| In Collaboration with The University of Wales |
| |
 |
| |
| This degree is validated and awarded by the University of Wales, UK. For further details regarding the University and its validation services, please log on to www.wales.ac.uk/validation or email validation@wales.ac.uk |
| |
| The BA (Hons) in Music course integrates with the Diploma in Music (Performance) to form the final year of a four-year programme of study. Students may select any of the following as their Principal Study: |
| |
 |
Chinese Instrumental Studies |
|
Composition and Composition with Music Technology Studies |
|
Keyboard Studies |
|
Vocal Studies |
|
Orchestral Studies (String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion) |
|
| |
| The modules offered by the Department of Music for BA (Hons) in Music are listed below. |
| |
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| PMU4001 |
Principal Study IV |
40 |
| PMU4003 |
Promotional Skills for Performers |
10 |
| PMU4006 |
Performance Projects IV |
10 |
| PMU4102 |
Chinese Instrumental Studies IV |
10 |
| PMU4104 |
Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Studies IV |
10 |
| PMU4106 |
Keyboard Studies IV |
10 |
| PMU4108 |
String Studies IV |
10 |
| PMU4110 |
Vocal Studies IV |
10 |
| PMU4111 |
Instrumental or Vocal Teaching IIA |
20 |
| PMU4112 |
Research Project A |
20 |
| PMU4113 |
Research Project B |
30 |
| PMU4203 |
Composition III |
10 |
| PMU4204 |
Creating Music & Sound Design for Theatre |
10 |
| PMU4205 |
International Exchange |
10 |
| PMU4207 |
Contemporary Music in Practice & Performance |
10 |
| PMU4208 |
Schenkerian Analysis |
10 |
| PMU4209 |
Music Criticism |
10 |
| PMU4210 |
Conducting II |
10 |
| PMU4211 |
Instrumental or Vocal Teaching IIB |
10 |
| PMU4212 |
Music Therapy Techniques |
10 |
|
| |
| Course requirements: |
| All students are required to achieve a total of 120 credits and pass the Final Recital in order to be recommended for the award of the BA (Hons) degree. As mentioned earlier, there are five areas of Principal Study. For each area or sub-area of Principal Study, there is a set of compulsory modules which carries a total of 60 or 70 credits. Students have 3 options (A, B and C) in selecting the other available modules to fulfil the course requirement. |
| |
| Compulsory modules |
| |
| Study Area |
Module Codes |
No. of Modules |
Credits |
| ALL |
PMU4001
PMU4003
PMU4006 |
3 |
60 |
| CHI |
PMU4102 |
1 |
10 |
| WBP |
PMU4104 |
| KBD |
PMU4106 |
| STG |
PMU4108 |
| VOC |
PMU4110 |
|
| |
| CHI |
: Chinese Instrumental |
| CMT |
: Composition, Composition with Music Technology |
| KBD |
: Keyboard |
| STG |
: String |
| VOC |
: Vocal |
| WBP |
: Woodwind, Brass, Percussion |
|
| |
| Optional modules |
| Option |
Module Codes |
No. of Modules |
Credits |
| A |
PMU4111 |
1 |
20 |
| B |
PMU4112 |
1 |
20 |
| C |
PMU4113 |
1 |
30 |
|
| |
| Elective modules |
| |
| Option |
Module Codes |
No. of Modules |
Credits |
| A |
PMU4203 - PMU4212 |
CMT |
40 |
| others |
30 |
| B |
PMU4111
PMU4203 - PMU4212 |
CMT |
40 |
| others |
30 |
| C |
PMU4111
PMU4203 - PMU4212 |
CMT |
30 |
| others |
20 |
|
| |
| Note 1: |
| Some of the elective modules have one or more pre-requisites and are available only to those students who have read and passed the respective pre-requisite(s). |
| |
| Note 2: |
| PMU4203 is not available to CMT students. |
| |
| PMU4001 - Principal Study IV (CHI/KBD/VOC/WBP/STG) |
| This module provides students with the opportunity to hone their performance skills, thus preparing them for entry into the music profession. The content of the individual lessons varies according to the students’ needs and their chosen Principal Study. They will have the opportunity to deploy advanced communication skills through performance to a public audience in a professional manner; integrate complex technical and interpretative skills in their area of Principal Study; develop an interest in areas of specialisation and research/innovation which may be reflected in the planning of a recital. They will also synthesise historical and analytical knowledge to identify stylistic issues in performance, as well as think and work independently as a performer. |
| |
| PMU4001 - Principal Study IV (Composition) |
| This module provides students with the opportunity to hone their compositional, performance and presentational skills, thus preparing them for entry into the music profession. They will have the opportunity to deploy advanced communication skills through composition, performance and presentation in a professional manner; integrate complex compositional, technical and interpretative skills area; develop an interest in areas of specialisation and research/innovation which may be reflected in the planning of a composition or recital. They will also synthesise historical and analytical knowledge to identify stylistic and technical issues in personal style, performance and in production, as well as think and work independently. |
| |
| PMU4003 - Promotional Skills for Performers |
