The University of Liverpool and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic are launching a new postgraduate course in the Business of Classical Music.
Students on the new Masters programme will study key aspects of the classical music business; including artistic planning, audience development, music education, marketing, communications, fundraising and business models. They will see them play out in the real-world setting of the city’s iconic Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, with the opportunity to become familiar with the operation, management and development of a professional symphony orchestra. They will also gather insights from Liverpool Philharmonic company members through a series of guest seminars.
Students will specialise in one of the key aspects of the business of classical music as part of a work placement programme with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, which includes the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the UK’s oldest professional symphony orchestra; the Grade II*listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and an extensive learning and education programme.
Professor Catherine Tackley, Head of the University’s Department of Music, said: “I am delighted the University’s long-standing relationship with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic has enabled us to develop an exciting and unique new programme in the Business of Classical Music, alongside regular activities involving the Orchestra’s professional musicians including lessons, coaching, composition workshops and attending rehearsals and concerts.
“This allows students to benefit from the Department of Music’s excellence in the study of the music industry, alongside direct access to the specialist knowledge and expertise drawn from across the many facets of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s operations.
“Our partnership will provide students with real experience of the professional music industry. This new programme will prepare students to become the next generation of global music industry professionals.”
Peter Garden, Executive Director for Performance and Learning at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said: “The launch of this new, co-designed and delivered MA in the Business of Classical Music is an important and exciting development in our partnership with the University of Liverpool. UK and international students will benefit from our combined industry and academic expertise, developing future generations of music industry professionals, and further enhancing Liverpool’s global status as a UNESCO City of Music.
“The MA has a specific focus on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, at the centre of which is the award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a music learning and education programme recognised nationally as a leader in its field, and a premier concert venue in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. We are excited to share our knowledge, skills and experience through wide-ranging backstage access including lectures by our Chief Executive and Executive Team and student work placements across our activities and operations.
“Liverpool Philharmonic offers a compelling subject in the unique artistic, cultural and societal role and impact an organisation with a professional symphony orchestra at its heart can play in its city, and how its success and achievements have value and significance to wider city imperatives including economic impact, education, health and well-being.”
The new postgraduate offer builds on the already established relationship between the University and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Orchestra musicians are frequent visitors to campus, providing lessons and coaching – including through the undergraduate scholarship scheme – and regularly workshop undergraduate and postgraduate compositions.
The MA Business of Classical Music compliments the longstanding success of the University’s MA Music Industry Studies.
The first cohort of students will begin the course in October 2017, and applications are now being taken.
To find out more, please visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/business-of-classical-music-ma/overview/
