Module options for visiting students
Department of Music About the department
The internationally-renowned Department of Music is one of the largest and most distinguished in the United Kingdom and in the 2008 government-led Research Assessment Exercise, the department was rated top in the country. The modules listed below are available to all Study Abroad, International Exchange and Erasmus Students, provided that sufficient prior knowledge and experience of the subject can be shown where required. The Music Department reserves the right to review each application to assess the suitability of the applicant and his/her chosen module(s).
Entry requirements The modules listed below are open to all Study Abroad, International and Erasmus students, subject to any required previous knowledge or qualifications, as stated in the module outlines below. Each module is either 15 or 30 UK credits and starts in either the Autumn Term (September) or the Spring Term (January). Level One Modules: There are no formal pre-requisites, but a background in music and music theory is seen as very beneficial to students. Students without A Level Music or Grade 8 ABRSM Theory (or equivalent) will be required to take MU1111 Fundamentals of Music Theory in their first term. Level Two Modules: A solid foundation in the rudiments of Western music (an ability to read music fluently, identify key signatures, rhythms, etc.) plus an understanding of Western harmony (an ability to write and/or identify harmonic progressions) is required for Intermediate modules, as well as completion of any first year modules at undergraduate level in music theory. Level Three Modules: Advanced knowledge and extensive experience in the subject area and at least two years of experience is expected. Please note that these are advanced modules, typically equal to senior year/graduate level work in the USA. Performance Modules: Subject to an audition that will take place once you arrive on campus. If you have chosen a performance module, be prepared for a 10 minute audition, but also have a back-up course module. The information contained in the course outlines on the following pages is correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change as part of our policy of continuous improvements and development.
royalholloway.ac.uk/MUSIC
Module options for visiting students
Level One: Module Module name/ UK Start date Module description/pre-requisites code pre-requisites Credits MU1110 Theory & Analysis 15 Term 2 The module addresses the contrapuntal, melodic, harmonic and formal elements of tonal music. Students are credits introduced to analytical concepts and then practice deploying them, through listening, score study and the (January completion of practical exercises. Syllabus Information 2021) MU1111 Fundamentals of Music 15 Term 1 The aim of this module is to develop students' awareness of music theory through practical exercises and musical Theory credits analysis. Through practical exercises that focus on musical literacy as well as aural awareness, students develop the (September ability to identify and analyse the musical parameters of metre, rhythm, pitch, harmony, counterpoint and form. In- 2020) class exercises may focus on listening, whereas exercises for self-study or small-group work may include written exercises. Tasks set for private study between classes provide a basis for students to continue their own practical training throughout their musical careers. Syllabus Information
MU1112 Creative Composition 15 Terms 1 & 2 The module may include the study of soundworlds and scale formations, the vertical dimension (chords & Techniques credits simultaneities), the horizontal dimension (melody & voice leading), and developments in rhythm, harmonic (September vocabulary and tonalities, form in contemporary composition, acoustic timbre and texture. 2020) Syllabus Information MU1113 Practical Composition 15 Terms 1 & 2 The module may include the study of writing for solo instrument or voice with accompaniment, writing for small chamber ensemble, introduction to media and film music or studio techniques. Syllabus Information Skills credits (September 2019) MU1114 Very Short History of 15 Term 1 The module will offer students a conceptual map of musical styles, composers and practices by introducing them to a Music credits wide chronological range of repertories, from early music to music of the 20th century. It will emphasise questions of (September change, interaction and transmission through the study of forms and repertories in their historical context. 2019) Syllabus Information MU1115 Introduction to 15 Term 2 This module introduces students to the different kinds of historical question that we can ask about music, and Historical Musicology credits interrogates some of the terminology and categories frequently used in the secondary literature (e.g. canonisation, (January reception, tradition, nationalism, exoticism, the work concept). Syllabus Information 2020)
