Music students are involved in extensive music making on a daily basis. Weekly individual instrumental and vocal tuition is provided as a central part of the programme, supported by seminars and workshops given by eminent figures from the music profession. The department supports a wide range of large ensembles and public performance is a prominent feature of campus life with weekly concerts by students, staff and visiting artists, and concerts within the Canterbury and Sounds New Festivals.
The Department offers exceptional opportunities to composers, with individual tuition available from Level 2, excellent music technology facilities, frequent concerts of student composers’ works, and masterclasses/seminars led by visiting composers.
Students can either follow a Single Honours programme, leading to a BMus (Hons) degree, or study Music in combination with a range of other subjects, leading to a BA/BSc (Hons). Part-time (day) routes are also available.
Content and Structure
SINGLE HONOURS
The Single Honours music programme develops skills in performance and/or composition to a high level in a broad musical context. All modules integrate theoretical and practical approaches to the study of music, and students are required to reflect critically and analytically on their practical music making.
Students are encouraged to develop areas of specialism as they progress from Levels 1 to 3.
A wide variety of options is offered, running alongside the Principal Study modules in Performance, Composition and Musicology.
LEVEL 1
At Level One all Single Honours students take Performance as their Principal Study – taught by a combination of Performance Seminars and weekly individual lessons throughout the year. Alongside this, students take modules in Music History, Tonal Music, and Music in the 20th Century and choose between a module in Ensemble Studies or an elective module offered by another department.
LEVEL 2
Successful Level 1 students begin to specialise in their areas of particular interest. Students may choose Performance, Composition or Musicology as their Principal Study, and alongside this, choose four modules. All students have the opportunity to perform as members of ensembles, as soloists and to have their compositions realised throughout the year.
LEVEL 3
At Level Three, students continue with one or more Principal Studies chosen from Performance, Composition or Independent Study (dissertation). Alongside this, students choose from a range of options including modules that develop areas introduced in Level 2, as well as a number of new areas, including Instrumental Teaching and Learning.
Applications for the Single Honours degree in Music are made through UCAS, see the UCAS codes page of the CCC website. Basic entry requirements can be found on the entry requirements page. Additionally, applicants will need an A2 Level in Music at C or above, (or a recognised Access certificate, or a Merit in an appropriate BTEC course). Applicants should also have Grade 8 of the ABRSM on an instrument or voice, or be able to demonstrate equivalence at audition. All prospective students are called to an interview and audition that allows them to demonstrate their skills, visit the Department and find out more about the Music programmes. An audition piece of about 3-5 minutes will be expected, and an accompanist will normally be available.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.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.