Course summary
This 2-year, full-time programme concentrates on developing the students’ ability to originate and realise original music principally through the medium of live performance. This entails the study of creative processes and the musical communication/comprehension required; the use of music technology to compose, experiment and arrange; an understanding of performance processes and PA systems, and studies in the use of instrumentation in arrangement. Work-based projects take place in both years – the first consisting of preparation and participation in performance in which feature the students’ original works, with the second involving the development of suitable live ensembles and the organisation and realisation of a small-scale tour.
Core modules in this programme consist of Personal Development and Research and Problem-Solving.
Learning will take place through class sessions, workshops, practical events, student-centred activities and contact with industry specialists who will provide specific developmental sessions throughout the two years.
An emphasis on development of original material within ensembles will provide students with the opportunity to progress their skills in communication, leadership and personal skills when working in teams. Preparation for work-based learning activities will require an understanding of planning, management, the wider music business world and working to deadlines.
Entry requirements
In considering individual applications evidence will be sought of personal, professional and educational experiences and competencies, as appropriate to provide indications of an ability to:
1. Meet the demands of the programme;
2. Benefit from the programme
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This evidence is not necessarily required to be in the form of standard educational qualifications but such evidence will be judged against recognised national awards which will be seen as benchmarks only
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The minimum benchmark level of attainment required for entry to a programme of study leading to the award of Foundation Degree shall be equivalent to the following:-
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NQF level 3 attainment comprising two years full-time post 16 education
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Candidates for admission shall be at least 17 years of age on or before the date of commencement to their programme of study
• An applicant whose first language is not English may be required to produce evidence of their competence in the English Language.
Applicants progressing from Level 3 Qualifications:
Acceptance to the programme will be based on:
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production of evidence of achievement of level 3 qualification (80-120 UCAS tariff points);
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evidence of prior music education (GCSE, A level, Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music practical or theory achievement at Grade III or equivalent) or:
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evidence of prior musical experience (composition, recording, performance, A/V etc)
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successful interview and audition (prepared piece)
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A written reference from tutor/teacher.
Mature/industry applicants without Level 3 Qualifications:
Acceptance to the programme will be based on:
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evidence of prior music education (GCSE, A level, Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music practical or theory achievement at Grade III or above or equivalent) or:
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evidence of prior musical/industry experience (composition, recording, performance, A/V etc)
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successful interview and audition (prepared piece)
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evidence of written work (500 wds min. - musical analysis – review, report etc)
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a written reference from manager, employer or equivalent source.
Applicants for full-time study will usually be expected to apply to the programme through UCAS.
Course aims
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To promote a flexible, reflective approach and the development of growing independence to support a career in music;
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To develop the key and academic skills which will broaden the range of opportunities for work, employment, self-employment within the music industry;
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To encourage the understanding the understanding that learning takes place in all areas of musical activity;
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To develop the specific musical and technical competencies required of a music practitioner;
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to promote understanding of the music industry;
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to encourage the assumption of responsibility and the ability to make informed decisions;
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to promote personal and inter-personal skills required for progression within the music business;
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To provide widened participation and enable further progression within Higher Education;
9. To create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Core skills
A. Knowledge and Understanding
Successful completion of the programme will offer students the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate:
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Effective understanding, knowledge and use of the disciplines underpinning the creation and performance of music;
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Application of academic principles to the study of aspects of music and the music industry;
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Identification of individual knowledge requirements in terms of personal, academic and career development;
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Understanding of the main methods of inquiry and acquisition of information and knowledge relevant to a career in music;
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Understanding of the principles, structures and functions of the music business framework;
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Identification and evaluation of the roles, responsibilities and values which influence the creation and performance of music;
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An understanding of teamwork and leadership required of a working musician;
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Application of evaluation and appraisal techniques to their own work and that of others.