Module options for visiting students
MU1116 Introduction to World 15 credits Term 2 The module may include the study of World Music (culture, contact & concepts), South America: Andes to Amazon, Music Africa: Jaliya and Mbira, Indonesia: Sundanese Gamelan), North India: The Classical Tradition, Papua New Guinea: (January The Kaluli or Iran: The Persian Classical Tradition (music & religion). Syllabus Information 2020) MU1117 Contemporary 15 credits Term 1 This module will survey some of the key contemporary issues in music that have arisen from the changes of the Debates in Music modern world, as well as contemporary debates in musicology. The 20th century in particular has seen a (September transformation of musical cultures across the world, and this module looks at a range of the issues that have 2019) emerged as a result. Syllabus Information
MU1118 Solo Performance 15 credits Terms 1 & 2 This module aims to further students’ skills as performers through regular lessons with an approved visiting teacher. Students will be offered opportunities to perform in practical seminars where matters of interpretation and stage (Audition Required) (September manner will be discussed, as well as developing students' skills in delivering feedback. Syllabus Information 2019) MU1119 Creative Ensemble 15 credits Terms 1 & 2 The module will use workshops and lectures to encourage the abilities to work creatively and constructively as a Performance team. This will include preparing ensemble performances, group participation and self-organisation, with coaching (September sessions replacing lectures in term 2. Syllabus Information 2019)
Level Two: MU2000 Studies in Music 15 credits Term 1 This module introduces a range of important concepts for analysing music. Students will broaden their knowledge Analysis (through scores/recordings) of a wide range of Western musical repertoire through analytical methods and learn the (September vocabulary technical proficiency necessary for reading/evaluating analyses of music by scholars from those 2019) traditions. Syllabus Information
MU2001 Studies in Composition 15 credits Terms 1 & 2 Students will develop knowledge of a range of fundamental techniques of musical composition with particular focus on structure, harmonic control and the manipulation of rhythmic/melodic material. Key works by a diverse range of (September composers will be used as springboards for your own musical invention. Syllabus Information 2019)
Module options for visiting students
MU2002 Studies in Music 15 credits Term 2 This module introduces students to a wide range of issues in the history of music. Questions of style history, technical History developments in musical composition, and the relation of music to broader political, artistic, intellectual, and (January institutional histories are only the most obvious of those that will be interrogated in the course. Syllabus 2020) Information MU2003 Studies in 15 credits Term 1 In what way is ethnomusicology more than the study of world music genres? This introductory module examines key Ethnomusicology issues and topics in ethnomusicology such as fieldwork and ethnography, the music business, musical change, music (September cognition and approaches to instruments. 2019) Syllabus Information MU2004 Studies in Music, 15 credits Term 2 The module will introduce students to a range of ways in which electronic media and technology have affected and transformed musical cultures across the world. The module will cover a range of key phenomena and issues in Media & Technology (January contemporary musical culture that are inextricably linked to electronic media and technology. Syllabus Information 2020) MU2205 Practical Performance 15 credits Terms 1 & 2 This module offers instrumental/vocal lessons, culminating in a 20-minute recital at the end of term 2. Students are 1 (Audition Required) given opportunity to perform for and critique one another in a variety of genres and setups. Seminar topics covered (September include performance theory, performance anxiety, practice methods, improvisation and concert production. Syllabus 2019) Information
