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Modules I took were:
Western Music and Its Contexts A: Focusing on different periods of music in depth, with an essay for each and a final exam.
Western Music and Its Contexts B: Same as above, but different periods.
Introduction to Classical Analysis: Analysing classical pieces. ... Read review
Advantages: Top rated, excellent oppurtunities, small intake, good options Disadvantages: None really
...my first year of a music degree at The University of Manchester. Overall, I would rate the tuition and facilities as totally excellent. Even the lecturer strike had no effect on my studies, it didn't for the rest of the University either - they had a guarantee that exams would continue etc. and this was held to be true. This was quite impressive, considering the trouble students at other Universities had.
The first year consisted mainly ... ...were:
Western Music and Its Contexts A: Focusing on different periods of music in depth, with an essay for each and a final exam.
Western Music and Its Contexts B: Same as above, but different periods.
Introduction to Classical Analysis: Analysing classical pieces. Had assignments to do and a final exam.
Principles of Musical Structure: Analysing pieces but focusing on the structure e.g. ... more
I have just completed my first year of a music degree at The University of Manchester. Overall, I would rate the tuition and facilities as totally excellent. Even the lecturer strike had no effect on my studies, it didn't for the rest of the University either - they had a guarantee that exams would continue etc. and this was held to be true. This was quite impressive, considering the trouble students at other Universities had.
The first year consisted mainly of core/compulsory modules, but most of the second year is optional. Basically, everyone is brought up to the same standard in the first year - and this generally happened.
Modules I took were:
Western Music and Its Contexts A: Focusing on different periods of music in depth, with an essay for each and a final exam.
Western Music and Its Contexts B: Same as above, but different periods.
Introduction to Classical Analysis: Analysing classical pieces. Had assignments to do and a final exam.
Principles of Musical Structure: Analysing pieces but focusing on the structure e.g. 12-tone music and fugues. Assignments and a final exam.
Composition I (optional, could either do this or Musicianship Skills or Notation): Composition exercises every week and a final submission. I choose to do electroacoustic, the facilities for this are truly excellent.
Harmony + Counterpoint I: Not always that fun, but it needs to be done. All sorts of harmony exercises, focusing on Bach Chorale Style and the Renaissance Palestrina Style. Assessment by a minuet composition and completion of a chorale and palestrina style piece.
Notated Sound: About how to notate clearly and professionally, and includes aural listening (with a very challenging test in my view - makes you work and think hard though!)
Performance I: Lessons all year and a mock recital, then an assessed short recital. Lessons were paid for for your first study, second study you have to pay for.
You are either in orchestra of choir as well in the year. I was in choir because violin was my second study. It was very well led when I was there.
There is so much music concerts and events going on, as the RNCM is just down the road, and the Halle (Bridgewater Hall). Students often put on and contribute to events themselves. The Thursday lunchtime concert series is really good (and free). Much of the public come and listen too them too, not just students. I saw Lore Lixenberg sing (in the original WestEnd Jerry Springer The Opera!)
Another thing is Manchester is strong in composition, especially electroacoustic, and the composers often premiere their own works.
There's loads more to say. I do find it hard to say anything negative about the course, probably I am biased because I go there, but really there isn't anything drastically wrong with the course. You have to be academically and musically strong to enter the course, albeit they didn't interview when I went, so your personal statement and grades are of paramount important.
If you want to go, be prepared to do a fair few essays!
Advantages: Friendly with a strong course Disadvantages: Not many opportunities for solo performance
If you're planning to study music at university, Royal Holloway is definitely worth considering. This may be coming from a biased viewpoint, considering that I go there, but the department can claim to be one of the best in the country (having been awarded 5* in the latest two Research Assessment Exercises), while being more relaxed than somewhere like Oxford or Cambridge.
The department is housed across the road from the main campus, in a lovely little building complete with narrow corridors and winding staircases, which just gives it a bit more character than many other 60s-esqe, concrete office-block type departments. It's a reasonably small (although growing) department, with about 50 people in each year. Which means that you can quite easily get to know nearly everyone in your year, at least to say hello to, and many people in ...
butimba 15.09.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Music
Advantages: Very in-depth, interesting and rewarding course. Disadvantages: Home project kit a bit of a disappointment
TA212 - Music Technology
Passing this course is counted as 60 Points at Level 2 towards either a BA or BSc Open University degree. Please note this a review of the TA212 course in 2008 so there may be some slight differences. In 2008 (and hence also in my review) there were 7 TMAs but the 2009 course only has 6 for example, other than that I should the subject matter is very similar if not exactly the same. A full description, as well as the cost and study dates, of the current course can be found here:
www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?C01eTA212
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
It had been over 10 years since I last studied with the Open University so I wanted to start back with a subject I felt fairly familiar with but, more importantly, that I would enjoy studying and find rewarding. Having worked in IT for over 20 years and been ...
richb90 12.01.2009 (17.02.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Music
I've just finished my first year at Bristol University, as a student of Joint French and Music, and it's quite honestly been the best year of my life. Bristol University maintains a fantastic reputation and high ranking year in, year out, however their Music department remains something of a hidden gem.
My principal instrument is the harp, and I'm sure that the opportunities the Bristol Music department has offered me are far more varied and far more numerous than at any other department in the country. Possibly, this is due to the fact that the department is so small. Only 30/40 students (joint and single honours) are admitted each year, and this inevitably leads to smaller, more intimate classes where we have lots of one-on-one time with our lecturers and professors. What's really wonderful, is that the staff genuinely seem ...
Angelharpist 08.06.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Music
