Music Performance

Music performance is the degree for those whose primary commitment is to developing as a musician on their instrument or voice, and who want to study in a higher education environment where performance is at the centre of the curriculum. It is a discipline that combines the technical development of instrumental or vocal skill with the musical understanding, interpretive depth, and performance practice knowledge needed to bring music to life in front of an audience. Performance study at university level goes well beyond practice: it involves studying the repertoire in its historical and stylistic context, developing skills in sight-reading, ear training, and ensemble playing, and building the professional confidence and artistic judgment needed for a performing career.

At the University of Huddersfield, this three-year full-time programme takes place in a conservatoire-style environment within a research-intensive university, combining the technical rigour of a conservatoire approach with access to the broader academic and research resources that a university setting provides. Huddersfield has a strong international reputation in music, particularly in contemporary and experimental music, and students benefit from a stimulating and ambitious musical environment. The programme includes a sandwich placement year and a work placement, giving you professional experience as a performing musician, a music educator, or in another music industry role alongside your academic and artistic development.

You will work closely with experienced performers and teachers, develop a substantial personal repertoire, and perform regularly in a range of settings and contexts.

Graduates from Music Performance go on to careers as professional performers in orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo careers, and the popular and commercial music industries. Others move into music education, teaching privately or in schools, arts administration, music journalism, sound production, and a range of roles in the broader creative and cultural industries. Some continue to postgraduate study in performance, composition, or music education.

For those with the talent and commitment to pursue a performing career, this programme provides a rigorous and inspiring foundation.