Music

Music courses at the OCA

Currently we have four course modules in music, two at Level 1 (HE4), and one each at Levels 2 and 3 (HE5 and 6). They can be studied either on a standalone basis or as part of a degree. They focus on music composition and history - but not performance.

A good starting point would be Music 1: From the Present to the Past. This is a non-technical course, designed for those wanting to explore western classical music. Instead of starting with the renaissance and travelling forwards towards the present day (as most courses do), our course starts where we are now, with composers such as John Rutter and James MacMillan. We explore contemporary influences and techniques first and then work back through previous generations asking similar questions about the leading composers; for each of the principal periods we look also at repertoire, form and instruments.

The other three courses all focus on composing music. They are ideally studied in sequence starting with Level 1 (HE4), as the next levels build on the earlier work. They were written for us by award winning British composer Patric Standford. You will become proficient with the tools and techniques of composition – and these are equally relevant whether your principal interest is in mainstream ‘classical’ music or genres such as jazz, popular music, folk, or world music. Some prior knowledge of music theory is important – such as Grade 5 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Music tutors

All OCA music tutors are not only highly qualified in an HE context but also active and successful composers and musicians in their own right. Follow this link for more details please visit the Music Tutors page.

Obtaining a degree

All the music course modules can be studied as part of the BA Hons degree programme in Creative Arts. You will also need to choose some options from other subject areas (such as Creative Writing, Fine Art, or Photography) so as to complete the seven modules required. For details on the structure of an OCA degree, please see HERE.

If you are keen to obtain a specialist degree in music, you may like to consider topping up your studies at the OCA with one or more courses at another institution (e.g. the Open University). It is usually possible to obtain credits for courses studied elsewhere, providing both institutions are part of the UK Credit and Accumulation Scheme. This is a technical area, however, and we would recommend that you seek professional advice from the Academic Registrar at the institutions you are considering.

Future plans

We do have plans to further extend our range of course modules and degree programmes over the next few years. One such plan is to build up a full degree in music through adding new course modules at Levels 2 and 3 (HE5 and 6) – but we must stress that there is no firm commitment to do so as yet. Please check this website from time to time to keep up to date with our plans.

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