BA (Hons) Music for Performance and Teaching

Welcome to Music for Performance and Teaching

Musicians studying on the BA (Hons) Music for Performance and Teaching benefit from a combined focus on performance and instrumental/vocal teaching. The two disciplines complement each other well: a high level of performance skills develops the musical understanding needed for effective teaching; the aural, analytical and reflective skills needed for music education cultivate a deeper understanding of musical self-development.

Creativity and innovation are cornerstones of the flourishing creative and cultural economy. Employment led curriculum provides our students with the capacity to be adaptive and reflective practitioners. Our students demonstrate the breadth of creative talent and versatility possible within the creative arts, as seen in the outstanding performances at local venues such as the Mercury Theatre, Headgate Theatre, in the London West End, and the Brighton Fringe Festival. We work closely with local schools, Essex Music Services, Creative Colchester, Film Suffolk, and the Dance Network Association to enable students to engage with a broader arts network.

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Course IntroductionModulesEntry RequirementsGraduate CareersAdditional

Your profile

You are a passionate performer and a creative musician who understands the role that music education can play in transforming lives. You are ready to take your musical skills to the next level and inspire the next generation.

Your subject

Musicians who work as performers and teachers enjoy a diverse career that combines a vast range of musical and educational projects with a wide variety of performance venues and teaching environments. Performers that teach are able to inspire their students through high levels of musical skill, knowledge and the ability to communicate.

Your course

As a performer, you will be trained through individual lessons in your first study instrument and will develop your performance skills through group workshops, recitals and gigs. As a musician, you will broaden your knowledge through a study of practical musicianship, theory, analysis and music business. As an educator, you will deepen your understanding of music teaching and develop skills in one-to-one tuition and workshop leadership. Through a combination of practical music making and lectures you will cover a range of topics that includes musical performance, composition, music technology, music business, educational theory and music teaching. You will be inspired by tutors who are highly experienced in both creative music and music education, and will benefit from the use of recording and technology studios, bookable practice rooms, an established performance venue, a variety of classroom settings and a range of local venues.

Your future

You will graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence required for setting up your own business as a performer and music teacher. You will have the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) which will enable you to teach in primary or secondary schools, or in colleges. You may also use the BA (Hons) Music for Performance and Teaching degree as a stepping stone for moving on to postgraduate study.

Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 30/40 or 15/20 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.

Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Course Overview Year One (Level 4) Year Two (Level 5) Year Three (Level 6) Single Modules Module Schedule Structure

96 UCAS points* (normally 2 or more A Levels including Music or Music Technology, or BTEC Extended Diploma in Music). An appropriate level of practical instrumental or vocal performance skill. (It is not a prerequisite for entry to have passed a graded examination in instrumental or vocal performance but a standard equivalent to grade seven will be expected).

Entry is normally by audition/interview which will include instrumental or vocal performance and consideration of previous musical experience. Applicants are advised to bring a portfolio of evidence that could include recordings, compositions or academic work.

For mature applicants with non-standard academic qualifications, Admission Tutors will assess the applicant’s ability to succeed on the course, taking into account their past experience in relevant areas.

A satisfactory enhanced DBS check will be required for the second year of the course.

*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2022.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Additional requirements for International Students:

You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
a face-to-face interview is required before an offer is made.

What our Graduates do

Graduates can develop self-employment opportunities in music education that include 1-1 instrumental/vocal tuition, workshop delivery and leadership. Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study at MA level and higher, or to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for those wishing to pursue a career in classroom teaching.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week.

Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.

When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations

Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

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BA (Hons) Music for Performance and Teaching - Full-time

Level	Level 6
Location	Colchester
Duration	3 Years
UCAS Code	4A58
Academic Year	2022-2023
Study Mode	Full-Time
Campus / Adult Skills Centre	University Centre Colchester
Start Date	We are no longer accepting applications for September 2022 for this course
Fee(s)	2021-22: £8,250 per year
Additional Cost Information	You are recommended to purchase at least one external hard drive with a minimum of 1TB storage, although 2TB is recommended. You will need this to save and back up relevant course work, such as music scores, recordings and video files of performances, promotional work and so on. You are also expected to provide your own main instrument and other basic peripherals (sticks, cymbals, cables, etc). For independent study, carried out in recording spaces and practice rooms, vocalists in particular will need their own mic and cable and drummers will need to have their own cymbals, felts and hi-hat clutch. You will also need to provide any sheet music you need, but there is an extensive collection in the library for student use. For certain activities or performances, there may be travel costs and other incidental expenses involved.
Awarding/Validation Body	University of East Anglia

Course Overview

Both areas are supported by modules in analysis, contextual studies and musicianship. Music technology also has a key role in ensuring that students can record and distribute their creative work in the digital domain. These skills are later used in the development of an online presence as a musician and/or music teacher. Music business is core to the programme so that students develop the skills needed to work in the music industry and in education, and to purse their career interests on either a freelance of employed basis.

A major project in the final stage of the BA (Hons) Music for Performance and Teaching programme provides an opportunity for in-depth study of particular personal interest. Flexibility is built in to allow for a variety of approaches that ranging from traditional academic research in written form, presentations or websites, to creative work resulting from practice-based research.

