Folk and Traditional Music BMus Honours UCAS Code: W340  (4 years)

Course outline: Established in 2001, this is the first performance-based degree programme in folk and traditional music to be offered in England and Wales. The course explores folk music in its traditional and revived forms, through practical work (including composition in addition to performance) and academic work. Study focuses on folk music itself (with an emphasis on the music of Britain and Ireland), the historical and cultural contexts in which it flourishes, as well as relating it to other musical styles and genres. The course is run in collaboration with Folkworks, the educational charity for traditional music, dance and song, based at the Sage Gateshead music centre.

Programme Delivered by:

Stages 1 and 2: Half the modules studied are devoted to music skills, music history and popular music studies, but with a particular emphasis on the folk and traditional musics of Britain and Ireland. The other half of the modules are performance studies, both one-to-one lessons and ensemble work. This breadth of study helps you to explore your strengths and particular interests to inform specialist choices in later Stages of the degree. Students who complete just Stages 1 and 2 of the programme will be eligible for an Undergraduate Diploma in Folk and Traditional Music.

Stages 3 and 4: Performance modules continue to be important and typically occupy about half of your time. Modules on ethnomusicology and cultural theory are taken from a common core shared with other music students across the School. You choose from a range of options covering different topics and activities including composition, teaching methods and music business. There are also opportunities to take a wide range of other music modules in subjects such as ballad studies, songs of struggle, and the music of the southern states of the USA. At Stage 4 you undertake at least one specialist study, assessed through a dissertation, portfolio or recital.

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