Music
OVERVIEW
In Foundation Year, students study a course that builds upon previously learnt skills and provides a pre-Degrees course, introducing ideas that will be examined in Final Year such as the Western Classical Tradition, Music for Ensemble, Film Music, Musical Theatre, and Popular Music. They explore each area of study through performance, composition and analysing key works.
Students will build upon skills learnt at our undergraduate programme, with a particular focus on musical skills that will prepare them for Degrees. They will explore performance skills, both individual and in an ensemble, they will use Logic and Sibelius to compose music to fit key ideas, and they will learn about music theory in context, studying set pieces and analyse key features.
OUR SYLLABUS
We follow the Eduqas syllabus for Degrees, which includes a combination of distinct skills. Students will hone their performance skills both as soloists and as ensemble performers, they will learn how to compose in a particular style, and they will learn how music is written for a particular event using specific features relevant to that style.
The subject is examined through performance pieces, two compositions and an exam focused on appraising music from four areas of study: musical forms and devices, music for ensemble, film music and popular music.
WHY STUDY MUSIC?
In the future, creativity and the skills required and developed as a musician are going to be among the most highly sought-after skills by most employers. Alongside rigorous training, students will also develop life skills and improve personal wellbeing.
Many music graduates go on to have successful careers both in and out of the music world, finding that the self-discipline, confidence and analytical skills developed through musical study stand them in good stead for the future.
Students studying music have the opportunity to experience many different genres in a variety of venues across Birmingham. In recent years our musicians have enjoyed diverse experiences from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Exeter to Wicked at Bristol Hippodrome.
Musical co-curricular activities and performance opportunities are vast: informal concerts, big ensemble concerts, choir services, musical theatre performances, carols at the races, Angels Young Musician competitions, leavers’ concerts, scholars’ concerts and chamber concerts – all alongside whole university events like the College Song Competition.
We also run weekly sessions for: wind band, orchestra, two piano trios, two Roc Soc groups, Ukelele band, Brass group, String group, Chaplaincy choir, chamber choir, Big Band, Jazz ensemble, guitar group and DJ group.
Students have also had the chance to perform abroad, with the Big Band touring Barbados and the Chaplaincy Choir recently singing in a number of venues in and around Barcelona.
All the valued life skills can be nurtured through this subject. Students are encouraged every step of the way and can build upon their own skills to become well-rounded individuals. Independence is an important skill for music, the self-discipline required for a musician is highly valued, and also helps prepare students for life after Angels.
