Music Studies

Each student develops essential general knowledge and skills, and has the opportunity of choosing individual areas of interest. The emphasis is on promoting the integration of practical and theoretical aspects of music making, and on supporting an incremental development in areas of particular individual interest and strength (Second Study, Conducting, Analysis, Jazz for non jazz specialists, Electronic Music and others), including of course Principal Study and Chamber Music (Advanced Principal Study and Advanced Ensemble).

Additional support is available if necessary in Written English and Music Theory.

General subjects:
Tutorial Groups (Years 1 to 3): all students work with a tutor according to ability and specialisation and meet regularly, in group and individually, to study music and its context from an historical, stylistic and practical perspective. Students develop also essential writing skills, both notational and academic (culminating in a dissertation or lecture recital in Year 3). Conducting (Year 2): all students study conducting for a year, after which those who are particularly interested and able can pursue this at a more advanced level in electives.

Elective subjects:
Years 1 and 2 choices include Aural, Kodály Musicianship, Keyboard Musicianship, Harmony, Analysis, History, Composition, Electronic Music, Second Study and others.

Year 3 and 4 choices include Analysis, Body Matters, Conducting, Advanced Keyboard Musicianship, Counterpoint, History research project, Orchestration, Arranging (for wind and brass instruments and for Jazz), Counterpoint, Music Administration, Introduction to Music Therapy, Interpretation through Improvisation and others.

Students in Years 3 and 4 who achieve high results in Principal Study can also do Advanced Principal Study and Advanced Ensemble.

Department of Music Studies teaching staff