Music - MMus / PgCert / PgDip

Members of the music profession require not only high-level specialist skills but also the ability to target those skills strategically to different circumstances. This module focuses on a range of different aspects of a musician’s professional development that directly relate to the music industry and their preparation for it: from self-promotion and self-management, to funding and wellbeing. It is thus central to a programme which aims to prepare you for a career as a musician in the 21st century.

It requires you, near the beginning of your postgraduate studies, to reflect ambitiously yet realistically on your professional aspirations, and to formulate a plan that helps you stand the best chance of achieving your goals. Weekly workshops, delivered by internal staff and external professionals, will focus on the practicalities of a career in music, providing you with a better insight into the industry you will be entering, as well as encouraging you to be self-reflective about your own personal and professional development needs.

As a postgraduate instrumentalist or singer, the Principal Study 1: Instrumental/Vocal Performance module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area and it is thus at the heart of your conservatoire studies.

As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a performer, you will spend considerable time developing your technical facility, musicianship, interpretative skills and stylistic awareness, expanding your knowledge of the repertoire, refining your platform manner and presentation skills, and, in some cases, advancing your collaborative performance skills. Students taking the Global Traditional Music Performance specialism will be encouraged to form bands or ensembles appropriate to their specialist area of music.

Your work in this module is supported by one-to-one tuition and a variety of related activities in your Principal Study area, including performance classes, masterclasses and department-specific workshops (e.g. languages and movement for singers, reed-making for wind players, and so on). You will necessarily devote a considerable amount of time to individual practice.

As a postgraduate percussionist, the Principal Study 1: Percussion module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area. As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a performer, you will spend considerable time developing your technical facility, musicianship, interpretative skills and stylistic awareness, expanding your knowledge of the repertoire, refining your platform manner, presentation and organisational skills (i.e. including percussion set-up) and, in some cases, advancing your collaborative performance skills.

As a postgraduate instrumentalist, singer or singer-songwriter working in world and/or folk music traditions, the Principal Study 1: Global Traditional Music Performance module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area and it is thus at the heart of your conservatoire studies. Since the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a performer, you will spend considerable time developing skills relating to your particular specialism, for example, technical facility, musicianship and interpretative skills, furthering your skills in transcription, composition, arranging and songwriting, and leading your own ensemble/band. You may choose to study a single traditional music in-depth or develop your own fusion that includes elements of folk/world/traditional music as well as other genres.

As a postgraduate string player following our Orchestral Performance pathway at postgraduate level, the Principal Study 1: Orchestral Performance module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area. As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as an orchestral string player, you will spend a significant amount of rehearsal time with the CBSO alongside one or more dedicated host players who will act as mentors, as well as opportunities to play at the back of the section. In addition to developing your technical facility, musicianship, interpretative skills and stylistic awareness, you will expand your knowledge of orchestral repertoire, learn how to prepare for rehearsal in the most efficient way, develop strategies which will help you to integrate within your section, both musically (in terms of blend, intonation and so on) and socially, and build confidence in preparing for orchestral auditions.

As a postgraduate choral conductor, the Principal Study 1: Choral Conducting module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area. As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a choral conductor, you will spend considerable time developing not only conducting and gestural techniques in rehearsal and in performance, but also skills in administration, management (including self-management, management of other people individually and in a group, and of rehearsal and performance situations), communication (including interpersonal skills), interpretation and musicianship (aural skills, score reading, sight reading, ability to sing to demonstrate), and ability to mould voices into a cohesive group.

Your work in this module is supported by one-to-one tuition in choral conducting and a variety of related activities in the Principal Study area. These will normally include taking weekly rehearsals of the Conservatoire’s second chamber choir, Camerata; a weekly support class focusing on both developing musicianship skills and enhancing knowledge of the repertoire; masterclasses from visiting experts; seminars on choral conducting issues; and some 1:1 vocal tuition. You should also expect to attend classes/workshops of your peers studying orchestral conducting. You will be encouraged to take part in other vocal/choral activities scheduled within the Conservatoire (and elsewhere), and to engage in language provision provided by the Department of Vocal and Operatic Studies. You are also encouraged to form your own groups, to participate in external groups and to find external choirs to conduct. Chorus master/assistant conductor possibilities may also arise in the context of the Conservatoire operas and Chorus.

As a postgraduate orchestral conductor, the Principal Study 1: Orchestral Conducting module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area. As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as an orchestral conductor, you will spend considerable time developing conducting techniques in rehearsal and in performance, rehearsal management techniques, musicianship skills, score reading skills, programming skills, stylistic awareness and approaches to interpretation.

