A rigorously demanding programme, the MMus degree offers opportunity to develop musicianship in a range of subject areas to a very high level. The Music Department consists of a community of more than 200 students from foundation to doctorate level, dedicated to creating and re-creating music; all are able to contribute to the musical life of the University, the city of Canterbury and the wider community in the south east of England.
The degree is offered either as a one year full-time, or two years part-time programme and may be pursued in one of the following Principal Study areas:
Performance
Piano accompaniment
Conducting
Composition
Electroacoustic composition
Church music
Musicology
Instrumental teaching and learning
Individual pathways through the programme are tailored for individual students’ strengths, needs and interests. Principal Study courses are complemented by a range of associated studies which ensure a high level of critical engagement across broad subject areas.
These include Aural awareness, Music analysis, Studies in contemporary music, and Independent study.
A special feature of the programme is a pathway designed for students whose first or main language is not English. This pathway includes additional support in English language and discourses, designed to facilitate participation in professional musical contexts.
Finally, all students choose one option course, from a range which includes Chamber music, Liturgical composition, Ensemble direction and Accompanying skills.
MMus courses are led by distinguished teachers drawn from a resident and visiting staff of specialists. Public performances, seminars, workshops and masterclasses complement this work.
Students will normally be expected to have gained a good honours degree in music, or an equivalent performance diploma and be able to show that their academic background in music is sufficient for development at postgraduate level.
The audition/interview panel will also seek evidence of the candidate’s ability to work independently, to critically assess their own work, to set goals accordingly and to pursue them with discipline and commitment.
The selection of entrants for Performance, Piano accompaniment and Conducting is normally based on audition/interview in the Music Department. Overseas applicants may, in lieu of an audition/ interview, send recorded audiovisual evidence of their performances for consideration.
The criteria for selection are:
the technique and musicianship displayed should be of a level suitable for advanced and challenging repertoire, and, in the judgement of the audition panel, show the potential for developing these skills further
the performance skills displayed should be of a level suitable for public performance, or, in the judgement of the panel, show the potential for develop such skill. This may include presentation, communication, confidence and experience. Candidates may also provide evidence of their performing experience by producing copies of recent concert programmes or reviews
The selection of entrants for Composition and Electroacoustic composition is normally based on the submission of creative work (scores and/or recordings) and an interview.
The criteria for selection are:
the ability to produce original and inventive compositions, in whatever style the composer chooses to work, and the potential to develop these skills further
composers working with traditional forces should be able to demonstrate a secure grasp of the fundamentals of notation, orchestration, etc
composers working with electronic and computer music should be able to demonstrate expertise in at least some of the following areas: digital sound synthesis, audio editing and sample manipulation, and advanced sequencing
The selection of entrants for Church music and Musicology will be based on interview, and the submission of a substantial piece of written work, on a relevant musicological topic. Candidates for Church music will, in addition, be asked to demonstrate skills in advanced choral conducting, organ accompaniment, or vocal technique.
The criteria for selection are:
the ability to produce original, clearly written and well researched academic work, in topics relevant to the programme
evidence of research skills and the potential to develop such skills at postgraduate level
in the case of Church music, technique and musicianship of a level suitable for advanced and challenging repertoire
The selection of entrants for Instrumental teaching and learning will be based on interview, in which candidates will be expected to demonstrate their experience in instrumental and vocal music, and to discuss issues related to music education. The criteria for selection are those general to the programme. In addition, candidates should demonstrate instrumental or vocal technique and musicianship of a level suitable for a wide range of repertoire, and the ability to reflect clearly and critically on these skills.
Refer to www.canterbury.ac.uk For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.