Music and Popular Music BA (Hons)

Students take 45 credits in compulsory modules and five optional modules (balancing classical and popular modules).

MUSI120-MUSI130 or MUSI140-MUSI150 or MUSI180

• Critical Approaches 1: Music and Culture (MUSI120) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 25:75 Aims To introduce students to the breadth and scope of the study of music at university, and to key issues in such study
  To introduce students to key issues and concepts used in the study of music in relation to culture, as a part of culture, and as a culture in itself
  To develop core information literacy skills required for the study of music at university
  To provide a foundation for further study of music and culture at Levels To provide a foundation for further study of music and culture at Levels To provide a foundation for further study of music and culture at Levels Five and and Six.
  Learning Outcomes Demonstrate baseline skills in referencing and citation
  

  Locate and identify relevant sources for the critical study of music
  

  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key issues in and theories relevant to the critical study of music
  
  

  Demonstrate a critical approach to, and an understanding of, the intersection between issues and/or theories, and musical repertoires, cultures or practices, demonstrating independence of thought.
  
• Topics In Classical Music History (MUSI130) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims
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  to examine the development of Western classical music between 1600 and 1900​

• to  introduce key composers and representative works from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods

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  to  consider the musical, historical and intellectual contexts that informed the changes of musical styles​
Learning Outcomes ​

to explain the main lines of development with reference to tonality, instrumentation, structure etc

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​ to differentiate between the styles of representative composers using appropriate musical vocabulary

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to evaluate the main reasons for the changes in musical style during this period

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to engage with and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, to discuss relevant material and ideas, and to prepare well-organised and well-researched written work.​​​
• Popular Music Studies 1 (MUSI140) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims
  ​- To provide an overview of the development of Anglo-American popular music from the mid-twentieth century onwards.   - To examine specific stylistic developments and movements in the period covered by the module.​   - To introduce general issues and critical perspectives within the field of popular music studies. ​​​​​​​​   - To consider the relationship between musical, social, economic and technological factors in the music and period in question. Learning Outcomes To demonstrate an understanding of the key features of different styles/genres of popular music
  

  ​To identify significant individuals, groups, and events in the development of popular music in the period from the mid-twentieth century onwards.

  To demonstrate an understanding of the process of musical development (e.g. the emergence of new genres).
  

  ​To identify some of the ways in which social, economic and technological factors impact on the production and reception of popular music.

  To be able to apply knowledge, understanding, and awareness (as described in prior leaning outcomes) to original case-study examples
  
• Music As An Industry 1 (MUSI150) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims

  1. To introduce students to the range of activities undertaken by the music business  

     ​To explain the organisation and functions of record companies

  2.  

     To outline and discuss issues raised by the relationship between commerce, stardom and everyday music making​
  Learning Outcomes ​

  On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  Discuss the changing contexts of the music industries

  ​Outline the different structures and functions of record companies

  Demonstrate knowledge of how record companies fit into the music business as a whole.

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  Identify and discuss processes through which music is commodified and mediated.​
• Analysis (MUSI180) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims

• ​To introduce basic and generic concepts of music theory and notation relevant  to all later modules associated with the ''classical'' repertoire ​

• ​​To introduce important musical forms (e.g., sonata form)
  

• ​To examine the use of instruments through score reading​

Learning Outcomes

Be able to identify and label keys, chords, cadences, modulations, and phrase structure

​​​Be ab le t o identify the structural landmarks which define a particular musical form​
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​Be able to evaluate the use of instruments (noting any contemporary limitations) and  their role in shaping the musical discourse /structure

​Be able to engage with and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, to  discuss relevant material and ideas, and to prepare well-organised and well-researched  written work. ​

• Classical Practical Study 1 (MUSI102) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Whole Session Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims

• To further develop standard of practical performance

  To develop self-awareness and self-reflection in relation to performance
  

• ​To expand knowledge of repertory

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• ​To enable to develop a greater awareness of performance practice

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• To develop self-awareness and self-reflection in relation to performance​

Learning Outcomes ​​​​​​​​

On successful completion of this module students should be able:

To perform a short recital to a standard appropriate to the level (ABRSM Grade 8)

​To perform with a sound technique


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To think critically about concepts and methods of practice​

• Popular Practical Study 1 (MUSI104) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Whole Session Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims

• To enable students to develop group rehearsal skills

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  To enable students to develop group performance skills
  

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  To enable students to improve their individual instrumental or vocal technique, focussing on the ability to perform with confidence and fluency​
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  To help students to gain a greater awareness of the issues that support the performance of popular music

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Learning Outcomes

Students will develop communication and interpretative skills through the rehearsal of popular music




Students will develop their communication and performance skills through the live performance of popular music


Students will be given the opportunity to study, practice, learn and develop their individual instrumental and/or vocal skills


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Students will develop their teamwork skills in their groups, to formulate, organise, prepare and deliver a short performance​​​

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• Composition and Orchestration 1 (MUSI106) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 15:85 Aims

• To gain greater awareness of formal considerations to provide experience in handling small-scale musical form

• ​ To develop self-critical skills

• ​ To develop accuracy and fluency in notation

• ​ To introduce students to the origins and historical development of counterpoint

• ​ To gain basic awareness of a range of 20th/21st-century styles, languages and approaches

Learning Outcomes

Learning to use the Sibelius notation software at a beginning level

To demonstrate competency in notation, to assist with their...