Important information
Late applications may be accepted, please contact hello@rcs.ac.uk for more information
The MMus Piano for Dance programme is an innovative postgraduate degree, delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet.
Utilising the resources and facilities of both institutions, the programme offers a unique mix of professional tutelage and practical application, aimed at supporting the needs of each individual student. Pianists aspiring to work within the professional dance sector receive regular mentoring from industry-established dance musicians and teachers. The programme also offers the opportunity to gain a wide range of appropriate experience, working within a professional environment alongside Scottish Ballet’s artistic staff and dancers.
From the earliest stages of training, students accompany all aspects of work with RCS and Scottish Ballet, in dance classes, rehearsals and education projects.
Additionally, you will study exam syllabus work, accompaniment skills, dance forms, dance vocabulary and core ballet and class repertoire. This helps you to develop the skills needed to give the dancers and teachers the necessary musical support in class work and rehearsals.
Solid piano technique is vital and you will also have access to a regular lesson with tutors from the Keyboard department, reinforcing aspects of piano technique, keyboard harmony and repertoire.
“The MMus Piano for Dance course provides a balance between supported learning and practical application. Our partnership with Scottish Ballet allows our students to experience the realities of the professional world, whilst having the security of the experienced teaching faculty to support their continued learning.”
The MMus/MA programme is divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 is common to both degrees, and may also lead to the exit award of PGDip. In Stage 2, MMus and MA students follow different pathways leading to their respective degrees.
Stage 1: PGDip
Principal Study 1 — 80 SCQF credits
Supporting Studies 1 — 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits
Practice Research — 10 SCQF credits
Options — 20, 10 or 0 SCQF credits
The MMus/MA programme is divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 is common to both degrees, and may also lead to the exit award of PGDip. In Stage 2, MMus and MA students follow different pathways leading to their respective degrees.
Stage 2: MMus
Principal Study 2 — 90 SCQF credits
Supporting Studies 2 — 30, 20 or 10 SCQF credits
Options — 20, 10 or 0 SCQF credits
Stage 2: MA
Negotiated Study (or HIPP dissertation) — 60 SCQF credits
Edward Cohen has established himself as one of the most versatile and in-demand pianists in Scotland. Equally at home as a concerto soloist, recitalist, or chamber musician, he regularly collaborates with leading musicians in major performance venues and festivals in his home country and beyond. As Lecturer in Accompaniment at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Edward has created all of the new accompaniment modules available to students. Additionally, he has established a unique training programme focusing on working as a rehearsal pianist for symphonic choruses in partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Much of his teaching work at the conservatoire centres around the skills required of collaborative musicians. He has considerable performance experience as a pianist for dance, most recently at the Cottier, Edinburgh, and Unlimited Festivals, and has worked as a professional accompanist at the Dance School of Scotland, London Studio Centre, the RCS, Scottish Ballet, and the Urdang Academy.
Our graduates have gone on to work extensively within the dance world, including at Scottish Ballet, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet, Mathew Bourne’s New Adventures, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Canadian National Ballet, Queensland Ballet, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Royal Ballet School, Canadian National Ballet School, Dance School of Scotland, Royal Academy of Dance and Ballet West.