| The module will introduce, familiarise and engage the students in the various facets of the music industry, outside teaching and performing. These include a brief historical overview of the economics and business of music composition and performance, an introduction to marketing and communication strategies necessary for the promotion of a musician/performance, the curatorial aspects of the industry such as programming and administering a music festival/series. The module also aims to impart a sense of business acumen and financial prudence. |
| |
| PMU4006 - Performance Projects IV |
| This module enhances the students’ ability to interact effectively within a large ensemble. It develops their leadership qualities and practical skills to meet professional expectations. Students are expected to be able to exhibit a comprehensive understanding of rehearsal and performance techniques, as well as to display confidence and flexibility in identifying and handling complex problems. Also important is the detailed knowledge of repertoire with an area of specialisation, which leads to the development of professional discipline and the ability to evaluate their own and others’ performance. Students may choose to rehearse and perform in the Chamber Choir and/or Chorus or Orchestra. Performance experience on an instrument other than Principal Study, though optional, is encouraged. |
| |
| PMU4102 - Chinese Instrument Studies IV |
| This module enhances the students’ ability to interact effectively within a variety of ensembles. It also develops their leadership qualities and practical skills to meet professional expectations. Students are expected to be able to exhibit a comprehensive understanding of rehearsal and performance techniques in an ensemble situation, as well as to display confidence and flexibility in identifying and dealing with complex problems. Also important are the detailed knowledge of repertoire with an area of specialisation, which leads to the development of professional discipline, and the ability to evaluate their own and others’ performance. Students will be selected for a variety of ensembles and performance projects during the academic year. Opportunities will be given to students to gain additional experience in a wide range of smaller specialist ensembles, such as New Music Ensemble, Theatre Music, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Quintet, as appropriate. Performance experience on an instrument other than Principal Study, though optional, is encouraged. |
| |
| PMU4104 - Woodwind, Brass & Percussion Studies IV |
| This module enhances the students’ ability to interact effectively within a variety of ensembles. It also develops their leadership qualities and practical skills to meet professional expectations. Students are expected to exhibit a comprehensive understanding of rehearsal and performance techniques in an ensemble situation, as well as to display confidence and flexibility in identifying and dealing with complex problems. Also important are the detailed knowledge of repertoire with an area of specialisation, which leads to the development of professional discipline, and the ability to evaluate their own and others’ performance. Students will be selected for a variety of ensembles and performance projects during the academic year. Opportunities will also be given to students to gain additional experience in a wide range of smaller specialist ensembles, such as New Music Ensemble, Theatre Music, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Clarinet Choir, as appropriate. Performance experience on an instrument other than Principal Study, though optional, is encouraged. |
| |
| PMU4106 Keyboard Studies IV |
| This module is designed to provide opportunity for pianists to explore further and to develop a professional approach of the various aspects of keyboard performance studies apart from piano solo performances. A high level of listening and musicianship skill will be enhanced through various keyboard activities. Students will also gain detailed knowledge of repertoire with an area of specialisation, which leads to the development of professional discipline and the ability to communicate with clarity in collaborative music making. |
| |
| PMU4108 - String Studies IV |
| This module enhances the students’ ability to interact effectively within a variety of ensembles. It also develops their leadership qualities and practical skills to meet professional expectations. Students are expected to exhibit a comprehensive understanding of rehearsal and performance techniques in an ensemble situation, as well as to display confidence and flexibility in identifying and dealing with complex problems. Also important are the detailed knowledge of repertoire with an area of specialisation, which leads to the development of professional discipline, and the ability to evaluate their own and others’ performance. Students will be selected for a variety of ensembles and performance projects during the academic year. Opportunities will also be given to students to gain additional experience in a wide range of smaller specialist ensembles, such as New Music Ensemble, Theatre Music, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Clarinet Choir, as appropriate. Performance experience on an instrument other than Principal Study, though optional, is encouraged. |
