Further your musicianship, historical awareness and individual creativity in our vibrant department

Many of the outstanding performers in the current generation of historical performance specialists are graduates of our Historical Performance Department.

'The Historical Performance Department is full of musicians I grew up listening to, and it is incredibly humbling to learn from them'
Undergraduate student

As a student here, you too will learn how to forge your career path in this exciting part of the professional music world.

Our department has a lively atmosphere and collaborative approach. Undergraduate and postgraduate students work alongside world-class professors and performers on a wide range of repertoire (including contemporary repertoire for recorder players) and participate in a variety of activities including continuo, dance and education workshops, to develop an in-depth understanding of historical performance practice.

The department has a high profile across the Academy. Performance opportunities include the acclaimed ‘Bach the European’ concert series, Baroque opera, orchestral projects, chamber music and consort playing. This invaluable performance experience will equip you to meet the demands of the professional world.

The Academy houses an extensive collection of fine historical instruments and specially commissioned modern copies, which are available for students to use.

Alexandra Bellamy holding a baroque oboe
Alexandra Bellamy holding a baroque oboe

Alexandra Bellamy

Alexandra Bellamy holding a baroque oboe

Alexandra Bellamy

Graduated 1994
Baroque Oboe

Alexandra Bellamy

Graduated 1994

Baroque Oboe

Meet
our alunni

Terence Charlston standing looking into the camera
Terence Charlston standing looking into the camera

Terence Charlston

Terence Charlston standing looking into the camera

Terence Charlston

Graduated 1989
Harpsichord

Terence Charlston

Graduated 1989

Harpsichord

Tabea Debus holding a recorder
Tabea Debus holding a recorder

Tabea Debus

Tabea Debus holding a recorder

Tabea Debus

Graduated 2017
Recorder

Tabea Debus

Graduated 2017

Recorder

Charlotte Barbour Headshot
Charlotte Barbour Headshot

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Charlotte Barbour Headshot

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Graduated 2018
Recorder

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Graduated 2018

Recorder

Katherin Spencer sits against a dark background holding a clarinet
Katherin Spencer sits against a dark background holding a clarinet

Katherine Spencer

Katherin Spencer sits against a dark background holding a clarinet

Katherine Spencer

Graduated 1999

Katherine Spencer

Graduated 1999

Find out more about the career paths of some of our former students

Meet our alumni
Alexandra Bellamy holding a baroque oboe
Alexandra Bellamy holding a baroque oboe

Alexandra Bellamy

Alexandra Bellamy holding a baroque oboe

Alexandra Bellamy

Graduated 1994
Baroque Oboe

Alexandra Bellamy

Graduated 1994

Baroque Oboe

Terence Charlston standing looking into the camera
Terence Charlston standing looking into the camera

Terence Charlston

Terence Charlston standing looking into the camera

Terence Charlston

Graduated 1989
Harpsichord

Terence Charlston

Graduated 1989

Harpsichord

Tabea Debus holding a recorder
Tabea Debus holding a recorder

Tabea Debus

Tabea Debus holding a recorder

Tabea Debus

Graduated 2017
Recorder

Tabea Debus

Graduated 2017

Recorder

Charlotte Barbour Headshot
Charlotte Barbour Headshot

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Charlotte Barbour Headshot

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Graduated 2018
Recorder

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Graduated 2018

Recorder

Katherin Spencer sits against a dark background holding a clarinet
Katherin Spencer sits against a dark background holding a clarinet

Katherine Spencer

Katherin Spencer sits against a dark background holding a clarinet

Katherine Spencer

Graduated 1999

Katherine Spencer

Graduated 1999