We believe that being a classical musician today involves mastery of technique, creative application of theory and adaptability – making you at home in any musical context. Our Classical programme is for talented performers and composers who want to break the boundaries of classical music whilst honing and mastering advanced techniques.
In the Classical with Jazz programme, you will take specialist study modules (e.g. your 1:1 tuition) in Classical and specialist group study (e.g. ensembles) in Jazz.
Built around a mixture of one-to-one tuition, ensemble work and seminars, this highly performance-based degree course supports your development into a fine specialist performer or composer, focusing on technique, artistic development and the commercial skills to earn a living in a highly competitive field.
We want you to explore a variety of influences and genres, and whether you want to join our Chamber Orchestra, experiment with a cross-genre ensemble, perform on strings for our Big Band, or play on recordings for our Film Music students, you’ll be immersed in a culture that encourages you to collaborate with a range of musicians and art forms.
Working alongside degree students from other pathways will also broaden your perspective. You could be recorded by Production students, develop your improvisation techniques with Jazz students or bounce ideas off Business students – keeping you adaptable and current.
Students play a vital part in the concert season, with many of the conservatoire's ensembles appearing in an eclectic programme that encompasses jazz, classical, contemporary, and world music, orchestral, choral and big band concerts and small ensemble and solo recitals. The concert season allows students to rub shoulders with global names through showcasing the work of graduates and alumni alongside emerging and international artists.
Graduates from Classical degrees at Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Opera Singers, Recording Artists and Musical Directors. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“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
As part of the Classical programme at Leeds Conservatoire you will have the opportunity to play alongside the Orchestra of Opera North, attend rehearsals with the company, work with conductors and chorus masters on repertoire and have access to masterclasses with visiting artists.
This relationship with the largest producing opera company in the North of England gives you a direct link to the classical music industry, as well as giving you the opportunity to see a professional company in action.
The BA (Hons) Music (Classical with Jazz) modules focus on developing you as a professional musician through one-to-one tuition (Classical), ensemble study (Jazz) and creative projects. The professional studies strand will develop your core business skills, and other optional modules will introduce additional cross-genre capabilities. See our module specifications page for detailed module specification documents.
Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:
As part of your Specialist Study programme regular classes like Performance in Context, Composition in Context and Concert Performance give you regular opportunities to share your developing performance and composition work with peers and Leeds Conservatoire tutors in a friendly, supportive, confidence-boosting environment.
Module specifications are for applicants choosing to start their course in the 2022/23 academic year. In compliance with University of Hull regulations, the conservatoire retains the right to make minor amendments and improvements to course, programme and module content year on year. This may result in minor changes to these specifications by September 2023.
In addition to your principal instrument/voice, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in a second instrument/voice (for students at Grade 6 standard or higher in their second instrument/voice).
This is not part of your course, but there are a limited number of Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursaries available, or tuition can be arranged at additional cost.
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).
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.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Fees & Funding for International Students.
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*
*Note for applicants and offer holders for 2022/23 entry onwards:
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, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 412F
Course Key Information Document 2021/22
“The environment of Leeds Conservatoire personifies what jazz education is about. Collaboration, trying something different and pushing yourself to be the best musician you can be.” – Matthew Richardson, Jazz graduate
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:
Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Jazz), BA (Hons) Music - cross-pathway
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Courses taught: Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) Music (Classical), MA Music, Saturday Music School, Short Courses for young musicians
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Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
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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“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
The opportunity to perform is vital to your development as a musician and artist. At Leeds Conservatoire we work with a range of venues across the city to give you public performance opportunities throughout your studies.
These include the annual opera project, regular lunchtime concerts, taking part in the award-winning Sounds like THIS Festival, or performing as part of high-profile events with acclaimed musicians.
You will be able to join a wide range of ensembles, depending on your interests, including our:
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
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
Leeds Conservatoire has an ongoing partnership with Sound City. As part of this, the festival team has selected artists from the conservatoire to perform at Sound City 2024: the eighth year in a row.
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The band, who met at Leeds Conservatoire, entered the UK top ten with their critically-acclaimed debut album, and were then honoured in the first Northern Music Awards.
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The British Flute Society welcomed talented players to its flagship annual event, the Competitions, with winners including a Classical graduate from Leeds Conservatoire.
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Leeds Conservatoire's classical and jazz department hosts a variety of events each month, showcasing the best up and coming improvisers the city has to offer. These include events within our building and across the city at various key jazz and classical venues.
For Classical, Opera North and Leeds Lieder also put on events in Leeds, and for Jazz there is Jazz Leeds and Leeds Jazz Festival.
View our Events