| |
| PMU4110 - Vocal Studies IV |
| Students will acquire proficient technical and interpretative skills for communicating through performances as a soloist, in an ensemble and in opera scenes as well as through movement and acting classes in this module. They will also be further instructed on the use of Italian, German and French languages and become much more confident in their usage through tutorials and the study of appropriate texts and repertoire. The module content will vary according to the students’ individual needs and ability. All students will receive continued guidance with their vocal technique, breathing and posture. Scales, arpeggios, exercises and vocal studies will be employed together with a wide variety of appropriate solo repertoire, which will be studied in the weekly Vocal Performance Class and the Vocal Ensemble Class. |
| |
| PMU4111 - Instrumental or Vocal Teaching IIA |
| This module is designed to equip students with the means to shape their own teaching style. The combination of theoretical and practical work provides students with a framework to develop their own planning skills, explore and develop a range of teaching strategies, and reflect on both their own teaching and that of others. |
| |
| PMU4112 - Research Project A |
| This module provides students with an opportunity for self-directed study on a subject of particular interest. In addition to a critical awareness of the subject area, the production and presentation of research reports help students foster the development of professional scholarly practice. While the solo project is likely to take the form of a dissertation, other forms of presentation, such as a project in an audio-visual medium or website content, are acceptable. |
| |
| PMU4113 - Research Project B |
| This module provides students with an opportunity for self-directed study on a subject of particular interest. In addition to a critical awareness of the subject area, the production and presentation of research reports help students foster the development of professional scholarly practice. While the solo project is likely to take the form of a dissertation, other forms of presentation, such as a project in an audio-visual medium or website content, are acceptable. |
| |
| PMU4203 - Composition III |
| Students will engage in self-directed study on a composition of particular interest to them. In addition to a self-critical awareness, the production and presentation of a substantial composition will help them foster the development of a professional approach to the creative process and to organising performance. They will be required to write an assignment in consultation with the lecturer. They will also develop musico-dramatic sense and collaborative work. Students will also be trained in analytical listening and critical observation, as well as learn to organise performance and rehearsal. Students may present their projects in the form of a dissertation, or in an audio-visual medium or website content. All topics must be discussed with and approved by, the Project Director before the end of Semester 1, after which tutors may be allocated. |
| |
| PMU4204 - Creating Music and Sound Design for Theatre |
| This module provides students with the opportunity to compose music and create sound design for a theatrical production. Students will also prepare and direct an ensemble of musicians in a live or recorded performance. Practical aspects of creating integrated sound for theatrical productions, plays, exhibitions and similar events will also be covered. Students will be acquainted with process of working with directors and understanding the context of the production, including the style, geography and history of the project. They will be enlightened on the musician’s role in rehearsal, the organisation and preparation of live musicians as necessary. Students will be introduced to basics of sound design, including the integration of effects, recorded sound and live performance. They will also be made aware of media and resources available to them, such as creative technological tools, compositional strategies, performance resources and sound projection. |
| |
| PMU4205 - International Exchange |
| Students will be given the opportunity to study in a foreign environment, both as a musical and personal experience. They will enrol in a partner institution for a term and participate fully in the life of the conservatoire, in accordance with their Learning Agreement, which should be the result of discussion with the Module Coordinator. Students will also acquire requisite language skills to enable them to communicate with students and staff of the host institution. |
| |
| PMU4207 - Contemporary Music in Practice and Performance |
| This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary music notation. It also familiarises them with contemporary music performance practice. The students will learn contemporary techniques of improvisation along with relevant analytical/listening skills, whilst exploring a variety of relevant contemporary music scores and the relation between movement and sound. This module involves a study of advanced vocal and instrumental techniques in contemporary repertoire, including improvisation. Students will also learn to perform with the help of technology, such as amplification systems, pre-recorded accompaniment, real-time digital sound processing, micro-tonality and tuning systems. |
