Music: Composition
York St John University
UCAS Code: W3R5 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Entry requirements
GCSE/National 4/National 5
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) including English Language
UCAS Tariff
About this course
Find your compositional voice and write music that inspires.
Develop your ability to compose music and explore composition for films, games and soundscape installations. Our tutors, who are accomplished composers will teach and inspire you. Become part of a vibrant musical network and hear professional ensembles perform the work your create.
The study of music should not be about one genre. It should be eclectic and embrace every musician, every style, background and culture. When you study music composition with us you do not just learn about classical, jazz and rock. You also learn about music from around the world and create music within unexpected genres.
Our course gives you the practical skills you need as a composer. You will learn by creating music and as you do so, you will refine your abilities in working with:
Music notation
Text scores
Lead sheets.
You will be able to work with student performers and ensembles as they interpret your pieces and bring them to life. This will give you valuable experience in composing for larger groups of musicians like bands, orchestras and choirs. Over your time with us you will build a portfolio of scores, recordings and a professional online presence.
We will challenge you to realise your creative potential. To explore your self expression and develop an understanding of music's place in society. You will collaborate with experienced musicians, community members, artists and arts organisations to develop your professional network.
Alongside your practical learning, you will also explore the theoretical aspects of music. Working alongside your classmates, postgraduate students and your lecturers, you will research and evaluate compositional concepts and processes.
Our enthusiastic and supportive team of experienced music tutors include performers, composers, teachers and community musicians. Their musical interests include everything from jazz and metal to choral music and brass bands.
Modules
Students on this programme will naturally take the composition options but will also be active in performing in ensembles. Alongside experience of Improvisation and Film Music, you may also explore aspects of community and education in the second year. There are many opportunities for hearing your compositions performed by fellow students as well as by visiting professional ensembles. Modules may include: Level 1: Vox; Drumming; Music Skills; Perspectives on Music. Level 2: Ensemble Performance; Improvisation; Composition; Solo Performance; Film Music; Music in Education & Lifelong Learning; Community Music; Experiments in Music; Sounds New. Approaching the Contemporary. Level 3: Enterprise & Employability in Music; Advanced Solo Performance; Advanced Composition; Community & Wellbeing; Ensembles & Leadership; Collaborative Project; Dissertation.
Tuition fees
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What students say
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Music
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Music
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Performing arts
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£14k
£17k
£20k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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