Leeds College of Music, MA, Composition

In addition to composition studies, students undertake supporting practical studies, which can consist of instrumentation, analysis, arranging, conducting/musical direction, performance (e.g. for singer-songwriters), composing for moving image, composing in another genre, studio musicianship; students also undertake additional professional studies, which is divided into two elements: professional development, exploring aspects of personal professional development and applications of practical study, such as pedagogy, community music and freelancing; and critical support, a seminar session in support of students’ development of critical skills; for the final Master’s element, students are required to create an opportunity to compose a ‘commission’ and realise this; this can be for student performers, professional musicians, for a film, for a multimedia performance, etc.; the project should grow from the work and opportunities present within the additional professional studies element of the Diploma stage; in addition to individual tuition on their instrument, students receive one-to-one support for their critical writing, resulting in a critical commentary defending and justifying their performance practice as demonstrated in the commission.