‘Orchestra’ here should be understood in the widest sense, since your experience (and assessment) is likely to involve a variety of the ensembles which make up the Conservatoire’s Performance Department (e.g. Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra; Thallein Contemporary Music Ensemble).

As a postgraduate brass band conductor, the Principal Study 1: Brass Band Conducting module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area. As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a brass band conductor, you will spend considerable time developing conducting techniques in rehearsal and in performance, rehearsal management techniques, musicianship skills, score reading skills, programming skills, stylistic awareness and approaches to interpretation.

‘Brass Band’ here should be understood in a wider sense, since your experience (and assessment) is likely to also involve smaller ensembles within the Conservatoire’s Brass Department.

As a postgraduate Jazz student, the Principal Study 1: Jazz Performance module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area.

As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a jazz performer, you will spend considerable time not only developing your technique alongside your musicianship and improvisation skills, but also expanding your knowledge of the tradition and advancing your experience as a collaborative performer and leader.

Your work in this module is supported by one-to-one tuition and a variety of related activities in the Jazz Department and wider Conservatoire, including weekly performance platforms, termly performance platform festivals, masterclasses (led by guest international artists) and workshops by touring bands, as well as a number of special events throughout the year, for example the Thelonious Monk Festival (Monkathon), the Cheltenham International Jazz Festival, and regular collaborations with our partners in Paris, Berlin and Siena.

As a postgraduate Jazz student, the Principal Study 1: Jazz Instigator module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area.

As the focus of this module is entirely on your development as an instigator in the context of jazz performance, you will spend considerable time not only on developing your own playing, but also advancing your leadership and directing skills and your mentoring and coaching abilities. You will work on your rehearsal technique and stagecraft, and gain experience of working autonomously. You will additionally enhance your own specialist knowledge and your research skills.

Your work in this module is supported by one-to-one tuition and mentoring. A number of one-to-one hours can be allocated to teachers and mentors from outside the Jazz Department, for example with Classical composers, promotors, band leaders, artists, and researchers from within the faculty. You will have regular contact with promoters of jazz and the creative arts.

This module enables you as a postgraduate composer to advance your training in your specialist area. For MMus students, it provides a prelude to the further advancement of your training in the Principal Study 2: Composition module.

Given that this module is focused entirely on your continued growth as a composer, it will focus on developing both your practical skills (such as approaches to expressing an idea/concept, instrumentation, voice leading, use of rhythm, melody and harmony, and presentation) and your critical/intellectual skills (such as creative thinking, aesthetic awareness and self-reflective working).

This module enables you, as a postgraduate Music Technologist, to advance your training in your specialist area. For MMus students, it provides a prelude to the further advancement of your training in the Principal Study 2: Music Technology module.

This module is focused entirely on your continued growth as a Creative Music Technologist. The skills developed will be specific to your own interests, but are likely to include a combination of composition utilising technology, performing with technology, interactive music technology, programming, recording, production, mixing and mastering.

As an experimental performer, this module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area. For MMus students, it provides a prelude to the further advancement of your training in the Principal Study 2: Experimental Performance module.

Given that this module is focused entirely on your continued growth as an experimental performer, it will focus on developing such aspects as follows: the realization of ideas and concepts, creative thinking, critical approach to art making, the use of space and structure, interdisciplinary collaboration, self-reflective working, aesthetic awareness and aspects of presentation, including the use of relevant technology.

As a postgraduate instrumentalist or singer, the Principal Study 1: Instrumental/Vocal Performance module enables you to advance your training in your specialist area and it is thus at the heart of your conservatoire studies. As the focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as a performer, you will spend considerable time developing your technical facility, musicianship, interpretative skills and stylistic awareness, expanding your knowledge of the repertoire, refining your platform manner and presentation skills, and, in some cases, advancing your collaborative performance skills.

Your work in this module is supported by one-to-one tuition and a variety of related activities in your Principal Study area, including performance classes, masterclasses and department-specific workshops (e.g. languages and movement for singers, reed-making for wind players, and so on). You will necessarily devote a considerable amount of time to individual practice.

As a postgraduate percussionist, the Principal Study 2: Percussion module builds on the performance skills acquired in the Principal Study 1 module, encouraging independent decision-making, the development of an individual musical personality, and a professional approach to the performance context. The module clearly supports you in adopting an ever-increasing degree of professionalism in all aspects. You will continue to advance your technical facility, musicianship and interpretative skills; to further enhance, through research, your stylistic awareness and knowledge of the repertoire; to develop expertise in programming and build stamina. The assessments will enhance your awareness of what is required of a professional performer in the chosen context.

