Music
Entry requirements
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About this course
BA Music combines the traditional and the modern in the study of music, exploring diverse genres from the past and present and developing exciting new approaches in musicology, composition (acoustic and electroacoustic), analysis, ethnomusicology, music and science, and performance.
The department is located at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Durham City – an extraordinarily beautiful place. But it is the juxtaposition of ancient and cutting-edge that makes Durham so unusual and inspiring; within the old buildings we strive to forge fresh interpretations and create exciting new music, using state-of-the-art technology.
Our teaching is research-led and enhanced by distinctive staff specialisations that include nineteenth- and twentieth-century British music, Indian and Korean music, popular music, music technology, conducting, music psychology, opera, analysis, and contemporary composition.
We also have a variety of music-making taking place at Durham such as six orchestras, choral singing, theatrical productions, contemporary music and much more.
You can apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. The first year of the course is designed to introduce a broad range of disciplines and approaches. In the second year, there is a much greater choice of modules to allow you to pursue your own interests.
The final year of this course is structured around an independent project, which can take the form of a musicological dissertation, a composition portfolio, a techniques portfolio (pastiche compositions) or a 40-minute solo recital.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules:
Historical Studies 1 introduces the historical study of the Western art music tradition, covering music from the baroque to late classical periods. A number of representative musical works from the period are explored and you will deepen your knowledge of those works and the contexts of their composition and reception, while also acquiring skills foundational to the practice of historical musicology.
Examples of optional modules:
Historical Composition Techniques;
Composition 1: Twentieth Century Innovations;
Introduction to Ethnomusicology;
Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice;
Performance 1: Practice through History (with recital/essay).
Year 2
Core modules:
Historical Studies 2 encourages a research-based approach to key issues in Western music between the early romantic period and the mid-twentieth century. The module will also develop an understanding of the dominant trends in musical life in the period, from performance, reception and aesthetics.
Examples of optional modules:
Creative Music Technology;
Performance 2: Practice as Research;
Composition 2: New Directions in Art Music;
Orchestration;
Advanced Historical Composition Techniques;
Theory and Analysis;
Studies in the History of Opera;
World Music Traditions;
Studies in Popular Music.
Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad)
Core module:
The final year of this course is structured around an independent project, which can take the form of a musicological Dissertation, a Portfolio of Compositions, a Techniques Portfolio (pastiche compositions) or a Performance Project requiring a 40-minute solo recital.
Examples of optional modules:
The Music of India;
Contemporary Music Performance;
Advanced Ethnomusicology: Themes and Issues;
Music Theology;
Studies in Symphonic Analysis;
Time and Rhythm;
Words and Music;
Music and Politics in France, 1789–1815;
Techniques Portfolio;
Psychology of Music.
Assessment methods
Modules are assessed by a variety of means, including continuous assessment, examinations and recitals.
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on the development of independent research skills. Teaching methods and coursework are designed to help you achieve this; for example, you will receive reading lists, assignments, presentation briefs and online materials to direct your research in preparation for seminars.
In your third year you will undertake a major project which can be a dissertation, composition portfolio or a solo recital.
The Uni
College allocation pending
Durham City
Music
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Music
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£32k
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