With instruction in seminar, tutorial, and workshop formats, it emphasises a high level of engagement with performers and resident ensembles at Bristol.

Our programme will equip you for future work as a concert-music composer; or in fields relating to contemporary-music criticism, teaching, business or administration; or for research (including AHRC-funded research) such as a PhD in composition or contemporary musicology.

What does the MA Music: Composition pathway deliver?

• regular seminar discussions that clarify the current contexts of new music;
• stimulation of imagination and creative ambition, targeted to the talents of the individual;
• control of musical technique and professional standards of scoring and presentation;
• training in ways of thinking and generative approaches for contemporary acoustic and optionally electro-acoustic and studio composition;
• professional workshop with our ensembles-in-residence;
• public concert possibilities through visiting professional ensembles (recently, for example, Goldbergs 11 strings, Apollo saxophone quartet, septet from Philharmonia Orchestra; the University Orchestra and New Music Ensemble, COMA national and South West etc);
• visiting speakers and performers of calibre;
• opportunities to perform in chosen capacities (optional);
• a friendly and supportive environment with film composers and PhD composers in a well equipped high ranking department and an outstandingly attractive city.

More information about MA Music

Other MA Music pathways

• Musicology pathway
• Medieval Music pathway
• Russian Music pathway
• Performance pathway