Find out what it’s like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to an Open Day.
Both Online and On-Campus Open Days allow you to find out more about our postgraduate courses, meet our teaching staff and see our facilities.
Find out more
Launch your career in music with our MA in Popular Music (Performer). Designed to empower you with a blend of musical expertise, a professional mindset and creative ingenuity, this postgraduate performance degree will prepare you to enter the ever-changing landscape of the modern music industry.
At Leeds Conservatoire students are in control of their personal, creative, and intellectual growth, emerging as skilled musicians and reflective practitioners who are prepared for enduring success in the music industry.
You’ll be challenged to explore, experiment, and uncover fresh perspectives and methodologies, being empowered to craft your best work and stand out in today's competitive global music scene.
This course is part of a brand-new suite of postgraduate music courses including:
Alongside developing your music practice as a performer, we also provide our students with vital networking and entrepreneurial skills, essential for thriving in diverse professional arenas.
Specialist tutors, peers, and industry guests provide invaluable support, constructive critique, and expert insights across a spectrum of disciplines.
You’ll also engage in theoretical and research activities that will place your talent within a range of philosophical, historical, sociological, industrial and critical contexts.
When you enrol at Leeds Conservatoire you will join a lively community of creative practice. We celebrate creative diversity, fostering collaboration among practitioners from varied stylistic backgrounds to pioneer new musical frontiers and build foundations for sustainable careers in the industry. Through dynamic group sessions, students from diverse stylistic backgrounds will collaborate, sparking innovation and forging lifelong connections.
The Popular Music pathway is designed to help you focus on being a performer and cultivate a distinctive and robust artistic voice.
You'll receive tailored training in performance practice, allowing you to refine your stage presence, vocal techniques, and overall musicianship. You’ll be encouraged to explore and expand your unique style through a combination of individual coaching, ensemble work, and live performance opportunities.
You’ll also have access to masterclasses and workshops with industry professionals, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.
You’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to make a significant impact in the competitive world of pop music, developing not just as a musician, but as a compelling and innovative performer.
Specialist Study modules in trimesters 1, 2 and 3 give students opportunities to reach their musical potential through one-to-one tuition and group workshops in their chosen instrument specialism.
Creative Practice in Context modules in trimesters 1 and 2 engage students in research activities that place their music within a range of philosophical, historical, sociological, industrial and critical contexts.
Check out a selection of tracks from Postgraduate students, developed during their time at Leeds Conservatoire.
With a deep understanding of the creative and industrial contexts within which your practice exists, as an alumnus you will be prepared for a career as a musician.
Our postgraduate students have received commissions, performed at regional and international festivals including South by South West, The Reeperbahn Festival, Glastonbury and Live at Leeds, progressed to teaching positions, and created public installations.
Meet our AlumniCourse Type: MA Postgraduate Degree
Duration: 1 year
Study Mode: Full Time
Start date: September
Validated by: University of Hull
UCAS Code: MA Popular Music (Performer) – 807F
UCAS Institution Code: L31
Alternatively you can apply directly to Leeds Conservatoire when direct applications open later in 2024.
Academic requirements
OR
Musical proficiency requirements
International applicants requirements
Appilcants will be expected to submit an audition. The auditions process will be communicated later in 2024.
Find out more about Fees & Funding for Postgraduate study.
Student Loans for Masters level study are available for many Home applicants.
There are also a range of Scholarships & Bursaries available.
Read more on our Postgraduate Fees & Funding page.
Our eclectic community comes from all over the world to write, interpret, discover, explore and reflect upon original and existing forms of music.
Postgraduate students have the opportunity to meet industry guests from across the spectrum, with recent guests including:
Find out what it’s like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to an Open Day.
Both Online and On-Campus Open Days allow you to find out more about our postgraduate courses, meet our teaching staff and see our facilities.
Find out more
