University of Sunderland

Community Music

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

Introduction

Community music involves using your own musical skills to help others make music. This might include working with amateur choirs and orchestras, young people, the disabled, and many other groups. If you are passionate about making a difference to people's lives through music, then this programme could be for you.

Distinctive features of the programme are that you develop your own creative skills and artistic knowledge, and also apply them to facilitate musical activity with others. It is a very practical course, and through practice you will develop an awareness and understanding of a range of music traditions, conventions, practitioners and contexts.

The programme is presented in collaboration with The Sage Gateshead, which delivers one of the UK's largest music participation programmes. This makes it easy for you to experience what it is like to work in the arts, explore music in the community, and be involved in live projects. The programme has been designed jointly by the University of Sunderland, The Sage Gateshead, and Gateshead College.

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Course Content

Level 1

• Music in Context
• Creative Artistic Practice
• Musicianship
• Professional Practice

 Level 2

• Music in Context
• Creative Artistic Practice
• Musicianship
• Professional Practice

 Level 3

• Contextual Studies
• Enterprise
• Performance
• Therapeutic Applications of Sound and Music Technologies
• Music, Image, Text
• Major Professional Project

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Entry Requirements

Our typical offer will be 260 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/ AVCEs or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).

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.

BTEC National: 260 points from a minimum of a 2 unit award.

Access Course: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and that you would have a minimum of GCSE grade C Mathematics and English Language (or have obtained the equivalent as part of your course).

Scottish Highers: 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: 260 points.

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, for advice on how to apply.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.

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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 and learning approaches are designed to encourage you to engage in and value your own experiences as a learner. Practical work is underpinned by theoretical study and at Level 3 you will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning.

You will have the opportunity to initiate your own practical projects supported by both peers and tutors.

Coursework is continually assessed via individual and practical projects, presentations, research documentation, essays, critical evaluations and public performances.

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Work Experience

Work-based opportunities will be plentiful both within The Sage Gateshead itself, with regional partners and in the many projects attached to the venue.

The Sage Gateshead is represented on the Music Manifesto Partnership and Advocacy Group and the Music Education Executive Council, alongside other key organisations including SoundSense, the Federation of Music Services, Conservatoires UK, National Association of Music Educators, Making Music, the National Music Council and many more.

In your first year you will shadow and work alongside experienced music leaders and facilitators. By your final year you will have developed the skills to design, manage, implement and evaluate a major project in a community setting.

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Career Opportunities

In recent years community music has greatly expanded in its range and quality, leading to higher demand for well-qualified music leaders and facilitators. 

Our programme prepares you to succeed in these roles, perhaps working for venues or for public bodies that promote community music.

Other career options would include moving on to a programme that would qualify you to teach music in schools. You could also consider a portfolio career with a mix of performance, teaching and community work.

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Supplemental Information

The University of Sunderland has a varied portfolio of dance, drama and music courses that are supported by extensive facilities, including a 240 seat theatre, recording studios, specialist music technology suites, a sound therapies suite and a range of acoustic instruments. You will be supported by our experienced teachers and practitioners, who have diverse skills and interests.

The Sage Gateshead is nationally and internationally respected as a pioneer in the fields of community music and music education. It directs and delivers the largest and most diverse music participation programmes in the country with a Faculty of around 100 musicians, including professional community musicians, teachers and performers across all genres.

Gateshead College has a new £39million Baltic campus, which is based at the centre of the Baltic Business Quarter on Gateshead Quays. The College will provide you with state-of-the-art facilities and resources in a fresh, modern environment, including a 200 seat performance theatre, well equipped Learning Resource Centre, sound proofed music rehearsal and recording studios and state-of-the-art classrooms with integrated IT.

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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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