Study Details: MA 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
This course will develop your artistic voice by combining your creative practice with an in-depth understanding of the historical contexts of music-making in the Baroque, Classical or Romantic periods.
You will be supported by committed and passionate staff with an active international presence as performers, researchers and educators as you take a “deep dive” into the historically informed performance of your chosen repertoire(s). Regular workshops and performance opportunities will help you to develop your own individual approach to style, interpretation and presentation. You will be able to immerse yourself in York’s vibrant and diverse early music scene and benefit from our partnership with the National Centre for Early Music , who will host your final recital.
York has been a pioneering centre of the Early Music movement since the 1970s. As a York graduate, you will join a network of alumni working in the world’s leading ensembles, festivals and arts organisations. Previous graduates of our MA programme have gone on to further performance study and research degrees as well as professional careers as performers, curators, educators, and researchers.
The MA in Historical Performance Practices is led by Dr Emily Worthington, who performs internationally as a clarinettist and researches widely on Classical and Romantic performance practices and cultures. York’s specialist teaching staff include Lucy Russell (historical violin), Rachel Gray (historical cello), Edwina Smith (historical flute), Carmen Troncoso (recorder), Jacob Heringman (lute), Susannah Pell (viols), Catherine Pierron (harpsichord), and Andrew Snedden (historical pianos). Recent visiting artist residencies have included the Consone Quartet and I Fagiolini. Specialist accompanists are available to work with you throughout the course.
2:2 or equivalent in Music or another relevant subject.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
'Music Performance: Historical Performance Practices graduates have gone onto a variety of careers in music performance as well as creative and administrative roles in the wider arts sector. Graduates have also gone on to work in education, both freelance and employed by an institution. Further study destinations include both conservatoires and other universities.
Career opportunities
Core modules
Recital I
Developing Your Artistic Practice I
Research Skills for Musicians
Developing Your Artistic Practice II
Option modules
You'll also take a range of option modules. Examples from previous years have included:
Collaborative Project
Recital II*
Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
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