As a postgraduate instrumentalist, singer or singer-songwriter working in world and/or folk music traditions, the Principal Study 2: Global Traditional Music Performance module builds on the performance skills acquired in the Principal Study Project 1 module, encouraging independent decision-making, the development of an individual musical personality, and a professional approach to the performance context. The module clearly supports you in adopting an ever-increasing degree of professionalism in all aspects. You will continue to advance your technical facility, musicianship and interpretative skills alongside enhanced skills in transcription, composition, arranging, song writing and ensemble/band leadership. You may choose to study a single traditional music in-depth or develop your own fusion that includes elements of folk/world/traditional music as well as other genres. Furthermore, you will develop expertise in programming and build stamina. The assessments will enhance your awareness of what is required of a professional performer in the chosen context.

As a postgraduate string player following our Orchestral Performance pathway at postgraduate level, the Principal Study 2: Orchestral Performance module builds on the performance skills acquired in the Principal Study Project 1 module. The focus of this module is entirely on your own continued development as an orchestral string player, and especially on developing your capacity to develop your own playing within the orchestral context. The module clearly supports you in adopting an ever- increasing degree of professionalism in all aspects. Further experience within the CBSO will lead not only to the enhancement of your individual playing skills but to greater confidence in developing your own playing within the orchestra and a fuller awareness of the professional context. You will continue to advance your technical facility, musicianship and interpretative skills, and to further enhance, through research, your stylistic awareness and knowledge of the repertoire. A sound knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire in particular, familiarity with the typical orchestral audition process and experience of playing within a professional orchestra are all likely to improve your chances of progression into the profession.

As a postgraduate brass band conductor, the Principal Study 2: Brass Band Conducting module builds on the skills acquired in the Principal Study 1 module, encouraging independent and appropriate decision-making based on secure musicianship skills and self-reflection, the development of an individual musical personality, and a professional approach to rehearsal and performance, including effective leadership and communication skills. The module clearly provides professionally-relevant experience and you will spend considerable time further developing conducting techniques in rehearsal and in performance, rehearsal management techniques, musicianship skills, score reading skills, programming skills, stylistic awareness and approaches to interpretation.

‘Brass Band’ here should be understood in a wider sense, since your experience (and assessment) is likely to also involve smaller ensembles within the Conservatoire’s Brass Department.

As a postgraduate choral conductor, the Principal Study 2: Choral Conducting module builds on the skills acquired in the Principal Study Project 1 module, encouraging independent and appropriate decision-making based on secure musicianship skills and self-reflection, the development of an individual musical personality, and a professional approach to rehearsal and performance, including effective leadership and communication skills. The module clearly provides professionally-relevant experience, and you will spend considerable time further developing not only conducting and gestural techniques in rehearsal and in performance, but also skills in administration, management (including self-management, management of other people individually and in a group, and of rehearsal and performance situations), communication (including interpersonal skills), interpretation and musicianship (aural skills, score reading, sight reading, ability to sing to demonstrate), and ability to mould voices into a cohesive group.

Your work in this module is supported by one-to-one tuition in choral conducting and a variety of related activities in the Principal Study area. These will normally include: taking weekly rehearsals of the Conservatoire’s second chamber choir, Camerata; a weekly support class focusing on both developing musicianship skills and enhancing knowledge of the repertoire; masterclasses from visiting experts; seminars on choral conducting issues; and some 1:1 vocal tuition. You should also expect to attend classes/workshops of your peers studying orchestral conducting. You will be encouraged to take part in other vocal/choral activities scheduled within the Conservatoire (and elsewhere), and to engage in language provision provided by the Department of Vocal and Operatic Studies. You are also encouraged to form your own groups, to participate in external groups and to find external choirs to conduct. Chorus master/assistant conductor possibilities may also arise in the context of the Conservatoire operas and Chorus.

As a postgraduate orchestral conductor, the Principal Study 2: Orchestral Conducting module builds on the skills acquired in the Principal Study 1 module, encouraging independent and appropriate decision-making based on secure musicianship skills and self-reflection, the development of an individual musical personality, and a professional approach to rehearsal and performance, including effective leadership and communication skills. The module clearly provides professionally-relevant experience and you will spend considerable time further developing conducting techniques in rehearsal and in performance, rehearsal management techniques, musicianship skills, score reading skills, programming skills, stylistic awareness and approaches to interpretation.

