Music

The Music course at Cambridge is exciting and varied. It has a strong academic component, focusing particularly on history, analysis, composition (including screen and media composition) and performance. Alongside this it offers a range of other options, including ethnomusicology and the study of music and science. Music students have access to a host of facilities, including a professional concert hall (seating 500), an extensive library of music, books, periodicals and recordings, a purpose-built studio and music computing laboratories. More information about the course is available on the .

Music at Murray Edwards

We welcome 1-2 undergraduate students in Music each year. All undergraduate Music students at Murray Edwards are provided with a piano in their room and the College has funds available to help meet the cost of instrumental tuition for students wishing to take the recital option in any year. Murray Edwards has an active Music Society, which puts on a range of events, including recitals, orchestral concerts, film screenings and masterclasses.

Typical offer

A Level: A*AA

IB: 42 (776)

Required subjects

A Level: A Level Music

IB: Higher Level Music

ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit and above may be accepted as a substitute.

Admissions assessment

No admissions assessment is required.

Written work

Applicants are required to submit written work and musical material prior to interview. This will normally include one or two essays on the history or analysis of music, plus one or two technical exercises (if studied) and/or your own compositions.

What the students say:

Lydia Baldwin

Studying music at Murray Edwards has been a truly special experience. With a maximum of two students per year, the support has been amazing. My Director of Studies knows each of us individually, understanding our passions and challenges, and has helped me find supervisors perfectly suited to my interests. This small cohort provides close guidance and the chance to build strong friendships beyond your subject.

Murray Edwards feels like a close-knit community. Through sharing kitchens, formals, and college events, I’ve met many wonderful people and made friends I’ll cherish for life.

The musical opportunities at Cambridge are incredible. I sing with the choir of Gonville and Caius College, which gives me the chance to perform regularly and meet musicians from across the university. Many music students also play in orchestras and chamber groups, so there’s always something musical happening.

What I love most about the course is its flexibility. Over three years, you develop skills from analytical thinking and essay writing to performance and composition. Whether you enjoy music history, score analysis, or performing, you can shape your studies to fit your passions.

Murray Edwards has been the perfect place for me to grow as a musician and a person.