Links
Our music university courses have direct links with professional institutions such the BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain as well as the 'Sounds from the Other City' festival. We have a good working relationship with many venues in the local area including Islington Mill
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
To gain a place on this MA Music degree, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Within your Music MA personal statement (up to 500 words), we’ll want to understand:
- what motivates you and what current experiences do you have in music?
- how have you been involved and what did you do?
- what musicians and organisations inspire you?
- why do you want to work in the music sector?
- and why the University of Salford and this MA Music degree is the right choice for your future goals.
For some applicants, you’ll be asked to provide us with a portfolio of work and potentially take part in an informal group seminar discussion – either live or on camera – to demonstrate your skills.
For your audition you’ll preform your principal instrument you wish to study for our practice-based modules. Although this is not a compulsory requirement, ideally you should be of grade 6 / 7 ABRSM standard with solid theoretical knowledge. Composition and arranging portfolios can be used in support of your application if you are looking to pursue study beyond performance.
Once you’ve made your application to study with us, we’ll contact you and let you know the next steps.
Standard entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
A good honours degree preferably in Music or a related subject and/or evidence of industry/professional practice experience.
International students
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5. We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How Much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
| Part-time | 2023/24 | Part time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis |
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380per year |
| Part-time | 2024/25 | Part time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.