B. Mental or cognitive skills
Successful completion of the programme will offer students the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate the ability to:
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Locate and analyse information using appropriate conventions regarding attribution, referencing and presentation;
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reformat musical ideas towards specific purposes;
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Make decisions regarding the importance and relevance of source material in a range of formats;
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Provide considered solutions to problems and unforeseen circumstances encountered in musical projects.
C. Subject Specific and Practical Skills
Successful completion of the programme will offer the student the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to:
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Apply the composing, arranging and instrumental techniques appropriate to the creative performer, across a range of practical situations;
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Demonstrate the ability to set and achieve realistic objectives in musical projects and the mechanisms required to monitor progress;
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Apply skills in regard to the use of musical and technical resources and appropriate specific software associated with music composition, arrangement and performance;
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Demonstrate the ability to investigate music and musical context.
D. Key Skills
Key Skills, also known as graduate key skills, transferable skills or general skills, comprise communication, information technology, problem solving, numeracy, working with others and improving own learning.
By the end of the course you should be able to:
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Interact effectively with other musicians through planning, rehearsal, preparation and performance;
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Develop professional working relationships within the local music business;
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Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, and develop the ability to justify and take decisions;
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Select, manage, organise and retrieve information when investigating and researching music issues;
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Demonstrate a growing sense of responsibility for development of own creative work and learning;
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Communicate effectively in the written word and music, reporting practical procedures clearly and concisely, using appropriate language and presentation techniques.
Module framework and module description
Year One, Semester One: The Creative Process (part 1 – 20 credits total); Music Language (part 1 – 20 credits total); Introduction to the Performance Process (20 credits); Personal Development (core module – 20 credits);
Year One, Semester Two: The Creative Process (part 2); Music Language (part 2); Work-based Learning (Performance Project – 40 credits).
Year Two, Semester One: Music Generation and Development 1 (20 credits); Live Sound for Musicians (20 credits); Planning and Preparation (Work-based learning part 1 - 20 credits).
Year Two, Semester Two: Music Generation and Development 2 (20 credits); Main Performance Project (WBL part 2 – 20 credits); Research and Problem-Solving (core module – 20 credits)
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning will take place through class sessions, projects, practical workshops and demonstrations, research activities and student-centred learning.
Assessment will take place through essays/written work, portfolio production, student activity logs, examination, course work and other assignments.
Timetabling
The teaching is divided into two semesters, semester one runs from September to January and Semester Two from February to June. A full time student is expected to take three modules each semester, making six modules in one year. Students can expect to have to attend College for four to five hours per module for the twelve weeks of the semester and to spend at least an equivalent amount of time per week in independent study. Students will be provided with timetables when they join the course.
Work experience
Work-based learning will consist of musical performances of original and devised material. The first year’s project will involve the musical preparation of material and ensemble in order to take part in pre-arranged musical activities. Year two will develop this towards the planning, preparation and realisation of a series of performances in a number of music venues.
A number of selected industry professionals will engage with the course, leading lectures, Q&A sessions and practical workshops in their chosen specialism.
Tutorial and study support
Every student on the programme will be appointed a personal tutor. Tutorials will be arranged on a rotational basis, thus ensuring at least two full tutorials per student per semester. This structure may alter while project work/WBL is taking place (on or off campus), depending on the nature of the work, the level of mentor/tutor support required etc. One-to-one tutorials will be organised within modules when appropriate.
The Learning Support team at UCS Great Yarmouth can provide assessment when the need for individual study support is identified. Specific H.E. study support workshops can be provided on a one-to-one basis through weekly timetabled sessions.
Opportunities on completion of the course
Students who successfully complete the FdA have the opportunity to progress to the third year BA(Hons) Professional Practice (Creative Music). Alternatively employment opportunities would exist within live performance, performance promotion/management, live sound operation, music arranging/composition, etc.
Those planning careers in music teaching should consider completion of the BA(Hons) programme prior to undertaking post-graduate teacher training.