University of Sunderland

Applied Music Practice

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

This is a two year vocational programme designed to develop the skills and knowledge required by the all round, versatile musician working in today's music environments.

The programme is delivered off campus at South Tyneside College and Sunderland College both of which have specialist facilities in the music area alongside excellent ICT and library resources.

Students also have access to the library and resources at the University.

The programme brings a vital new opportunity to students following on from National Awards and A-level courses, for students wishing to study locally and for those from further afield.

All students can apply to live in University accommodation.

The programme guarantees progression to the final year of BA (Hons) Music at the University of Sunderland although those of you wishing to enter the world of work after two years may explore areas such as music technology, performance, studio or community work.

The ethos of Foundation Degree programmes is vocational, concentrating on key and practical skills development and training to meet employment needs. Academic components provide a knowledge base. The balance between these approaches is significantly different from that which is found in an honours degree programme which is predominantly academic.

The Foundation Degree in Music focuses on the development of skills knowledge and understanding for music students which will equip them for a range of careers. These include performing, teaching, artistic entrepreneur, community arts and arts administration or management.

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Course Content

Year 1

• Creative Digital Technologies
• Practical Arranging
• Venue Performing
• Harmony and Analysis
• Applied Music Project
• Teaching and Facilitating Music
• Health and Safety in the Music Industry

Year 2

• Creative Digital Technologies
• Practical Arranging
• Venue Performing
• Harmony and Analysis
• Applied Music Project

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Entry Requirements

A typical offer will be in the region of 80 points from a minimum of 1 A Level/AVCE or equivalent.

We accept Level 3 Key Skills.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

Scottish Highers: CC

Irish Leaving Certificate: CCC

Non-standard qualifications Tel: (0191) 515 3000.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications may qualify for entry through relevant work experience. Applicants in this category may be asked to attend an interview and present a portfolio of evidence.

Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline, Tel: (0191) 515 3000.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.

All applicants will be interviewed.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is delivered through:

Lectures that stimulate thought, discussion and debate and which encourage reading, listening and research

Seminars and other forms of small group discussion

Small group learning and teaching where students work together as a team

One to one interaction supporting the development of creative skills

Corporate performance activity developing teamwork and leadership skills

Workshops, often benefiting from the experience of visiting specialists

Essay writing as a means of presenting ideas and arguments in written form

Practical exercises connected with the development of creative, analytical and aural skills

Use of computer assisted learning studio work giving hands-on experience in the use of electronic equipment for composition, recording and performance

Independent learning

External placements such as work experience or community projects

Fieldwork projects where students may observe and participate in events

Extra curricular activities involving participation in or attendance at performances

Peer learning through discussion of colleagues' work

Students may expect to encounter a range of assessment strategies including:

Individual written essays and coursework which tests their ability to investigate a topic and organise their material and ideas to a prescribed deadline.

Exercises in arranging

Practical assessments such as individual and group performances

Creative projects

Oral presentations testing both oral and presentation skills

Reports on external placements

Compositions

Research files and learning logs

Assessment of facilitation/teaching skills in practical contexts

Assessment of the application of subject specific and generic skills in appropriate contexts

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Work Experience

The programme provides opportunities for the development of the necessary key transferable skills which employers are seeking in prospective employees across a range of work settings. Its relationship to employers with employability and employment as a major outcome defines the difference between the HND and this new award.

The formal and informal involvement of employers in both the consultation process and the delivery of the degree will ensure that both the content and assessment of the programme are up to date and relevant. It will also guarantee employer interest in student placements and projects.

Work experience is a core element in the course across a range of modules.

Our College partners have a network of contacts in the music industry as well as staff who work in professional contexts. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a number of venues such as mainstream and special schools, care homes, local pubs and clubs, parks and other open air venues. They will study how music works in a range of community contexts and then undertake a placement in, for example, a studio, performance venue, school, youth or community centre.

Employers have been consulted regarding the content of this award and agree on the skills which are needed to work as a versatile actor who is likely to work as a self employed entrepreneur at some point in their career. Skills in performing; composing and arranging; using technology for recording and other creative work; planning and research; facilitating the work of others; working in groups and applying the rules of Health and Safety are all essential for the working actor.

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Career Opportunities

The ethos of foundation degree programmes is vocational, concentrating on key and practical skills development and training to meet employment needs. Academic components provide a knowledge base. The balance between these approaches is significantly different from that which is found in an honours degree programme which is predominantly academic.

The Foundation Degree in Drama focuses on the development of skills knowledge and understanding for students in drama which will equip them for a range of careers in the Arts. These include teaching, artistic entrepreneur, community arts, performing, arts administration, arts management, promotion, publicity and marketing.

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Supplemental Information

These will vary with the college partner - Sunderland College for example is developing a new build performing arts centre.

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Facilities

World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 CS4 Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

Students also have access to the library and resources at the University.

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Related Courses

• Performing Arts
• Performing Arts
• Drama

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