Music BA (Hons)

On this module you will develop your technical ability in music by performing, listening and composing for a series of projects. Through this you will explore rhythm, melody, harmony, texture and form in music, considering these elements across different genres and styles. You will gain experience in composing, arranging and performing music, as well as receiving individual tuition in either voice or your chosen instrument. You will also learn about the creative application of music sequencing, notation and the use of audio software.

On this module you will develop your research and writing skills, preparing you to study music at university level. By completing several short projects, you will explore music from a range of genres, appreciating how music connects with societal, cultural and political issues. These projects will also allow you to develop musical skills such as score reading and production analysis. The vocabulary and skills you gain on this module will help you throughout your degree.

On this module you will develop your ability to work collaboratively to create music. You will take part in different musical ensembles, rehearsing together in preparation for weekly lunchtime and evening concerts. These ensembles will cover a range of genres and styles and be overseen or directed by staff members and students. We offer many different ensemble groups, so you could find yourself playing in:

• Chamber and gospel choirs
• Jazz vocal improvisation groups
• The Musical Production Society
• Samba, soul, concert and brass bands
• Ukulele or classical orchestras

On this module you will focus on developing your vocal abilities. Workshops will explore basic breathing and voice production techniques, as you will learn about diphonic singing, the spoken voice, and vocal ensemble performance. Alongside this practical exploration of voice you will examine vocal styles from around the world, including:

• German and French Cabaret
• Arabic singing
• Religious chanting in Tibet, Egypt, Greece and Rome
• Bulgarian female singing
• Italian operatic tenors

On this module you will explore the world of drums and percussion across a mix of styles, genres and cultures. You will listen to and compare different music styles and start to devise your own pieces. This is an opportunity to develop your awareness of rhythm and pulse as you work with new percussion instruments and develop your own work. This module will see you explore and practise:

• West African djembe drumming
• Brazilian samba
• Javanese gamelan
• Japanese Taiko drumming
• Western contemporary percussion

On this module you continue to develop your ability to create music collaboratively. Together you will explore different strategies for effective ensemble rehearsal, both in groups and individually. You will then apply these techniques as you continue to work with ensembles in a range of genres and styles. Your engagement in weekly concerts will continue throughout this module.

On this module you will continue your exploration of research in the field of musicology. You will start researching independently, and exploring complex ideas in more detail. Through a series of projects you will explore different themes, while also developing and fine tuning your musical skills. These themes might include:

• Music and film
• Newness in music
• Identity in music
• Musical fusion
• Creativity in music
• Music ownership and originality

On this module you will have the opportunity to experiment with ways of creating and distributing music. We want you to blur the lines between composer and performer to gain a wider understanding of how music is created. You will develop creative skills in crafting music, along with technical skills in performing music unconventionally. This will involve investigating improvisation and considering how you can include it in your work. Alongside this, you will also think about the philosophical issues that surround the creation of music.

On this module you will focus on developing as a professional in a modern musical context. You will form a production company with classmates and colleagues on Musical Theatre BA (Hons) to plan, rehearse, and perform a large-scale musical event. You will take on roles such as assistant director and musical director, front of house manager, publicist, or stage manager. To support this, you will also conduct research into different employment opportunities related to music, and interview professionals working in areas of your interest.

On this module we will help you to develop your understanding of compositional techniques. You will investigate song writing, music technologies and the multimedia applications for music, including films, games and installations. As you apply these new techniques to your own work, you will continue to develop your musical notation abilities, exploring lead sheets, text scores and more. You will have the chance to work with students who specialise in performance as you develop your work, and to write for visiting professional performers.

This is your introduction to the vibrant and exciting practice of community music. We start by considering the history of community music in the UK, as you explore the main theories and concepts. You will then learn how to set out basic workshop structures, including the planning, implementation and evaluation of sessions. Finally you will apply this learning and gain experience by working in a local community music setting. Practising community musicians will have input during the module, helping you think about your future engagement in the field.

This module will help you to develop as a solo performer across a range of styles and genres. You will enhance your technical and interpretative abilities on an instrument of your choice in weekly instrumental lessons. Alongside this, we will introduce you to effective performance preparation strategies. This includes finding an effective practice routine, and finding ways of dealing with tension and anxiety in performance.

Ensemble leadership is an important skill for all musicians, regardless of style, genre, musical ability or context. On this module you will explore different leadership styles, as well as learning to understand your own and others’ personalities and consider how they can impact your leadership. You will continue to engage with staff and peer-led ensembles, culminating in several performances throughout the semester. You will take part in ensemble leadership forums, which also give you a platform to reflect on and discuss issues you have come across when leading ensembles.

This is your opportunity to specialise in an area of music that you are passionate about. For your dissertation you will choose your topic, design the research, and complete an extended piece of written research. You will explore your topic through analysis, experimentation, theory and practice. This module includes a large portion of independent study, but you will be supported by a dissertation tutor throughout and receive feedback as you progress.

On this module you will engage with an extensive creative project. You can collaborate with artists across different specialisms and courses, bringing your expertise together to create your final piece, performance or product. For example, you might work with a dance or theatre performer, or a film production student. We will support you with your project through lectures that explore practice-based research methods, providing examples of effective collaborative practice. You will also receive individual and group tutorial support throughout the module.

On this module you will develop strategies for your future as a musician. We will help you to build skills in networking, continuing professional development, and marketing yourself. You will also hone your research skills in areas relevant to future professional opportunities. By the end of the module you will have created an individual portfolio showcasing your business and professional interests. This is a tool which you can use when seeking employment after your degree.

On this module you will further develop your compositional skills. You will start to focus on composing for larger groups such as bands and choirs, creating large-scale musical structures that are longer than you have created before. By studying the work of several composers, you will develop your understanding of approaches to writing for larger groups. You will also have the chance to hear your compositions performed live by working with performance specialists and student ensembles.

This module helps you assimilate all of your solo performance experience from across the whole degree. You will refine your technical and expressive skills on your first instrument with continued weekly instrumental or vocal lessons. 2 assessed recitals, where you choose the repertoire, will showcase your range as a solo performer and prepare your professionalism through practice. We deliver the module content through seminars and tutorials, where high level performance strategies are explored. Masterclasses across the year join the whole solo performance community, which is supportive and enthusiastic. Overall, you are encouraged to discover, and showcase, your individuality as a solo performer on this strand of the degree.

On this module you will negotiate your own long-term work-based learning. You will become more independent in developing both your research and practice in community music, engaging specifically with contemporary aspects of community practice. We will also consider the recent emergence of community music as a recognised field of academic research.

You will:

• Develop your abilities in planning, implementing and evaluating community music work for specific settings
• Critically reflect your practice
• Develop a professional approach to your work, including networking
• Situate your own practice within national and international discourses of community music