‘Orchestra’ here should be understood in the widest sense, since your experience (and assessment) is likely to involve a variety of the ensembles which make up the Conservatoire’s Performance Department (e.g. Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra; Thallein Contemporary Music Ensemble).

Principal Study 2: Jazz Instigator

For a postgraduate Jazz student, the Principal Study Project 2: Jazz Instigator module builds on the groundwork of the Principal Study 1: Jazz Instigator or the Principal Study 1: Jazz Performance module. It demands not only a high level of performance skills, but also encourages independent decision-making in relation to the student’s own project, the development of an individual artistic concept, and an awareness of the contemporary jazz market (i.e. the professional context). The module clearly provides professionally-relevant experience for the intending jazz instigator.

Indeed, the focus of this module is entirely on your continued growth in this role. It will thus be concerned with the further development not only of your own skills as a performer, but also as a leader, director, mentor and coach. You will continue to hone your rehearsal technique and stagecraft, and to gain further experience of working autonomously. You will continue to expand your own specialist knowledge and to exercise your research skills.

OR

Principal Study 2: Jazz Performance

For a postgraduate Jazz student, the Principal Study 2: Jazz Performance module builds on the technical, musical and improvisation skills acquired in the Principal Study 1: Jazz Performance or Jazz Instigator module, encouraging a greater sophistication of approach, independent decision-making in relation to the music-making, and the emergence of an individual ‘voice’. The module clearly provides professionally-relevant experience for the intending jazz musician.

The focus of this module is entirely on your continued growth in this field. It will thus be concerned with the continued development of your technical, musicianship and improvisation skills, your knowledge of the tradition and your experience as a collaborative performer and leader. In addition, it will encourage you to develop your own original sound and concept, and enable you to enhance your musical communication and interaction in the ensemble setting.

As an experimental performer, this module enables you to continue to advance your training in your specialist area and thus provides professionally-relevant experience. It builds on the technical and creative skills acquired in the Principal Study 1 Experimental Performance module, encouraging greater ambition, the development of an individual voice and personal aesthetic, and a consistently professional approach to presentation.

In addition to continuing to develop the practical and critical skills fostered in Principal Study 1 Experimental Performance, it will seek to enhance your ability to deal with more ambitious ideas/concepts/projects (including the creation of large structures), and to be reflective, especially in how you write about and discuss your own work.

This module enables you as a postgraduate composer to continue to advance your training in your specialist area, and thus provides professionally-relevant experience. It builds on the technical and creative skills acquired in the Principal Study 1 Composition module, encouraging greater compositional ambition, the development of an individual voice and personal aesthetic, and a consistently professional approach to presentation.

In addition to continuing to develop the practical and critical skills fostered in Principal Study 1 Composition, it will seek to enhance your ability to deal with more ambitious ideas/concepts (including the creation of large structures), and to be reflective, especially in how you write about and discuss your own work.

This module enables you, as a postgraduate Music Technologist, to continue to advance your training in your specialist area, and thus provides professionally-relevant experience. It builds on the technical and creative skills acquired in the Principal Study 1: Music Technology module, encouraging a greater maturity of approach, the development of an individual voice and personal aesthetic, and a consistently professional approach to presentation.

This module is focused entirely on your continued growth as a Creative Music Technologist. The skills developed will be specific to your own interests, but are likely to include a combination of composition utilising technology, performing with technology, interactive music technology, programming, recording, production, mixing and mastering.

• Concepts in Musicology
• Contemporary Music Concepts and Practice
• Creative Interactive Music Technology Performance
• Critical Editing Techniques
• Documentation
• Experimental Performance in Context(s)
• Historical Instrument Performance
• Historical Performance Practice
• Independent Scholarship in Music
• Music and Ideas
• Music Technology Contexts
• Orchestration
• Performing and Producing in the Studio
• Professional Music Criticism
• Self-Promotion Project
• Teaching Matters: Principles and Practice
• Work Placement
• Writing Music for Media
• Conference Paper
• Preparation for Research
• Music, Community and Wellbeing (BMus module)

• Art and Ecologies
• Contemporary Philosophy and Aesthetics
• Discourses in Art and Design
• Models and Methods of Curatorial Practice
• Queer Strategies in Practice
• Small Arts Business Set Up
• Social Practice in the Visual Arts

• Live Events and Festival Management
• Social Media as Culture and Practice

• Research Project
• Critical Edition
• Lecture-Recital
• The Reflective Practitioner - there are two pathways through this module:
   
  1. Professional Placement, and
  2. Creative Interdisciplinary Artist.