B.A. (Hons) Music Led Community Practices

The structure of the programme has been designed in three inter-related strands aimed at developing generic and specific skills, knowledge and practices. At each level, students enhance their individual and collective skills in music practices, develop the application of those skills through familiarisation with professional practices and contextualise what they are doing in a conceptual framework.

The philosophy of the programme and the pedagogic approach envisage working with partners in a range of communities to achieve empowerment for individuals and groups and to celebrate indigenous cultures. Accordingly, communities are seen to be self-forming and self-validating rather than determined from without, often sharing a common passion, such as music.

• Core Units Approaches to Creative Practice in the Public Forum

  Students will develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the historical, institutional, ideological and creative contexts of community / participatory arts and cultural enterprise. Taking account of cultural and social contexts, they will consider the issues of working in the public form and developing discussion around the politics of arts funding, sponsorship and development. An overview over various methodolgies for undertaking research will be introduced, with specific emphasis on practice-as-research.

  Community Project Development

  This unit will focus on the various stages of planning, funding, running and evaluating a sustainable arts-focused community project. It will also explore the skills essential for working with community stakeholders and partners to ensure the success of a community project. Key topics will include: sustainability; funding; risk; design and planning; project management; roles and responsibilities; partners and stake-holders; delivering projects in the community; project evaluation.

  NEXUS 2

  This unit develops musical skills that will equip you to undertake Level 6 specialisms in up to two of the following areas: instrumental/vocal performance, technical (studio) practice, composition, theory, musicology or a foreign language.

  Policy and Practice and Learning in Community Arts Practices

  Through a series of seminars and workshops, students will develop understanding of the concepts and practices around partnership building, community engagement, community development, sustainability, advocacy, empowerment. Students will explore what role arts can play within communities and society, and the various ways individuals and groups can support these processes. The diversity of support mechanisms for communities and arts projects are explored, specifically funding policy and funding opportunities.

Year 3

• Core Units Music Tutorial Negotiated Unit

  This unit gives you the opportunity to develop special areas of study and skill to an appropriately high level. Work experience and placements may be incorporated in the negotiated strategies for learning.

  SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

  Students will be exploring the varied structures and ethical dilemmas faced by social enterprises, and consider their role in the economy and society. There is also emphasis on self and the development of enterprising skills and behaviours. Students will study; social enterprise history and futures, enterprise development, social enterprise, social entrepreneurship, social value, community enterprise solutions, enterprising behaviour, entrepreneurial skills