BA (Hons) Classical Music - 2026 Entry

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Study BA (Hons) Classical Music at Leeds Conservatoire

Our BA (Hons) Classical Music degree is a bold and inspiring performance-focused course designed for passionate young musicians ready to take their place on the world stage. Rooted in tradition but driven by innovation, it combines rigorous classical performance and composition training with global musical exploration, creativity, and industry-ready skills. 


*Please note this course is for 2026 entry only*

Looking to study in 2025? click here

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 Years /
    4 Years (with Foundation)
  • UCAS Course Code(s): 305F
    W30F (with Foundation Year)
  • UCAS Institution Code: L31
  • Apply Via: UCAS Conservatoires (note: this course cannot be not found under a UCAS Undergraduate application)
  • Study Mode: Full time
  • Validated By: University of Hull

Course Overview

From day one, you’ll be immersed in solo and ensemble performance, building technical excellence and artistic identity through music theory and analysis, regular recitals, workshops, and one-to-one tuition with expert musicians. You’ll also compose, improvise, and collaborate, creating new repertoire alongside preserving and reinterpreting historical traditions. 

You’ll explore diverse musical traditions through Global Music modules, learn recording and production techniques, and develop the entrepreneurial and digital skills you need for a modern portfolio career. By final year, you’ll be leading projects that reimagine how classical music is performed and shared – from cross-arts collaborations to studio recordings. 

You’ll work with industry leaders like Opera North, take part in masterclasses with world-renowned artists, and gain experience in live professional settings. Whether your future lies on stage, in the studio, or in the community, this course prepares you for a dynamic, adaptable, and fulfilling career and help shape the future of classical music.

Industry Collaboration 

You’ll have opportunities to work directly with leading organisations like Opera North through mentoring, rehearsals, and live performance. You’ll collaborate with regional orchestras, composers and creatives for hands-on experience in professional classical settings.  

Performance Opportunities 

You’ll perform regularly as a soloist and ensemble musician in concerts, recitals, and community projects. From chamber groups to cross-arts events and festivals, you’ll develop confidence and stage presence while building a strong artistic network in a city rich with musical opportunity. 

Facilities 

You’ll train in purpose-built spaces designed for musicians – including acoustically treated practice rooms, high-spec recording studios, and flexible performance venues. Our facilities support your technical and creative development from day one. 

Graduate Opportunities and Career Destinations 

Our graduates thrive in performance, composition, teaching, production, and arts leadership. You’ll develop the practical and professional skills to build a portfolio career, or continue on to postgraduate study, including our MA Music (Classical) or MA Music (Composition) with discounted fees for our students. 

“I haven’t felt restricted musically. The course gives you the opportunity to find how you want to perform as a musician and individuality is highly encouraged.” – Molly Darley, Classical graduate

What You Will Study

CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Essential Principles 

You’ll gain the essential musical skills you'll need to study classical music at university level. You'll build a solid foundation in music theory and aural skills, covering key theoretical principles, practical ear training, and how to use digital tools for notation and analysis. Through interactive workshops and seminars, you’ll apply these core musical elements and grow your confidence in preparation for further study. 

CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Structural Analysis 

You’ll build on your Semester 1 skills in music theory, aural training, and digital tools to prepare for undergraduate classical study. You’ll tackle more complex harmonic structures, sharpen your critical listening, and develop your use of software for score writing and analysis. Everything you learn will strengthen your practical musicianship and theoretical knowledge. 

Classical Repertoire, Musicology and Composition 

You’ll explore classical music in greater depth. You'll analyse key works, examine complex musical structures, and understand how classical music was received in different cultural and historical contexts. You'll also start doing independent research and begin composing your own work, applying your growing knowledge creatively and critically. 

Harmonic & Cultural Analysis 

Through lectures, workshops, and seminars, you’ll explore classical music’s historical and cultural roots. You’ll analyse key repertoire and learn how theory, culture, and history influence composition and performance. You’ll also develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and creative exploration that will set a strong foundation for further academic and practical music work. 

Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 1 

You'll build the key technical, musical, and interpretative skills for your chosen instrument or composition. With individual tuition and guided practice, you'll develop your technique, explore suitable repertoire, and set up a solid routine to support your progress. This module helps you grow confidence and establish good learning habits. 

Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 2 

Taking your skills further, this module helps you refine your technique and explore more challenging repertoire or compositional approaches. You’ll improve your stylistic awareness, expressive delivery, and overall fluency. You’ll also work on sight-reading, memorisation, and aural ability - giving you a stronger base for advanced study. 

Classical Performance & Composition 1 

With support from a specialist tutor, you’ll deepen your musical and technical skills, develop stylistic understanding, and grow more confident in performing or composing a range of repertoire. You’ll build an effective practice routine and begin shaping your own musical voice - whether you're a performer or composer. 

Classical Performance & Composition 2 

You'll continue developing your performance or composition skills through more complex repertoire and creative challenges. Your tutor will guide you as you refine your technique and prepare for a recital or portfolio. You'll also explore how other composers work, helping you shape a more individual and expressive voice. 

Global Melodic Understanding 1 

You’ll explore how melodies are created using modes, pentatonic and hexatonic scales, and synthetic scales from around the world. This module focuses on Latin American music and its connections to Spain and Africa, helping you understand global influences that shape melodic ideas across traditions. 

Global Rhythmic Understanding 1 

You’ll dive into the rhythms of South America through hands-on group performance. By exploring pulse, metre, and rhythm in a practical way, you’ll build skills that are not only essential for understanding global music but also transferable to your Western classical training. 