| |
| PMU4208 - Schenkerian Analysis |
| This module develops a critical awareness of musical structure in the light of the analytical method developed by Heinrich Schenker. It trains students to think contrapuntally rather than harmonically and enhances the understanding of individual compositions in a way which can be reflected in performance. The module begins with fundamental concepts of dissonance and consonance, counterpoint, figured bass, harmony and form. It will proceed to compare Schenker’s ideas concerning tonality with traditional concepts of motive and form. Students will also learn how to read and apply specialised technical concepts relating to Schenkerian notation and methodology in analysing of 18th and 19th century compositions. They will also investigate the history and ideology behind Schenker’s principal writings. |
| |
| PMU4209 - Music Criticism |
| This module aims to provide an introduction to the field of music criticism. There will be practical exercises in textual and scholarly criticism, to stimulate critical thinking in the evaluation of the performance arts, and equip them with basic writing skills necessary for the various types of print media. Students will be introduced to main concepts and authors of music criticism and understand the role of the critic in society. Audio and video music performances will be screened for class discussions. Students will also explore various issues and related areas of research in music criticism, including philosophy of music and performance practices. Students are expected to attend performances of varied forms and media, such as chamber, solo, symphony, ballet, or opera throughout the course and submit a written critique of these performances. |
| |
| PMU4210 - Conducting II |
| This module is designed to expose students to the development and further principles of conducting a range of standard repertoire in their chosen area. Tutorial sessions will introduce the structure of the project and the principles of conducting common to all situations. These will include advice on the efficient use of rehearsal time and the logistics of convening and pacing rehearsals. An initial planning session with students of their chosen works will follow. A series of rehearsals with appropriate groups of musicians that culminates in a final performance will be planned. Students are expected to present on aspects of conducting and review issues raised during the rehearsals or other matters relevant to the repertoire under study, in tutorial sessions. A final group discussion chaired by the Module Coordinator will be held for all students on the project following the final performances. |
| |
| PMU4211 - Instrumental or Vocal Teaching IIB |
| This module will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a close knowledge of the issues covered in PMU4113 and their practical teaching ability. |
| |
| PMU4212 - Music Therapy Techniques |
| The module will present a brief overview of common music therapy techniques. Three client populations will be selected for whom students will prepare activities. Students will take turns to take on the roles of therapist, client and observer. In the course of leading activities, students are expected to demonstrate increased confidence in leading group activities and enhanced musical skills in their major instruments and at least two of the following: guitar, voice and keyboard. Where possible, guest lecturer(s) will be invited to share expertise on specific populations, related disciplines in the helping profession, or music therapy techniques. |
| |
| Click here to download the BA/MA application form. |
| |
| Commencement of study requires a minimum number of students that will be determined by NAFA and partner university. |
| |
| University of Wales |
| Founded by Royal Charter in 1893, the University of Wales is the degree-awarding body for the majority of higher education students in Wales, as well as for many at other higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and overseas. |
| |
| The University’s position enables it to focus not only on its primary functions as a degree-awarding body and provider of services to the Welsh higher education sector but also, as a national institution, on playing an enhanced role in protecting and promoting the economy, culture and language of Wales. |
| |
| Recently, the University has signed a memorandum of understanding with six of the university institutions in Wales, with whom it will be working closely on collaborative ventures, research groupings and other new initiatives. These institutions are: |
| |
| Glyndŵr University |
| Swansea Metropolitan University |
| University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) |
| University of Wales, Newport |
| University of Wales, Lampeter |
| Trinity University College |
