Modules

Year 1 Composition and Arrangement (40 Credit Points) This module aims to develop your understanding of composition and music arrangement. You’ll be given grounding in music theory, arrangement techniques and composition, whilst developing hands-on skills in music production software. During this module you’ll study different approaches to composing. You’ll work both individually and collaboratively on projects that show a developing understanding of music genre and create a body of work that demonstrates your developing practice as a composer, arranger and producer. Performance Techniques (40 Credit Points) This module aims to develop your performance techniques, focusing on several key areas. You’ll develop technical competence in playing an instrument, through studying contemporary performance techniques, developing skills in sight reading, as well as listening skills and improvisation. You’ll develop your skills as a performer in solo and group contexts, considering the communicative nature of musical performance, your relationship with the audience and exploring the performance environment. This module also deals with the various technical demands of the performing musician, including instrument maintenance. Recording Studio Practice (20 Credit Points) This module aims to develop your understanding of sound recording practices to aid you in your future career as a professional musician. You’ll also study the historical development of recording technology and its impact on musical styles, as well as the wider influence on society and culture. The Music Industry (20 Credit Points) During this module, you’ll develop knowledge and understanding of how changes in industry impact on consumer trends and working practices. In addition, the module focuses heavily on your development as an emerging professional, so there’ll be a strong emphasis on completing work for clients as part of your study. You’ll also be introduced to the pressures of working for clients through the completion of a live client brief. The aim is for you to acquire practical experience of the skills and attributes needed for employment in industry. Year 2 Music, Technology & Performance (60 Credit Points) This module aims to further develop your performance techniques, enhancing your technical skills whilst broadening your contextual understanding of musical performance. As well as a focus on traditional musicianship, you’ll also explore the integration of different technologies in performance. You’ll research the historical and contemporary use of technology in performance, and use this research to inform the integration of technology into your own work. Composing Music for Visual Media (20 Credit Points) This module focuses on composition for visual media. You’ll explore the application of compositional tools for specific themes such as horror, romance, drama, sadness, suspense and comedy. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and reflection – through the study of a wide range of commercial compositional work and analysis of your own work. Contextual Studies in Music (20 Credit Points) Music plays an integral part of everyday life across a diverse range of cultures and societies. In many ways, music provides the touchstones of human experience. This module encourages you to examine the historical significance of music and its impact on global cultures and societies. Industry Practice (20 Credit Points) During this module you will undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.