Entry Requirements
Candidates who are selected for interview and audition will hold an appropriate undergraduate qualification, eg a BA (Hons) Music (with Performance) or a BMus (Hons) Performance - with a 2:1 or above. Equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered. (IELTS 6.5)
A candidate should include the following information in his/her application pack:
- a completed application from (available from the UWL website)
- two references, one academic
- a copy of his/her degree certificate and transcript
- an example of academic writing (eg an undergraduate essay)
- and a DVD of two performances (approximately three minutes each, but may be longer).
International students need to meet our English language requirement at either IELTS at 6.5 or above, and a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Pearson PTE Academic at score 58 or above, or an equivalent secure English language test. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Please visit http://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/your-country to check for local equivalencies. We offer pre-sessional English language courses, an International Foundation Programme and a Pre-Masters if you do not meet these requirements.
During The Course
Notable aspects
The course is delivered by tutors who are all active professionals within the music industry and who are well placed to support your career development.
The course is delivered by tutors who are all active professionals within the music industry and who are well placed to support your career development.
Special resources
You will benefit from being part of the wider post-graduate student community at the University of West London by working with students from other courses on a Research Methodologies module which is taught at the University's Ealing site.
Teaching methods
You will have the opportunity to develop your technical and creative performance skills through a programme of one-to-one tuition supported by group-based lectures, seminars and workshops. There is also an exciting masterclass programme which provides students with the opportunity to engage with leading practitioners from across all areas of the music industry - performance, production and songwriting.
Learning materials
Optional studies in songwriting, recording studio skills and music teaching enable you to broaden your skillset as you prepare for a portfolio career.
Teaching Staff
The course is jointly delivered by UWL and TMS teaching staff
Erik Stams (Head of Drums)
Erik has over 20 years of performing and recording experience. After graduating from New York’s High School of Music and the Performing Arts (Fame) he studied at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, privately with the legendary Henry Adler and Jerry Gonzalez and performed regularly on the New York city circuit. After a tour of Japan with Walter Schreifles of Quicksand/Rival Schools, Erik settled in London.
Lisa Laudat (Head of Vocals)
Before entering teaching, Lisa enjoyed a successful career as a session vocalist, known for her versatility across all genres. Artists she has worked with include Lionel Richie, East 17, Simply Red, All Saints, Ben E. King, Edwin Starr, Emma Bunton (Spice Girls), Peter Cox (Go West), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Paul Young, Paul Carrack, Chris Rea, Gabrielle, Kim Wilde and Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones). While studying for her MMus in Music Performance from London College of Music, Lisa’s research focused on the pursuit of excellence in contemporary vocal learning and teaching.
John Wheatcroft (Head of Guitar)
John has toured the world with both Carl Palmer (ELP) and John Jorgenson (Elton John/Hellecasters) and performed alongside artists as diverse as Mike Stern (Miles Davis), Frank Gambale (Chic Corea) and Glen Hughes (Deep Purple).
He is a regular contributor to Guitar Techniques, Guitarist and Guitar World (USA) magazines and has just released his first book, Improvising Blues Guitar, via Schott Publishing. John currently fronts his own acoustic quintet exploring the music of Django Reinhardt, and is the musical director for Liverpool based jazz/soul singer Thomas Lang.
Andrew McKinney
Andrew plays bass for Hammond-funk/Acid Jazz legends the James Taylor Quartet, appearing at gigs and festivals all over the world. He also plays freelance for numerous artists, in West End theatres, on TV and writes a regular tuition column for Bass Guitar Magazine.
Live he has played with The Feeling, Beverley Knight, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Omar, Talc, Most Wanted, Tony Christie, Chad Smith, Billy Cobham, Iain Paice, Mike Clark, Jamelia, the Jungle Brothers, Flava Flav, LL Cool J, Lynden David Hall and even Engelbert Humperdinck.
See the previous article MMus Popular Music Performance
