Contemporary and Community Musical Studies

These elements of our music degree are designed for the student who wishes to develop creative, practical and thinking skills relevant to the contemporary musician and the workplace.

Jazz, Rock, Contemporary and World Music

The opportunity to explore, through practice and theory some of the rich and varied strands of contemporary musical culture. The emphasis will be upon using and understanding the language of the modern musical scene with workshops in jazz arranging; jazz composition and improvisation; contemporary song-writing and arranging; recording technology and other skills relevant to the work of today’s musicians.

The use of Music in Healing & Music Therapy

This element of your degree will provide you with an opportunity to examine the functions of music which lie beyond entertainment. It will provide an introduction to the professional practice of music therapy as well as touching upon more ancient traditions of healing through music. Practical sessions will assist in exploring your personal experience of music, developing your own musical identity and creating completely original musical structures out of the unique conditions of the group.

Music in the Community

This element of the degree provides an introduction to the broad range of skills needed by today’s professional musicians. Emphasis will be upon vocational preparation in the form of teaching, arranging for small and larger groups, running music workshops with all ages and abilities, directing singing and voice work sessions, marketing your skills and accessing funding to enable you to set up the work you want to do and get paid for it!

Volunteering in Music

Volunteering plays a big part in the undergraduate experience of many music students. Volunteering can be a perfect way to build confidence and expand skills and it can offer many experiences which may not normally be open to students. Music tutors and students work closely with our volunteering officer, who is not only there to support students in taking up existing placements but can also help students who wish to set up projects of their own. But volunteering is also 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.