We believe that being a classical musician today involves mastery of technique, creative application of theory and adaptability – making you at home in any musical context. Our Classical programme is for talented performers and composers who want to break the boundaries of classical music whilst honing and mastering advanced techniques.
You will develop as a performer through one-to-one tuition throughout your studies, as well as broaden your understanding and knowledge, giving you the opportunity to define classical music for the next generation.
Our conservatoire education is characterised by inspirational training with experts in your specialism, all supported by bespoke workshops and masterclasses by high-level visiting musicians.
There are many opportunities for collaboration, such as working with our Production students in the studios, lending your talents to live scores for our Film Music students, playing in the pit band with Musical Theatre students or performing with students from our Pop, Folk and Songwriting pathways.
Graduates from Classical degrees at Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Opera Singers, Recording Artists and Musical Directors. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“I haven’t felt restricted musically. The course gives you the opportunity to find how you want to perform as a musician and individuality is highly encouraged.” – Molly Darley, Classical graduate
As part of the Classical programme at Leeds Conservatoire you will have the opportunity to play alongside the Orchestra of Opera North, attend rehearsals with the company, work with conductors and chorus masters on repertoire and have access to masterclasses with visiting artists.
This relationship with the largest producing opera company in the North of England gives you a direct link to the classical music industry, as well as giving you the opportunity to see a professional company in action.
Our 3 year BA (Hons) Music (Classical) is designed for musicians who know they want to specialise in Classical Music.
All Specialist Study and Specialist Group Study modules are Classical focused, with the option to apply as either a Performer or Composer.
As with all our Classical courses, studies in your specialist area will be supported by a broader curriculum designed to prepare you for your career in the Classical Music industry.
If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.
An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.
Find out more about BA (Hons) with Foundation Year.
Classical Music can also be taken as part of a Combined Honours degree.
We are the only UK conservatoire to offer this type of combined degree where you will study both areas of music throughout all three years.
You will take specialist study modules (e.g. your 1:1 tuition) in your first area and specialist group study (e.g. ensembles) in your second.
For Classical with Jazz, you would have 1:1 Classical instrumental or vocal tuition and also be in a Jazz ensemble.
Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:
As part of your Specialist Study programme regular classes like Performance in Context, Composition in Context and Concert Performance give you regular opportunities to share your developing performance and composition work with peers and Leeds Conservatoire tutors in a friendly, supportive, confidence-boosting environment.
Module specifications are for applicants choosing to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year. In compliance with University of Hull regulations, the conservatoire retains the right to make minor amendments and improvements to course, programme and module content year on year. This may result in minor changes to these specifications by September 2022.
If you choose to study the 4 -year Classical with Foundation Year programme, your first year will focus on developing your principal study through specialist one to-one tuition, and strengthening your music theory and academic skills, as well as your creativity and artistry.
You will also have access to a weekly programme of workshops and masterclasses, as well as regular individual tutorials with academic staff. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will automatically progress to year one on your chosen BA pathway
If you choose a Combined Honours programme (e.g. Classical with Jazz), your Specialist Study (e.g. one-to-one tuition) would be in Classical and your Specialist Group Study (e.g. ensemble/band) would be in Jazz.
Classical with Jazz
In addition to your principal instrument/voice, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in a second instrument/voice (for students at Grade 6 standard or higher in their second instrument/voice).
This is not part of your course, but there are a limited number of Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursaries available, or tuition can be arranged at additional cost.
96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
64 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.
Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work.
Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.
Find more detailed audition information for applicants.
Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Fees & Funding for International Students.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Conservatoires (not Undergraduate)
UCAS Institution Code: L31
Validated by: University of Hull
Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 305F
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W30F
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 412F
Specialist Study is a core part of your Classical degree, with 1:1 tuition from experts in your chosen specialism. Find out more about each of our specialist departments:
Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
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Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical), MA Music (1:1 tutor)
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Courses taught: Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) Music (Classical), MA Music, Saturday Music School, Short Courses for young musicians
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Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
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Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Production), BA Music (Classical) and MA Music
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Our students have access to over 70 bookable rooms, including teaching rooms, practice rooms, and bespoke ensemble rehearsal spaces, all of which are open until late. We host performances in our 350-seat auditorium The Venue and 120-seat Recital Room and our All-Steinway School status means that over 95% of our pianos come from the Steinway family.
Find out more“My cello teacher at Leeds Conservatoire, Alfia Nakipbekova, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone by challenging myself and I’ll always be grateful for that. I had the opportunity to perform with Marc Almond for sold out performances at Leeds Town Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London where we performed in front of 3,000 people and afterwards watched ourselves in a BBC documentary!” – Simona Mannu,Classical graduate
The opportunity to perform is vital to your development as a musician and artist. At Leeds Conservatoire we work with a range of venues across the city to give you public performance opportunities throughout your studies.
These include the annual opera project, regular lunchtime concerts, taking part in the award-winning Sounds like THIS Festival, or performing as part of high-profile events with acclaimed musicians.
You will be able to join a wide range of ensembles, depending on your interests, including our:
Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.
As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.
Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.
Open Days
Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Classical with Popular)
Year of Graduation: 2014
Alexandra is a cellist, electric cellist and vocalist who has performed with the likes of the Urban Soul Orchestra, Wired Strings, London String Group, London Electronic Orchestra and with function band KUDOS Functions.
Alex has worked alongside artists including Paolo Nutini, Tom Odell and Annie Lennox as well as performing at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and The 02 Arena. TV appearances include Later…with Jools Holland, the Graham Norton Show and The X Factor.
Meet our alumni
Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
Year of Graduation: 2015
A skilled conductor and musical director, Sam has worked in theatres across the UK with a variety of people in educational and professional groups.
While in Leeds, Sam stepped up to work as a freelancer on larger musical platforms, conducting the Kensington Symphony Orchestra and working at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Sam has been Associate Musical Director on The Last Ship, a new musical with music and lyrics written by Sting.
Meet our alumni
Build confidence and skills, work with industry professionals and experience a taste of conservatoire education at our 2025 Summer Academy.
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Leeds Conservatoire is celebrating the second release of student and graduate produced music, via its production music label Quarry Music, plus associated commercial and professional placements.
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Clare Copley, Senior Occupational Therapist, has been recognised in the first Mental Health in Education Awards launched by the University Mental Health Advisers Network.
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Leeds Conservatoire's classical department hosts a variety of events each month, showcasing the best up and coming performers and composers the city has to offer. These include events within our building and across the city at various key classical venues.
Additionally, Opera North and Leeds Lieder also put on events in Leeds, contributing to the vibrant jazz scene throughout the city. See below for more
View Leeds Jazz Festival Events
View our Events
