Studying Performance

Performance in the Faculty is led by Professor Margaret Faultless (Director of Performance) and Mr James Way (Deputy Director of Performance). Both international performers in their own rights, with a wealth of experience and wide ranging musical interests between them, they lead performance classes and 1-1 sessions for those taking performance as part of their degree programme. Students benefit from ongoing consultation with both Director and Deputy Director of Performance as well as a varied and distinguished roster of visiting teachers and coaches. 

Undergraduate 

Students in the Music Faculty can elect to take performance as part of their studies in each of the three years of their undergraduate degree. 

Alongside developing instrumental/vocal technique in regular 1-1 lessons, students are encouraged to consider the breadth of inspiration and influence available to them from their university courses, as well as further afield, when considering how to develop their performance. Beyond traditional musical interpretation students are encouraged to engage with the wider issues around performance and are supported in their development to become curious, holistic and engaging performers. These ideas will be explored in a preliminary session in Michaelmas Term and in performance classes (informal, masterclass style sessions) in which each student will be required to perform, at least once, as well as actively observing their peers. 

Optional 1-1 sessions with the Director and Deputy Director of Performance are available to supplement these sessions as well as exploring themes such as peak performance, performance anxiety and other performance related questions.

Performance classes are led by the Director and Deputy Director of Performance, as well as a roster of distinguished guest tutors for parts 1b and II. 

Part II (3rd Year) performance culminates in an assessed recital which takes place in West Road Concert Hall. 

CAMRAM

The CAMRAM scheme enables Cambridge Music students taking recital options in Tripos examinations during their second and third year of Undergraduate study, to take lessons at the Royal Academy of Music in London alongside their studies at the University. Students selected for the scheme are assigned a teacher at the Academy and in addition to receiving individual tuition, they may attend departmental classes by arrangement. Lessons are paid for as the supervision equivalent and do not represent additional funding. 

The scheme was established in 2013 by the Director of Performance, Margaret Faultless, who is also Head of Historical Performance at the Academy. Students on the scheme benefit from individual advice in devising a tailor-made programme of study.

Performance in the Music Faculty is complemented by provision for university wide music making through the Centre for Music Performance. Those taking performance as part of of their degree are encouraged to make the most of the vast array of ensembles, workshops and opportunities provided here.

Postgraduate

The MPhil in Music and our PhDprogramme are available for postgraduate students interested in specialising in performance studies. Each has a dedicated performance option for students seeking to specialise in this. Other opportunities include workshops, side-by-side events, and masterclasses with prominent artists offered by the Centre for Music Performance which are arranged in collaboration with the Faculty.