约克大学

The MA in Music by Research - Instrumental and Vocal Pedagogy aims to develop pedagogical skills and understanding in a context in which students can draw upon and deepen their existing professional practical experience as teachers and as learners. Students are able to explore a research area of their choice relating to any aspect of instrumental/vocal teaching and learning, and will submit a dissertation of between 30,000 and 40,000 words investigating the candidate's registered topic, accompanied by a comprehensive resource list of relevant materials. Topics could include but are not limited to: the pupil-teacher-parent relationship; characteristics, qualities and motivations of effective teachers; materials for teaching; teaching particular skills; preparing students for performance; working with students of different ages, abilities and needs; and group or individual learning.

In addition to tutorial support, students will have opportunities to engage in the many ensemble and performance activities on offer in this vibrant music department. In addition to gaining a professional qualification, the work undertaken by students completing this MA will directly inform their own instrumental teaching and learning in private studio or peripatetic teaching and individual solo study.

The MA in Music by Research offers postgraduate opportunities to individuals who prefer to study independently rather than through classroom teaching, working under the close supervision of an expert in their field. This is a research degree, not a taught course programme, and applicants will need to have a clearly-focussed research proposal in their given area in order to be considered for admission to the research MA. Supervision and tutorial meetings are held on either a weekly or fortnightly basis throughout the academic year and by arrangement over the summer vacation. There is also an opportunity for all MA by Research students to interact with one another: the MA Research Forum. Meeting on Wednesday mornings, this is a discussion group that engages with common themes, such as issues of writing about music, while offering the opportunity for individual students to present aspects of their research topics to the larger group. Students are also encouraged to attend the weekly Research Seminar series (on Wednesday afternoons) where invited speakers, staff members and PhD students give presentations about their latest work, and there are opportunities to meet other postgraduate researchers.