The Choral Academy at Royal Holloway University of London is the first dedicated centre of its kind in the UK. Based at one of the country’s leading music departments, composers, conductors, performers, and musicologists can specialise in the vast field of choral and vocal music at postgraduate level.
This unique opportunity provides an unparalleled chance to delve into the interpretation of choral repertoire within both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, it allows for the creation and performance of new music under the guidance of some of the country's foremost choral and vocal specialists. Choral music has been integral to Royal Holloway's performance activities since the university's establishment in 1886, with the globally renowned Choir of Royal Holloway standing as a cornerstone asset on the international stage.
Students specialising in choral studies at Royal Holloway are in the unique position of having a wealth of world-leading resources at their fingertips: being able to collaborate with our world-ranking research and creative faculty, one of our three University choirs, regular performance and workshop opportunities, plus a wealth of research and collaborative partners in the wider industry. Whether pursuing postgraduate taught studies (MMus) or engaging in postgraduate research (PhD), participants can explore various aspects, including:
- Choral conducting and choir leadership
- Composing for collective voices (e.g. consorts, chamber groups, choirs)
- Historical approaches to choral music and musicological analysis
- Consort and choral performance, and organ/piano accompaniment, and répétiteurship
- Cultural policy and the arts sector
Co-directed by Dr Nathan James Dearden (award-winning choral composer and Lecturer in Music Composition) and Mr Rupert Gough (Director of Choral Music and University Organist), prospective postgraduate students will be able craft a bespoke study plan, under their guidance, and hone skills in advanced choral studies.
