BA (Hons) Music (Classical)

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Study BA (Hons) Music (Classical) at Leeds Conservatoire

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.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 Years /
    4 Years (with Foundation)
  • UCAS Course Code(s): 305F
    W30F (with Foundation Year)
    412F (with Jazz)
  • UCAS Institution Code: L31
  • Apply Via: UCAS Conservatoires (note: this course cannot be not found under a UCAS Undergraduate application)
  • Study Mode: Full time
  • Validated By: University of Hull

Course Overview

A conservatoire education

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.

Inspirational teaching

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.

A culture of collaboration

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.

Career destinations

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

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.

Course Options:

What You Will Study (See Modules and Specifications)

Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:

  • Specialist Study – One-to-one tuition and group study in performance or composition
  • Contextual Studies – Develop your composition, musicology and critical listening skills
  • Professional Studies – Develop your skills for working in the creative industries

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.

Some examples* of Contextual Studies and Professional Studies modules:

  • Working in the Creative Industries
  • Collaborative Composition
  • Composition and Production for Film and Television
  • Arranging and Orchestration
  • Musical Direction
  • Self-Promotion & Music Marketing
  • Working with Music in the Community
  • Instrumental Music Tuition
  • Music Journalism
  • Songwriting
  • Software Environments - Performance and Sound Creation

*The above examples are chosen to represent a selection of the kind of mandatory and elective module options offered, so you can tailor your degree to your area of interest. See the full list of modules currently available for this course, including mandatory and optional modules, plus detailed module specification documents.

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

  • Specialist Study - Classical
  • Specialist Group Study - 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.

Academic Requirements

BA (Hons) - 3 Years

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).

BA (Hons) with Foundation Year - 4 Years

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).

Performance and Musical Theory Standard

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:

  • How To Apply
  • Auditions
  • International Entry Requirements
  • Fees & Funding

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 Key Information Document 2021/22

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W30F

Course Key Information Document 2021/22 

BA (Hons) Music (Classical with Jazz)

Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 412F

Course Key Information Document 2021/22

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Specialist Study Departments

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:

Tutor profiles

Geraldine Cassidy.jpg
Geraldine CassidySenior Lecturer: Classical Music, 1:1 Tutor: MA Music

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical), MA Music (1:1 tutor)

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Ben Gaunt.jpg
Professor Ben GauntPrincipal Lecturer: Classical Music, Music Production, MA Music

Courses taught: Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) Music (Classical), MA Music, Saturday Music School, Short Courses for young musicians

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Festeu, Adriana Photo
Dr Adriana FesteuPrincipal Lecturer: Classical Music

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)

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Rob Bentall.jpg
Professor Rob BentallPrincipal Lecturer: Music Production

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Production), BA Music (Classical) and MA Music

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Rachael Buxton.jpg
Rachael BuxtonAccompanist

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)

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Facilities

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
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“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
Open Days

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
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Alumni Profile

Sam Sommerfeld

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
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