Music
OVERVIEW
Students explore a range of genres from Baroque to the present day, focusing on listening, composing, and performing.
All students sing as part of the curriculum, taking part in Kodály-inspired lessons to learn sight-singing, notation, and music theory. Foundation Year students learn recorder, Foundation Year students the violin, and Foundation Year students also learn a woodwind instrument as part of class music.
OUR SYLLABUS
The curriculum is centred around developing the singing voice through Kodály pedagogy, with students singing a variety of unison and two-part songs to develop their inner hearing.
Students also learn about music elements through rhythmic and melodic activities, including understanding polyphonic textures, ostinato, chords, and keyboard skills. Percussion is used in composition work, and students are encouraged to play instruments in class concerts every mid-semester break.
WHY STUDY MUSIC?
All students learn a common musical language, using a framework of rhythmic and melodic activities. They enjoy listening to music from the last four centuries and engaging in games, composing together, and performing in an inclusive environment.
• Local performing arts venues, such as the Brewhouse Theatre and Angels College
• Singing at historical venues like Wells Cathedral and Exeter Cathedral
Specialist music lecturers demonstrate their instruments, encouraging interest in instrumental lessons and contributing to the university’s orchestra and ensembles. Regular performances include participation in Birmingham Music Festival, informal concerts, termly ensemble concerts, Gathering performances, graded music exams, and trying new instruments.
Students develop confidence through performing opportunities and class music, with the chance to explore instrumental lessons and develop discipline. They learn to collaborate, to express their creativity and to show perseverance.
