Music

Our music staff possess a wide range of research expertise encompassing aspects of performance, composition and musicology. Facilities for music students are first-class, including electoacoustic music studios, a collection of historical instruments and a world music centre.

Why Aberdeen?

• We are an expanding area with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere
• Instrumental/vocal tuition takes place throughout the programme
• The University runs a full Symphony Orchestra, Choral Society, Chapel Choir, String Ensemble, Viol Consort, Recorder Consort, New Music Group, Baroque Ensemble, Concert Band, Big Band, chamber groups and many more
• Instrumental resources include a full Balinese Gamelan, Steel Pans and Samba/Salsa instruments and there is a collection of historic instruments based around a 1771 Kirkman harpsichord and violins by the eighteenth-century maker Joseph Ruddiman
• The University of Aberdeen offers excellent performance opportunities with the early sixteenth-century Chapel often used for services and performances of sacred and concert music. The Chapel has a new (2004) all-mechanical pipe organ built by the French builder Aubertin - the first by this builder in the UK
• There are three state-of-the-art Electroacoustic Composition studios as well as a number of Music Technology workstations
• Aberdeen city is known as being a lively centre for music. Links with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Aberdeen City Music School, North East of Scotland Music School, the Sound Festival and other organisations continue to develop, and students take part in performance and workshops led by visiting musicians

Programmes

Study Abroad

Music students have the possibility of studying abroad for a year as part of the Erasmus programme.  The University has links with a great many universities in Europe, North America and around the world

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

The structure of the innovative BMus degree is flexible and has a 2+2 format. After the first two years of core study, in which students are able to develop skills in performance, composition musicianship and music history, one of three Honours programmes is chosen in third and fourth year. BMus with Honours is a music degree. The BMus with Honours (Education) programme leads to a qualification to teach in secondary schools.

BMus with Honours (Music and Communities) is a new programme involving students applying musical skills when working in a range of communities.

First and Second Year Core Study

Students study a range of courses including performance (involving weekly lessons), musicianship, composition, theory and music history.  The first year provides a foundation for further study, and includes a survey of Western music.  There is also the opportunity to take courses outside the discipline.  Music Education students have the opportunity to gain experience in school whilst Single Honours music students choose from a number of optional courses.

BMUS WITH HONOURS - Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

In third year, students continue with performance and composition.  Other courses include New Directions: Revolution and Evolution in Music which examines a hypothesis that 1600 and 1900 both mark turning points in the history of music.  Students are introduced to methods of musical analysis in third year.  Students also choose from a range of optional courses reflecting the research interests of staff.

In fourth year, students write a dissertation on a musical topic and choose from a range of options, which include a performance recital and the submission of a portfolio of compositions.

BMUS WITH HONOURS (EDUCATION) - Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Performance Studies

Students continue performance in the third year, and can offer a performance recital as part of the fourth year curriculum.

Composition Studies

Students work on developing their own personal voices.  For students choosing composition in fourth year, this culminates in the submission of a composition portfolio.

Music History

Music Education students take New Directions: Revolution and Evolution in Music, a course which examines a hypothesis that 1600 and 1900 both  mark turning points in the history of music.

Dissertation

All Music Education students write a dissertation in their fourth year on some aspect of music.

Professional Studies

Professional Studies involves the study of music teaching and pedagogy, and is closely related to School Experience where the knowledge can be applied in practice.  Professional competencies are developed in continuity with the progressive acquisition and application of subject and content skills provided by the students' Core Studies programme. 

In first and second year, experiences related to the subject and content of music generate consideration and appraisal of curricular resources, and of different approaches to presenting these resources in school.

Practical Skills

Students develop a range of practical skills necessary for classroom teaching, such as keyboard skills.

School Experience

Music Education students are sent into schools to gain practical experience in classroom music teaching.

BMUS WITH HONOURS (MUSIC AND COMMUNITIES) - Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Performance Studies

Students continue with performance and composition in the third year.

Understanding Communities

Students follow courses during their honours years in which they explore the nature of communities of various types to prepare themselves for working within them.

Communities Placements

The department has established links with a variety of external organisations to allow students the opportunity to work within communities in a variety of different contexts.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, seminar groups, tutorials and individual instrumental and vocal tuition. Methods of assessment include submitted coursework (essays and compositions), formal written examinations and practical examinations (performance recitals and keyboard skills).

Careers

Students entering the BMus might have specific career aspirations from the start. However, the programmes are specifically designed so that those who wish to pursue a career in music, but don’t want to tie themselves down to one particular career path, are able to benefit from a two year experience in music, before choosing a specific programme. For students following the BMus with Honours (Education) programme, the main career prospects are in teaching, and those graduating with the BMus with Honours (Music and Communities) are well placed to take opportunties for working in community music. For those following the BMus with Honours programme, the main career prospects embrace editing, writing and presenting music, composing and performing. The degree can also be used as an entry to other professions, as is the case of other degrees, where subject specialism is not important.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Music.

Entrance Requirements

SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS (SQA)

Minimum 3H at BBB - including Music at Higher minimum Grade B.

GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (GCE)

Minimum of 2 A Levels or 4 AS Levels. Music - A Level minimum Grade B or AS Level minimum Grade A. Minimum of 3 additional GCSE passes.

IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE/ ARDTEISTIMEIREACHT

Minimum 3 at Higher Level - BBB

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

30 points including at least a Grade 6 at Music at HL English minimum

ENTRY TO HONOURS PROGRAMMES

Students apply for entry to Honours programmes at the end of the second year of study. Entry to BMus with Honours depends on satisfactory progress in the first two years of study; entry to the BMus with Honours (Education) programme involves an interview and assessment of keyboard skills, and candidates must meet the GTCS requirements which include SQA Higher/ESOL grade award at band C or above in English, or a National Course award at Higher Level at C or above in English and Communications (or equivalent). A Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check will be conducted for those students choosing the BMus (Education) programme midway through their second year.

Entry to the BMus with Honours (Music and Communities) takes place after an interview and assessment of musicianship.

MUSIC QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should demonstrate musical attainment and potential. Candidates should have Grade VIII Associated Board (or equivalent) in their main instrument/voice. Those with Grade VII (or equivalent) who show great potential may be accepted. Musical skills are assessed at interview, at which competence on piano will need to be demonstrated. Further information about the interview process is available on the Music Department website. Applicants from outside the UK must also meet the above performance requirement.

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide