What will I learn

Music Performance (Master’s programme)

What will you learn?

The Master’s Degree Programme in Music Performance provides students with a solid foundation for developing a personal artistic expression and profile. The programme places strong emphasis on music performance itself. In addition to advancing instrumental, artistic, and musical skills at a high level, it is designed to educate independent and reflective musicians with a deep passion for the art.

The Artistic In-Depth Project constitutes more than half of the programme, comprising 75 credits and three master’s concerts. In addition, students complete four compulsory courses totalling 30 credits, and elective courses worth 15 credits.

The compulsory courses focus on:

  • Musician’s psychology
  • Reflection on and around your artistic work
  • Entrepreneurship for musicians
  • Interdisciplinary work at NTNU (Experts in Team) 

Through the electives, you can:

  • Develop your skills as an ensemble player in one of Trondheim’s professional ensembles
  • Work with chamber music, improvisation, or a second instrument
  • Compose for your ensemble
  • Undertake a specific project of your own choice
  • Interdisciplinary work at NTNU (Experts in Team) 

We assemble a team of teachers and supervisors to support your development and guide you through your chosen in-depth study.

Graduates of the programme earn the title Master of Arts in Music Performance.

You may choose to focus on an in-depth specialization in your individual musical performance. Alternatively, in your second year, you can explore, document, and share a chosen performative topic or project.

Jazz students may opt for the European Jazz Master (EUJAM), an exchange programme offered in collaboration with music conservatories in Paris, Amsterdam, Basel, and Berlin.

Examples of Past Projects and Specializations:

  • The interplay between viola and piano in sonatas
  • New aesthetic perspectives in experimental music for electric guitar
  • The cello’s role in Italian Baroque music
  • North Sámi joik and West African guitar traditions
  • Repetition and trance in music
  • Preparing for orchestra auditions
  • Improvisation in rock music

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

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Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The master candidates in music performance

  • have knowledge of, and can communicate and discuss, issues relevant to their performance practice
  • have knowledge of, and can analyse and discuss, musical issues from historical and contemporary perspectives, both within the discipline and in broader public contexts
  • have knowledge of artistic development and research in the field, can critically relate to this knowledge, and apply it in their own practice
  • understand the relationship between practice and theory, and can draw on this understanding in their artistic development
  • have knowledge of the relationships between instrument, performance, physiology and psychology
  • have knowledge of entrepreneurship strategies and the labour market relevant to their field

Skills

The master candidates in music performance

  • can perform music at a high artistic level, both individually and in ensembles
  • can integrate artistic content and performance insightfully across diverse contexts
  • can work independently and in a goal-oriented manner, both individually and with others, and can initiate, carry out and manage artistic projects
  • can formulate, reflect upon and present an idea for an artistic development project
  • demonstrate ambition, independence, and a personal artistic profile in their choice of repertoire

General competencies

The master candidates in music performance

  • demonstrate awareness of standards of artistic excellence within their discipline
  • show self-awareness and mature reflection regarding ethical and societal issues related to their own and others’ artistic practice, and can act in accordance with these considerations
  • have knowledge of how music influences society and human development
  • demonstrate independence in managing demanding artistic challenges and in initiating, leading and carrying out a variety of artistic projects
  • can acquire and communicate knowledge from a lifelong learning perspective