Level Two / Three: The following modules are offered at Intermediate and Honours level MU2213 Composition Portfolio 15 credits Terms 1 & 2 In this module you will create a mixed portfolio of compositions and develop skills in independent creative work. You will be encouraged to pursue your own individual approach to writing music with guidance from the course tutors (Co-Requisite: (September alongside a series of group lectures. Syllabus Information MU2001) 2019) MU2286 Wagner's Ring 15 credits Term 1 Wagner's Ring brings ancient myth, revolutionary politics, pessimistic philosophy, a critique of capitalism and modernity, and radical thoughts on race, gender, and sexuality – as well as giants, dwarves, gods, dragons, spears, (September magic helmets, and flying horses – into contact with around 14 hours of the most intensely dramatic, moving, and 2019) all-consuming music in history. This module provides an opportunity to dig deep into this perpetually stimulating, forever contemporary work. Syllabus Information MU2230 Musical Aesthetics 15 credits Term 1 This module examines some key ideas in the aesthetics, meaning and philosophy of music over the last two hundred years. It is concerned with theories of the nature of music, its capacity for expression and representation, its political (September value, and its relation to the natural and social world. Syllabus Information 2019)
Module options for visiting students
MU2290 Neoclassicism in 15 credits Term 2 This module will introduce students to a range of twentieth-century ‘modernist’ musical works composed in response Twentieth-Century to earlier models, placing them in a broader historical, analytical and aesthetic context. It aims to develop students’ (January analytical capacity, critical acumen, and musical understanding of the repertory covered. Syllabus Information Music 2020) MU2308 Music of the 15 credits Term 2 This module introduces some of the immensely rich oral traditions of music making from the Mediterranean region. It Mediterranean: Oral contextualises these musics and the region historically, ecologically, politically and socially, as well as considering (January aspects of the wider global impact of Mediterranean music. Besides examining case studies from at least three Traditions 2020) countries and several island contexts, the module will consider musical interactions across the Mediterranean, such as between Spain and the Maghreb. Syllabus Information
MU2323 Ensemble 15 credits Terms 1 & 2 This is a practical module (0.5 unit) spread over two terms which provides the opportunity to learn to perform a wide Performance in World variety of Andean music. All students learn a variety of rural ensemble genres including multiple types of panpipes (September (siku, qantu, sikuriada, jula jula) and several forms of flute (mohoseño, pinkillu, tarka), alongside a range of guitar Music: Andean Band 2019) songs. In addition, urban folklore repertoires will be taught (by a visiting Andean musician).
Syllabus Information
MU2337 Sounds and Cultures 15 credits Term 1 How did drag queens in Kabuki theatre come to be the epitome of Japanese femininity in the 19th C? What is Lang of East Asia Lang's role in the classical music and state capitalist boom of contemporary China? Has Gangnam Style done more (September or less for the image and reputation of Korean music internationally? This module will introduce students to a rich 2019) variety of music cultures found in East Asia and its diasporas (notably Japan, Korea and China), in guises from the traditional to the popular and hyper-modern. Syllabus Information
MU2338 Introduction to Jazz: 15 credits Term 1 This module is a historical and theoretical introduction to Jazz. Coverage of its origins and stylistic metamorphosis Theory, Practice and in the United States, as well as its globalised practice around the world today will be featured alongside a basic (September improvisation workshop. Cultural context and debates on race discourse and the politics of 'fusion' genres will be Contexts 2018) covered. Syllabus Information
Module options for visiting students
MU3415 Orchestras Around the 15 credits Term 2 This module explores different kinds of large ensembles known as ‘orchestras’ around the world. It provides World comparative perspectives on the social, performance and historical contexts of orchestral practices. Likely topics for (January lectures include: Symphony orchestras past, present and future (e.g. London Symphony Orchestra, City of
2020) Birmingham Symphony Orchestra); orchestral practice as social practice in Indonesia, the Caribbean and Europe; the politics of orchestral practices (e.g. El Sistema and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra). Syllabus Information to follow. MU3422 Brittens Operas 15 credits Term 1 Britten's operas are among the most performed and recorded of any in the twentieth century. His contribution to postwar British composition, as well as his activity as a performer (pianist and conductor) and a festival organizer (September make him a centrally important figure in music in Britain in the last century in a general sense. But it is in his operatic 2019) composition, perhaps more than anywhere, that his work exercises the greatest fascination. There the social, political, religious, psychological, and sexual preoccupations of his day, and his own perspective on them, are figured in music and dramatic characterizations of gripping and often intellectually and emotionally challenging forms. Syllabus Information