Music

Music

Introduction

Music at Aberdeen is a wonderful opportunity to learn, compose and perform with world-renowned composers, conductors, musicologists and researchers working in all genres, styles and periods. You will benefit from first-class facilities and instruments, have unrivalled opportunities to grow as a musician and performer, be part of the vibrant musical scene in north-east Scotland, and have options to specialise in teaching music or working with music in community settings.

Our Degrees

We offer a range of Music degrees which you can read more about below.

View available degree programmes

Aberdeen is the ideal environment and location to study music, with 500 years of musical history and heritage and a vibrant cultural identity which celebrates the traditional while embracing the modern.

Students entering the BMus may have specific career aspirations including editing, writing and presenting music, composing and performing. However, our programmes are designed so that if you are undecided on your ultimate career you can benefit from a two year foundation in music before choosing a specific programme, studying for example performance, composition, theory, musicianship and a broad overview of music history. You may also wish to eventually specialise in teaching in the BMus (Education) programme.

The study of music prepares students for a wide variety of careers not only in music but also in education, in the media and in business. Aberdeen graduates are forging careers in music agencies and in the management of London and Scottish orchestras.

You will thrive in our friendly and vibrant international community, on our beautiful medieval campus with great facilities for learning, sports and leisure, and gain opportunities to widen your skills and interests, and broaden your horizons through study abroad.

Why Study Music at Aberdeen?

  • Our academic staff are internationally recognised experts in composition, performance, musicology, music education and music and communities, including royal composer Paul Mealor and other rising stars.
  • The University has a full Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Chapel choirs with growing international reputations, Choral and Opera Societies, and consorts and ensembles across all instruments.
  • Specialist facilities include state-of-the-art studios for electroacoustic music, as well as a collection of historic instruments including a 1771 Kirkman harpsichord.
  • Excellent performance venues and opportunities, with our early sixteenth-century Chapel often used for services and performances of sacred and concert music, with a magnificent Aubertin organ - the first in the UK.
  • Opportunities to perform at ceremonies, graduations, recitals, and the annual May Festival for talented students in Scottish traditional and classical instruments, and vocalists.
  • The prestigious Ogston Music Prize, and a range of scholarships and special support for students with outstanding talent.
  • Three state-of-the-art Electroacoustic Composition studios as well as a number of Music Technology workstations.
  • Aberdeen city known as a lively centre for music, with links to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Aberdeen City Music School, North East of Scotland Music School, and the region's growing Sound festival.
  • Masterclasses with leading musicians and the annual May Festival which showcases Aberdeen talent welcomes internationally acclaimed choirs, orchestras and musicians to campus every spring.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX