Music BA (Hons)

You will be taught by a core team of experienced and highly-qualified tutors together with a wide-ranging team of more than 40 specialist instrumental and vocal teachers. Tuition takes place in our modern music facilities, which include computerised recording and media studios, well-equipped practice rooms (with new grand pianos supplied by Steinway & Sons) and an acoustically superb performance venue. There is an extensive programme of professional concerts and masterclasses on campus, free to students, as well as the chance to experience similar events at major UK conservatoires – places where many of our students go on to study as postgraduates.

Indicative Course Content

Degree routes available include:

• BA (Hons) Music Performance

You will be offered individual tuition in instrumental and/or vocal performance throughout your degree, supplemented by participation in University performance ensembles. You will receive additional training in the art of performance itself, study performance anxiety, the use of gesture in performance, concert and event hosting, and you can choose to study Alexander Technique and Yoga, and take part in overseas performance experience.

BA (Hons) Music CompositionYou will be offered choices in composition through improvisation, composing for film and multimedia, devising for dance, composing for music theatre, arranging for choirs, nsembles and orchestras. You will also receive practical training in associated skills such as conducting, improvising, and choir training.

• BA (Hons) Music with Musical Theatre

This route can be focused on performance, combining study of musical theatre forms with production experience as a performer on stage, or as a pit band musician, or it can be
focused on composition and arrangement, as a degree route for the aspiring musical director.

• BA (Hons) Music with Community Music

Matching a focus on either performance or composition with a dedicated training in music leadership skills, this route includes progressive development of improvisation work, study of community music and community music outreach experience, as well as an introduction to music therapy and world music.

• BA (Hons) Music with Music

Marketing and Administration Aspiring performers and composers can choose to complement their chosen degree specialism with a study of the Music Industry, its organisations and legal frameworks, learn event management skills, business planning skills, and receive an introduction to music marketing and fundraising.

• BA (Hons) Music with Instrumental or Vocal Teaching

This route aims to develop your performance skills as an instrumentalist or singer and enable you to communicate confidence and enthusiasm to others. The vocational flavour of study is underlined by the focus on individual and group teaching models in the third year of study. In addition to training you in teaching your instrument or voice, the course prepares you in the communication, planning and organisational skills needed in your professional life.

Why this Course?

• Study a range of different styles, genres and approaches
• Course can be tailored to suit different strengths and interests
• We have a large number of choirs, orchestras and ensembles students can join
• Around 75% practical work
• Community of 400+ student performers
• Experience of conducting and directing other musicians
• Emphasis on the development of skills in problem-solving, analysis, self-management and interpersonal skills

Careers

• Film, television and radio
• Teaching at all levels of education
• Work in various community ventures
• Music therapy
• Musical theatre
• Music administration
• Music leaders
• Opera singers
• Group instrumentalists
• Composers
• Instrumental or vocal peripatetic teachers

Volunteering in Music

Volunteering plays a big part in the undergraduate experience of many Music students and can be a perfect way to build your confidence and expand your skills. You will be heavily involved with local charities – a great way to meet like-minded people and students who get involved in the local community are rewarded with a real sense of achievement and a much enhanced CV.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements - individual offers may vary:
A levels: CCD;
National Diploma: Music Performance - MMM;
Advanced / Progression Diploma: Grade C plus at least 60 points from the Additional Specialist Learning in a relevant subject A level or National Award;
UCAS Tariff Points: The above offer typically translates to 180 - 220 UCAS tariff points with additional qualifications;
International Baccalaureate: 26 points;
QAA-approved Access Diploma: Pass;
GCSEs. For general entrance requirements regarding GCSEs please contact the Admissions office.

Applicants with qualifications from other countries: The University of Chichester considers applicants from a wide range of countries with appropriate A level equivalent qualifications. Non native speakers of English are expected to have IELTS 6.0, or equivalent, although applicants with IELTS 5.5 can study this subject with International English Studies.

Applicants without the above formal qualifications but who have relevant skills and work / life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be assessed through a written portfolio.