Our facilities include a suite of Macs running Logic and Sibelius, with extensive East West sound libraries and two main recording studios. We have a concert hall and many bookable practice rooms for bands and orchestral ensembles.

Year One (Level 4)

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (20 CREDITS)

What’s it about?

This module will develop production skills in a studio and mixing environment. A central part of the students experience is to explore traditional and modern recording/production techniques, and to develop an understanding of the requirements to complete a finished recording through appropriate terminology and practical application of theoretical principles.

What do I learn?

You will develop skills in recording, production, mixing and mastering through lectures, workshops and in-class tasks.

What’s the assignment?

You will submit a portfolio of 2 original or creative covers, each between 6-8 minutes long. One will be created using mostly sequenced material with some acoustic sources the other will be predominantly made by recording acoustic sources.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

CREATING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (20 CREDITS)

What’s it about?

The purpose of the module is to enable students to maximise their chances in finding employment in the music industry, or related occupations.

What do I learn?

You will identify and define different types of work and employment and think more holistically about the diverse, and ever changing, job market.

What’s the assignment?

You will prepare a 20-minute presentation about potential employment opportunities for your future career.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DEVELOPING MUSICIANSHIP (20 CREDITS)

What’s it about?

This module is designed to develop a broad base of practical, aural and written skills to support related musical studies.

What do I learn?

You will develop your knowledge of musical vocabulary along with the techniques necessary to respond to, communicate and manipulate musical ideas in a variety of written and practical contexts.

In addition, you will take part in and contribute to performance workshops as part of the programme’s enrichment provision.

What’s the assignment?

You will create a number of short compositions for a variety of contexts and compositional structures and complete a practical assessment of aural transcription tasks based on harmonic progressions and single line melodies.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

STUDIO SESSIONS (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will develop skills in performance and/or production in a studio environment.

What do I learn?

You will work collaboratively, developing skills in musicianship, stylistic awareness, responding to creative ideas and studio protocol and explore the numerous challenges a session musician and/or producer incurs in the production process, developing an understanding of the requirements to complete a finished recording through appropriate terminology and practical application of theoretical principles.

What’s the assignment?

You will contribute as a performer or a producer for a portfolio of recording sessions totalling 10-12 minutes of music with a supporting evaluation of your role.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

PRINCIPAL STUDY 1 (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This content of this module will develop a broad range of musical skills in support of performance and composition.

As well as classroom delivery, performers and composers will benefit from personalised support through 1-1 lessons. In addition, performers are expected to take part in and contribute to performance workshops as part of the programme’s enrichment provision.

What do I learn?

You will engage with and evaluate a variety of approaches to advancing your understanding of core musical materials and techniques. A detailed examination of the interrelationships of aural ability, technique and creativity will lead to an enhanced personal process of practical development.

What’s the assignment?

You will prepare a portfolio of compositions.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

MUSICAL PERSPECTIVES (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module offers students the opportunity to study and analyse a variety of pieces through musical history. It will consider stylistic developments, aural analysis and understanding genres. This module is designed to include a range of musical styles, initially by investigating historical contexts.

What do I learn?

You will also develop and apply analytical techniques, leading to the creation of compositional models. These models then form the basis of their own compositions whilst an on-going process of self-evaluation will allow students to develop a clearer understanding of your own musical development.

What’s the assignment?

You will accumulate a listening diary of historical repertoire with analysis and a portfolio of compositions.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Two (Level 5)

ONE-TO-ONE TEACHING (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will work within a practical context to develop an understanding of educational concepts This is a highly focussed vocational module providing a strong foundation for understanding the requirements of professional instrumental and vocal teaching.

What do I learn?

You will develop their own materials, and learn to present clearly and confidently in an educational context. Both communication and practical understanding will be important aspects of lesson design and delivery.

What’s the assignment?

You will deliver a 15 minute 1-1 lesson and give a 10-12 minute presentation on the topic.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

PRINCIPAL STUDY 2 (PERFORMANCE) (20 CREDITS)

What’s it about?

This module builds on the performance elements of Principal Study 1 through a deeper understanding of the materials of music along with further development of musical awareness, technique, communication skills and programme design. The experiences gained through complementary workshops will facilitate improvements in confidence and professionalism.

What do I learn?

You will develop your musicianship through a variety of practical activities designed to enhance aural perception, understanding, imagination and technique. By progressing these core skills you will be better able to demonstrate their understanding of style and their ability to interpret music in performance contexts. You will additionally undertake individual instrumental/vocal tuition to focus on individual needs and to encourage a more personal interpretative approach.

What’s the assignment?

You will give a 15-20 minute performance evidencing achievement in style and interpretation, technique, programme design, communication and professionalism on stage, with a graded report from the tutor based on module engagement in workshops.

Want to know more?

To see the module description please click here.

CREATIVE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will address the impact of technology on music education through an examination of current practices in live sound, recording (pre and post production) and an introduction to online technologies for recorded music.

What do I learn?

You will learn the principles of analogue and digital audio, sample manipulation and sequencing to establish a secure understanding of the principles and application of the recording process and live sound reinforcement through a combination of musical and technical expertise.

