Why study MA Classical Music Business at Middlesex University?
The MA Classical Music Business at Middlesex is unique. In addition to its distinct content and specialised teaching, this programme gives you the opportunity take up placements with classical music organisations such as music publishing house Peters Edition, the National Opera Studio, the record label and promoter NonClassical, period instrument orchestra Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the English Chamber Orchestra. Work placements can also be carried out elsewhere in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world.
As Middlesex University is based in London, the centre of classical music activity in the UK, we are perfectly placed to attract high calibre speakers as well as introduce you to a wide range of concerts and cultural activities at internationally renowned classical music institutions such as the Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre and the Barbican. You will examine contemporary issues and practices within the classical music industry and obtain a high level of understanding of how organisations are funded through commercial, public, and philanthropic income. Your work placement will also allow you to explore the practices and required skills of your chosen area within the classical music industry.
Course content
What will you study on MA Classical Music Business?
You will study six modules over the duration of this course; three of which are core modules and will give you a broad overview and knowledge of the key principles and theories. The three remaining modules are optional and allow you the opportunity to run your own classical music events or to explore music entrepreneurship.
Modules
- Modules
- Classical Music Business in Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory
- Arts and Music Marketing and Finance (30 credits) - Compulsory
- Professional Practice in the Classical Music Industry (60 credits) - Compulsory
- Classical Music Leadership and Artistic Planning (30 credits) - Optional
- Cultural Events Management (Music Pathway) (30 credits) - Optional
- New Ventures in the Creative Economy (30 credits) - Optional
More information about this course
See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:
What our people say
The ABO is delighted to welcome Middlesex University’s MA in Classical Music Business. We recognise that the next generation of leaders in our sector are going to need to wrestle with the challenge of the classical music business model, and to generate new sources of income to ensure its survival. Business skills will be key to ensuring that classical music not just survives but thrives in an increasingly competitive market for entertainment choices.
Mark Pemberton, Chief Executive of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO)
Teaching
How is the MA Classical Music Business taught?
Lectures, seminars and workshops form the basis of this course and you will explore topics and modules using a range of case study materials such as videos, films and other artistic works. You will work alongside your peers, sharing ideas, analysing research and developing key theories and skills. As well as your regular lectures in modules, you will have the opportunity to attend lectures with guest speakers from the classical music industry. You will gain first-hand experience of the industry by attending and participate in field trips to classical music organisations in London and beyond.
The work placement will also give you the chance to experience working in a specific role within a company. You will be supported by the module leader and will have individual aims and outcomes to achieve that reflect your career ambitions.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of means such as presentations, essays and coursework. The majority of your modules are assessed by reports written in a professional business format which will allow you to develop your skills in researching large volumes of data and analysing and communicating it succinctly to professional classical music business audiences.
Reflection is key part of the learning of this course and is vital as it encourages you to examine your work constructively, consider how your work will prepare you for the future, identify important individual learning outcomes, and understand and articulate theoretical and/or critical ideas you have encountered.
