ESTA MA Music – Brass
The brass pathway of the ESTA Education MA in Practical Teaching (Level 7), a part-time postgraduate degree for brass teachers who want to develop their practice at the highest level. Validated by the University of Chichester, it is studied online with a short mandatory residential summer school, and builds on the ESTA PG Cert in Practical Teaching.
ESTA MA Music – Brass is the brass pathway of the ESTA Education MA in Practical Teaching, one of a family of instrument-specific routes through the same Level 7 programme. Teaching, mentoring and assignments are focused on brass playing and brass pedagogy, while the academic framework, credit structure and validation are shared across all pathways.
This flexible master's degree enables teachers to explore the deeper principles of pedagogy, curriculum design and musicianship in a supportive online environment with one-to-one mentoring, webinars and collaborative discussions. A short, intensive residential study week allows students to work directly with peers, mentors and faculty in a practical setting.
Structure
The MA comprises 180 credits at Level 7, typically completed over two academic years part-time. The programme combines individual research with reflective professional practice, drawing on your current teaching. Each module is supported by online tutorials, webinars, mentor guidance and peer discussion, and the residential week provides a focus for collaborative learning, practical workshops and musicianship.
By the end of the MA you will be able to
Integrate advanced theoretical, practical and research knowledge in instrumental and vocal teaching.
Critically evaluate and innovate within your own teaching practice.
Conduct independent, ethically informed research in music education.
Lead and influence professional practice within your teaching community.
Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Who it is for
The programme is designed for practising brass teachers seeking to:
Gain a master's-level qualification that formally recognises their expertise.
Deepen their understanding of how musicians learn and perform.
Enhance their ability to plan, evaluate and research teaching practice.
Join a community of professional teachers and mentors across the ESTA network.
Create a tangible link between personal musicianship, scholarship and teaching practice.
The MA is an ideal next step for graduates of the ESTA PG Cert in Practical Teaching, or for any experienced teacher seeking structured academic professional development within a flexible, supportive framework.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally hold an undergraduate degree in music or a related field or have professional experience as a teacher or performer. Completion of the ESTA PG Cert in Practical Teaching (or equivalent) is required for entry to Part 2 of the programme. Applicants must be actively teaching and able to reflect on their practice within their studies. You will need reliable internet access and equipment for online learning activities.
Accommodation
The programme includes a short mandatory residential summer school. Full board is included in the course fee; travel is not.
Qualification
- Qualification
- MA in Practical Teaching (Level 7)
- Awarding body
- University of Chichester
- Assessment
- Leads to qualification
Fees and funding
No closing date is published. ESTA states that applications are open for the August 2026 intake; applicants are invited to apply and are then contacted about next steps.