What’s the assignment?

You will create a portfolio of two mixed and mastered recordings and undertake a live sound practical assessment with a band.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will develop self-evaluation skills in relation to potential career opportunities. Of central importance to this process is the students’ experience in identifying constraints on the practitioner working within music and/or music education sector, along with creating a viable and realistic action plan for overcoming challenges and managing ongoing personal development.

What do I learn?

You will work independently developing identifying musical, educational and transferable skills, as well as constraints on the practitioner working within music industry.

What’s the assignment?

You will produce a portfolio of reflective personal career development and a report on financial and legal issues in the music industry.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

SESSION CONDUCTING AND ARRANGING (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will enable students to acquire the skills to arrange, conduct and rehearse music for small ensembles. By working closely with designated groups, You will gain the technical understanding needed to write effectively for a variety of instruments and voices.

What do I learn?

You will also develop a secure base of conducting and rehearsal techniques. The module emphasises the importance of clear musical communication both in the arrangements and in rehearsal. Attendance at optional student ensembles, choirs and orchestras is strongly encouraged.

What’s the assignment?

An arrangement for an assigned ensemble, demonstrating idiomatic techniques for a variety of instruments and a practical conducting exam of a short piece with a variety of conducting techniques, demonstrating the ability to rehearse a group of players.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Three (Level 6)

MUSIC LEADERSHIP (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module offers students the opportunity to lead a music workshop in the context of the wider community, and will develop an understanding of the roles that different approaches to learning music will play within particular workshop contexts.

What do I learn?

You will develop the skills needed to deliver practical music workshops to diverse groups, and enhances greater understanding of current teaching methodologies and design effective lessons and provide appropriate supporting materials in the very creative field of music workshop delivery.

What’s the assignment?

You will produce a video of a 25-30 minute workshop with supporting documentation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

ONLINE TECHNOLOGIES (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

In this module students develop the skills needed to create an online portfolio of promotional materials for performing and teaching. Learning begins with a process of selecting and critically evaluating a range of online resources in order to generate points of reference for the subsequent output.

What do I learn?

You will develop technical skills and confidence with ICT to a high level in order to create an engaging and purposeful portfolio of audio and visual materials.

What’s the assignment?

You will create an online portfolio, presented as a website comprising audio and visual material that is presented well and easy to navigate. It should function as a resource for self-promotion with supporting aims and evaluation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

PROJECT REALISATION (40 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module supports the conceptualisation and realisation of a self-directed music related project, demonstrating independent study and research appropriate to level 6.

What do I learn?

Following an agreed proposal, you may choose a traditional approach to qualitative research or may prefer to adopt a practice-based methodology.

What’s the assignment?

To facilitate flexibility in assessment and personal learning preferences, you may also choose to present your report in written, electronic or audio/visual formats, or in a combination of these. Practice-based outputs can include creative musical work.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

PERFORMANCE PROJECT (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module’s focus is on the requirements to plan, market and perform in a public setting. It will provide the opportunity for the acquisition of skills and understanding to equip you for a professional career.

What do I learn?

You will develop your entrepreneurial skills to develop career paths through self-promotion of your performances in a style and venue of your choice.

What’s the assignment?

Portfolio of performances will showcase promotional material as well as performance skills with supporting evidence.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

INTERACTING WITH THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module is designed to understand the foundations of successful employment and self-employment within education or within the wider music industry. It aims to initiate a process of career planning and preparation.

What do I learn?

You will evaluate your professional skills before and after a period of work experience that is relevant to your career aspirations. You will undertake industry research, such as interviews with practitioners, and formulate an action plan for employment or business development.

What’s the assignment?

At least 24 hours of industry work experience will be evidenced in a journal in support of a reflective report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Single Modules

The modular structure of the BA (Hons) in Music Education makes it possible to take some individual modules without having to enrol for the full degree programme. A range of modules is available including Performance Studies, Rhythm Workshop, Principles of Teaching and Learning, Creative Music Techniques and Music Leadership. A full list of modules available at levels 4, 5 and 6 can be found below.

Class tuition from staff teaching on the degree course is complemented by personal study.

Entry Requirements

Dependent on previous experience.

Duration

Single Modules will take either 14 or 28 weeks to complete

Attendance

Various. Generally 2-3 hours per week, over 1 and/or 2 semesters

How to apply

Part-time applications are made direct to University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute.

Module Schedule Structure

Structure of 3 years full time, 2 years intensive and 4 years part time:

Semester 1 (Trimester 1)			Semester 1 (Extension)	Semester 2 (Trimester 2)			Trimester 3
3 years full-time
4c	4d	4f		4a	4b	4e
5a	5b	5e		5c	5d	5f
6a	6c	6d		6b	6e

2 years intensive
4c	4d	4f	4e	4a	4b	5f	5c	5d
5a	5b	6a	5e	6b	6e		6c	6d

4 years part-time
4c	4d			4a	4b
4f	5e		4e	5c	5d
5a	5b			5f	6b		6c
6a	6d			6e

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2021-22 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

BA (Hons) Music for Performance and Teaching

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