| |
| The latter two institutions are set to merge in 2010 to become University of Wales, Trinity St David. |
| |
| The University is also maintains links with Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University and Swansea University. |
| |
| The University is also the degree-awarding authority for more than 120 other higher education institutions both within the United Kingdom and overseas, with which it also enjoys close links. Annually, it awards around 15,000 initial degrees and more than 4,000 higher degrees, making it the second largest degree-awarding body in the United Kingdom. The number of students, from all over the world, pursuing University of Wales degrees is around 70,000, and their studies cover a wide range of subjects. |
| |
| The University is a major national institution in Wales. While it is, of course, committed to helping to fulfil the educational and economic needs of Wales and to supporting its linguistic, cultural, and national heritage, the University is also committed to its international role and to enhancing its standing across the UK and overseas. As well as its validation role and the international projects undertaken by its Global Academy, the University sponsors a number of cultural initiatives, such as the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize, for young writers, which attracts entries from all over the world. |
| |
| University Centres and Services |
| The University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies is a dedicated research centre whose staff are engaged on major multidisciplinary research projects. Its work has won universal acclaim and it has, in the past two years, attracted two of the largest grants ever made by the Arts and Humanities Research Council to a higher education institution in Wales. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise the Centre received the accolade of having 35 per cent of its work rated as “world-leading” and 45 per cent as “internationally excellent”. This result both recognised the exceptional research carried out by its staff and confirmed its status as an international centre of excellence for Welsh and Celtic Studies. |
| |
| The University of Wales Press was set up by Statute of the University in 1922. Within its educational mission it publishes dictionaries and reference works, as well as books for schools and for students. It also aims to promote the development and expansion of Welsh culture through academic and educational publishing both in the Welsh language, and on Welsh topics in English. Joint publication ventures are undertaken with national bodies in Wales, as well as with University Presses in North America. |
| |
| Gregynog, the University’s study and conference centre in the Welsh countryside, is held in trust by the University under the terms of the will of the late Miss Margaret S Davies. Standing in 750 acres of gardens and woodland, it provides residential accommodation for up to 100 people, and can host non-residential conferences for up to 200 people. Gregynog’s primary purpose is to be a study and conferencing facility for university staff and students, but it also provides a commercial conference and hospitality service, as well as hosting an annual classical music festival. |
| |
| The University of Wales Global Academy was formed with the purpose of helping to boost the economic performance and innovative capacity of Wales, enhance research excellence and capability and improve links between businesses and university institutions within Wales. |
| |
| The first of the Academy’s initiatives, the Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarships, was formally launched by the Prince of Wales, the University’s Chancellor, in May 2009. This ground-breaking programme matches the best students from around the world to cutting-edge research and development projects within Welsh companies, and to related university departments, thus providing unique industrial-based PhD scholarships. Between 2009 and 2012 one hundred of these prestigious Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarships will be offered. |
| |
| The second major programme within the Global Academy, The Prince of Wales Distinguished Visiting Professorships Programme, will provide awards to enable overseas-based distinguished senior industrialists and academics from some of the world’s leading technological and innovative organisations to spend between three and six months in Wales, working with companies, universities and government to increase open innovation culture. |
| |
| Alumni Services |
| The University is fortunate to have, in its graduates, a host of ambassadors worldwide. The work of its alumni organisation emphasises two focal points: the fostering of close communication for all the University’s graduates with each other, with the University and other organisations, and the provision of opportunities for co-operation between institution-based alumni groups, and for the promotion of each institution. The development of services and activities, especially the modernisation and improvement of communication with all the University’s alumni, is a priority. |