Musicianship 1 (HIC) – Harmony, Improvisation, Composition 

This module combines harmony, melody, and improvisation to give you a rounded approach to creating music. You’ll study how musical ideas are built and developed both practically and theoretically, helping you grow as a creative, confident musician. 

Musicianship 2 (CLM) – Composition, Listening, Musicianship 

You'll develop your collaboration and communication skills as you compose and create with others. This module strengthens your critical listening, musicology knowledge, and ability to work across musical styles—skills you’ll need for real-world music-making and creative teamwork. 

Classical Performance & Composition 3 

You’ll continue developing your performance or composition skills, building on everything you’ve learned so far. With guidance from your tutor, you’ll work towards delivering a polished recital or portfolio that demonstrates your growing stylistic accuracy, technical ability, and musical expression. 

Classical Performance & Composition 4 

This module helps you take your performance or composition to the next level. You’ll refine your technique, deepen your musical interpretation, and build confidence with more advanced repertoire. Your tutor will support your progress as you prepare for final presentations or submissions. 

Global Melodic Understanding 2 

You’ll explore melodic systems from the Indian subcontinent, studying how different scales and modes inspire musical innovation. You’ll also examine how these ideas have influenced Western classical music, giving you a richer, more global perspective on melody and composition. 

Global Rhythmic Understanding 2 

Through practical group work, you’ll explore the rhythms of North and Sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll compare patterns, styles, and cultural contexts, and build your understanding of how these rhythmic concepts can enhance your classical training and performance versatility. 

Integrative Pedagogy 

You’ll explore three key areas of music-related careers: tuition, therapy, and musical direction. This module helps you develop versatile skills that will enhance your performance, musicianship, and future employability - whatever path you choose within the music industry. 

Musicianship 3 (MAIC) – Musicology, Analysis, Improvisation, Composition 

You’ll deepen your understanding of classical improvisation, musicology, and composition while adding contextual analysis to your skillset. This module brings together creative and academic approaches to help you grow as a well-rounded, reflective musician.

Classical Innovations 1 

You’ll study how composers and performers reshaped classical music in the early 20th century. Exploring music alongside art, philosophy, and performance, you’ll gain insight into key creative movements. You’ll also prepare for a collaborative interdisciplinary project with artists from other fields. 

Classical Innovations 2 

You’ll realise the interdisciplinary project you developed in Semester 1 - bringing your creative ideas to life. You’ll also explore innovations in classical music from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, gaining fresh perspectives on how the genre continues to evolve. 

Classical Performance & Composition 5 

You’ll work towards a high-level recital or portfolio that showcases your technical skill, musical maturity, and creative identity. With individual tuition and a focused practice routine, you’ll refine your performance or composition for potential professional or postgraduate progression. 

Classical Recording Project 1 – Audio 

You’ll learn how to use music production tools to record and enhance your own performances or compositions. This module gives you the core audio skills you’ll need to create demos or recordings - essential for working as a classical musician in today’s industry. 

Classical Recording Project 2 – Visual 

Building on your audio skills, you’ll learn to produce high-quality video to accompany your music. You’ll plan, film, and edit a 10-minute video project, creating a professional EPK (Electronic Press Kit) that you can use for future opportunities in the classical music world. 

BA (Hons) Classical with Foundation Year - 4 Years

If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.

An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.

Find out more about BA (Hons) with Foundation Year.

Academic Requirements

BA (Hons) - 3 Years

96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

BA (Hons) with Foundation Year - 4 Years

64 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

Performance and Musical Theory Standard

Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.

Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work. 

Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.

Find more detailed audition information for applicants.

Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.

For detailed information regarding tuition fees, payment options, and financial support:

If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:

Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Conservatoires (not Undergraduate)
UCAS Institution Code: L31
Validated by: University of Hull

Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 305F 

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W30F

Specialist Study Departments

Specialist Study is a core part of your Classical degree, with 1:1 tuition from experts in your chosen specialism. Find out more about each of our specialist departments:

Tutor profiles

Professor Ben GauntPrincipal Lecturer: Classical Music, Music Production, MA Music

Courses taught: Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) Music (Classical), MA Music, Saturday Music School, Short Courses for young musicians

Read more
about 'Professor Ben Gaunt'
Professor Rob BentallPrincipal Lecturer: Music Production

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Production), BA Music (Classical) and MA Music

Read more
about 'Professor Rob Bentall'
Rachael BuxtonAccompanist

Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)

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about 'Rachael Buxton'

This course is delivered in partnership with

More partnerships
“My cello teacher at Leeds Conservatoire, Alfia Nakipbekova, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone by challenging myself and I’ll always be grateful for that. I had the opportunity to perform with Marc Almond for sold out performances at Leeds Town Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London where we performed in front of 3,000 people and afterwards watched ourselves in a BBC documentary!” – Simona Mannu,Classical graduate

Music from Alumni and Faculty of Leeds Conservatoire's Classical Course

Facilities

Our students have access to over 70 bookable rooms, including teaching rooms, practice rooms, and bespoke ensemble rehearsal spaces, all of which are open until late. We host performances in our 350-seat auditorium The Venue and 120-seat Recital Room and our All-Steinway School status means that over 95% of our pianos come from the Steinway family.

Find out more
Open Days

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days. 

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.

Open Days
Open Days

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days. 

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.

Open Days

Alumni Profile

Sam Sommerfeld

Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
Year of Graduation: 2015

A skilled conductor and musical director, Sam has worked in theatres across the UK with a variety of people in educational and professional groups.

While in Leeds, Sam stepped up to work as a freelancer on larger musical platforms, conducting the Kensington Symphony Orchestra and working at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Sam has been Associate Musical Director on The Last Ship, a new musical with music and lyrics written by Sting.

Meet our alumni
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