Course details

Principal study options

During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:

Single specialism

Only one instrument is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument formatively, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.

Alternative single specialism

You may audition for two instruments, with the intention of studying one instrument as a single specialism. The outcome of the audition will determine which instrument is taken as the main specialism.

Instrument/specialisms

For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.

Modules

The BMus (Hons) comprises of 480 credits over four years and is made up of three complementary components: Principal Study, Career Development (including Placements and Projects), and Academic Studies. Within its core structure, students also have the chance to develop emerging specialisms through optional practical and vocational electives. Years 1 and 2 include:

• At least one hour per week in your one-to-one lesson with your vocal, instrumental or composition tutor.

• Attending various other classes with your School, including masterclasses with visiting artists, performance classes, and ensemble training.

• Attending weekly lectures and seminars to study music from a diversity of cultural, social, and historically-contextualised perspectives, engaging with topical debates while developing core skills and knowledge by studying a wide range of music.

• Attending classes to develop your artistic identity as a creative musician, learning about and reflecting on the many tools, skills, and abilities needed for a career in music.

• Continuing with your weekly one-to-one lesson.

• Choosing specialist areas of study from a choice of electives, including options exploring education, health and wellbeing, psychology, history, theory and analysis, technology, and the music industry. You can also choose from a wide range of practical and performance electives relating to and complementing your Principal Study work, including options in conducting, chamber music, jazz improvisation, opera, and historical performance.

• Undertaking performance studies, including the option to specialise in repertoires such as brass band, jazz, and contemporary music. In Year 4, you will have the option to take an additional elective in an area of emerging specialism.

• Completing a work-based learning placement in an area such as music and health, arts administration, education, sound engineering, and recording.

• Completing an independent creative project. This can range from organising a charity concert or music competition, to staging a musical in a park, recording an EP, scoring a video game, or undertaking a tour with a musical ensemble or as a soloist. You will receive training in entrepreneurial skills, and you are assigned a mentor to advise on your project.

Assessment method

Assessment methods are designed to develop and evaluate various skills in all students. Feedback is provided on all assessments, enabling you to enhance your learning by acting on constructive criticism and appraisals given in the context of all modules, both formatively and in relation to summative, credit-bearing assessments. Assessment methods are diverse, and include: live performance or composition portfolio assessment, written assessment, reflective portfolio, presentation, vlog or blog, arrangements, theory tests, aural and improvisation assessment.