BMus (Hons) Piano for Theatre

Explore the course:

Course Overview

Course Content

Entry

Fees

Auditions and interviews

Course Overview

This world-first course offers aspiring theatre pianists a unique opportunity to receive bespoke training in musical theatre and commercial piano.

Excellent musical theatre pianists and keyboard players are in high demand throughout the industry. Study and train on this three-year course, which aims to provide you with the techniques and practical skills you’ll need, to enter the commercial and music theatre industries.

Mountview has developed an internationally renowned reputation for its commitment to musical theatre. Our state-of-the-art facilities in South London and network of industry professionals, who contribute to the teaching, provide the ideal springboard for a career in music and theatre.

This course will run subject to approval by the University of East Anglia (UEA). This means the course is currently going through UEA’s review process to confirm the course meets required standards and will lead to a UEA award. Course validation will take place in late Spring 2025.

Course Content

2025/26 Term Dates
Autumn term 8 September – 12 December 2025
Spring term 5 January – 2 April 2026
Summer term 20 April – 17 July 2026

Delivery

The course is delivered over three 12-week terms a year for three years. Students will receive individual tuition on the piano and supporting second study instruments, and study in small classes covering a variety of skills and practices.

Assessment is ongoing and based on work throughout the course. Students will also have the opportunity to share work in class and formal settings, with a recital performance at the end of each year.

Year 1

Piano Technique
Piano Repertoire
Sight Reading
Musicianship & Theory
Historical Studies
Singing
Instrumentation
Guitar Technique
Artist Development

Year 2

Piano Technique
Piano & Theatre Repertoire
Accompanying
Musicianship & Analysis
Musical Theatre Studies
Music Technology
Musical Arranging & Orchestration
Elective Instrument Study
Artist Development

Year 3

Piano Technique
Musical Theatre Repertoire
Musical Theatre Keyboard
Ensemble Collaboration
Conducting & Pedagogy
Elective Instrument Study
Professional Development

Entry Information

Applicants must be able to display a high level of proficiency on the piano. Formal music or academic qualifications are not essential.

Applicants must be aged 18 or turn 18 within the first term of the course. Admission onto the course is by audition and previous academic qualifications are not essential.

Mountview recognises that talent cannot always be measured by conventional academic achievement and welcomes applications from people without standard entry qualifications. However, one of the following is desirable:

• Five GCSE passes and two A-Levels or
• Four SCE Higher Grade passes
• BTEC National or Higher National Certificate or Diploma with merit grades
• Foundation course
• Access to Higher Education Diploma

If an applicant requires a student visa and their first language is not English, they will need to prove their knowledge of the English language before applying for their student visa. This must be demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that they began when they were under 18.

Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants to achieve their best. If applicants have any special requirements or access needs, these should be discussed with the course leader/administrator.

Mountview is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. No applicant will receive less or more favourable treatment on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.

Fees

Audition fee	£20
UK/ROI students	£11,350 p/a
International students	£18,790 p/a

Students may apply for a maximum Student Tuition Fee Loan of £6,000. For more information, please refer to our Funding and Scholarships page below.

All fees shown are for 2025/26 entry. Fees are subject to annual review and may increase in years 2 and 3 in line with inflation. One term’s notice will be given of any increases.

Limited audition fee waivers and reductions are available for candidates with a household income of less than £21,000.

Funding and Scholarships

Auditions Info

You will take part in an audition and interview with the course and/or module leaders at which you will present pre-prepared piano pieces, and discuss your interests, influences and previous experience. More information will be provided once your application has been received.

This will take place in-person at Mountview. For international candidates and those with exceptional circumstances, the option of an online interview is available.

Auditions and Interviews