cardiff university school of music undergraduate brochure

Cardiff School of MusicUndergraduate Programmes

www.cardiff.ac.uk/music

Contents

3 Welcome to Cardiff School of Music4 Cardiff: the City6 Cardiff: the University8 Accommodation9 Student Life11 Cardiff School of Music: Your Environment12 Undergraduate Study14 Undergraduate Degree Programmes16 What do our Students say?17 What can you do with a music degree?19 Applying to Cardiff Music School20 Entry Requirements21 How to find us

www.cardiff.ac.uk/music 3

“As Head of the School of Music, witnessing theintellectual and musical development of studentsacross three years of study is a delight and a constantsource of fulfilment. The diversity of the student population,local, national and international, brings with it a naturalcuriosity and an eagerness to learn. All students are ableto explore new musical directions and to consolidateexpertise as they respond to the wide-ranging interestsand enthusiasms of staff.

Devoting three years of your life to the study of music isa privilege. We look forward to helping you maximize thatopportunity.”

High Quality TeachingAt Cardiff, you will become engaged in a vibrant musicalcommunity. You will be taught in a research environmentand benefit from interaction with staff who are working atthe frontiers of knowledge in their areas of expertise. Ourundergraduate programmes are flexible and challenging,allowing you to specialise and develop your own musicalinterests whilst acquiring a solid, broad-based education inaesthetics, analysis, composition, ethnomusicology, musichistory and performance.

Research ExcellenceThe School undertakes research work of internationalexcellence and is at the leading edge of innovation andthinking. The School’s reputation for international researchwas recognised in the UK government’s 2008 ResearchAssessment Exercise (an evaluation of research in UK

universities that takes place every 5 years). The paneljudged 70% of the School’s research to be either“internationally excellent” or “world-leading” making theschool one of the UK’s top departments. All our degreeprogrammes have a major element of independent,supervised project work, allowing students to undertaketheir own “cutting edge” research with the support andguidance of major authorities in the discipline. For furtherinformation on the research and teaching interests of thestaff see www.cardiff.ac.uk/music

Dynamic Learning EnvironmentWhat makes Cardiff School of Music such a dynamic placeto learn, is the unique blend of staff. You will be taught andsupported by leading academic researchers, who areinternational experts in the fields of musicology, compositionand ethnomusicology and have one-to-one practical tuitionprovided by professional performers, including members ofthe BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Orchestra of theWelsh National Opera. This combination generates anexciting and energetic learning environment in which tostudy. Our success is reflected in the feedback received inthe National Student Survey, in which Cardiff Music Schoolis consistently ranked very highly.

Home to the ArtsHome to the arts, Cardiff is the ideal location for the studyof Music in the UK. The city has a professional operacompany, the Welsh National Opera, and a professionalorchestra, the BBC NOW. The School of Music enjoys afruitful relationship with both organisations that allows, forinstance, students to attend dress rehearsals and buy cut-price tickets for concerts. The city also has two world-classvenues, the Millennium Centre and St David’s Hall, and theSchool’s Concert Hall is a significant venue for recitals,broadcasts and recordings.

Opening up the WorldAt Cardiff University, the world’s best meet the best ofBritish. The University has a long established tradition ofwelcoming students from overseas to its undergraduate andpostgraduate courses. Over 25,000 students from over100 countries study at Cardiff allowing for the developmentof a thriving international student community. Cardiff MusicSchool’s friendly atmosphere provides a unique opportunityfor students to build contacts and friendships withmusicians from across the globe, and we make every effortto ensure our international visitors settle in as quickly aspossible. For further details please visitwww.cardiff.ac.uk/international

Welcome to Cardiff School of Music

Professor David Wyn JonesHead of School of Music

4

Cardiff is one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Compact,green, friendly and full of life, it provides a first-classenvironment in which to live and study.

As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff has an impressive rangeof leisure, sporting and cultural amenities. Many of thefacilities are of international standard. The city boastsworld-class concert venues in the International Arena andSt David’s Hall, and is the focus of national andinternational sports events at the Millennium Stadium.

Culturally, Cardiff is well catered for, with the NationalMuseum Cardiff, several theatres covering a wide range oftastes and the historic Cardiff Castle. The city also boastsa vibrant shopping centre, numerous cinemas andrestaurants, great pubs and music venues. Thedevelopment of Cardiff Bay is a major attraction and ishome to the National Assembly for Wales and theimpressive Wales Millennium Centre.

Cardiff: the City

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay


Cardiff is a compact city with large areas of parkland andgood local transport. Unlike many other cities, it offers easyaccess to the countryside, coast and mountains. TheBrecon Beacons National Park is only a 30-minute drivefrom Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is withineasy reach. The city is also easily reached by road or railfrom other parts of Britain. Cardiff International Airport, justoutside the city, has frequent connections to Europe anddestinations outside the EU.

Cardiff combines the practical advantages of a small,friendly city with the cultural and recreational amenities ofa successful and modern capital. Such is the quality of the‘Cardiff experience’ that in a recent survey a large majorityof the students said they would like to stay and live in thecity after graduation.

“Cardiff is the epitome of cool, pulsing with acreative energy and relaxed atmosphere thatcomplements its youthful heritage.”

The Lonely Planet

“Cardiff is popular with students offering all theattractions of a large conurbation without such highprices as students experience elsewhere.”

The Times Good University Guide

“Cardiff is the up-and-coming cosmopolitanBritish city, a place jam-packed per square yardwith some of the best drinking, dancing andshopping outside London.”

Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities

Come and see for yourself . . .Cardiff benefits from excellent road and rail links withBritain’s other major towns and cities. London, for example,is two hours by train, and the M4 links both the west andsouth of England, as well as west Wales. Travel to theMidlands and the North is equally convenient. The journeyby road from Birmingham, for example, takes only twohours. The main coach and railway stations are bothcentrally placed and Cardiff also benefits from aninternational airport.

More online at:

www.visitcardiff.com

www.cardiff.ac.uk

www.cardiff.gov.uk

Cardiff’s Civic Centre, home to the University The Millennium Stadium

6

Cardiff University is recognised in independent governmentassessments as one of Britain’s leading teaching andresearch universities. Founded by Royal Charter in 1883,the University today combines impressive modern facilitiesand a dynamic approach to teaching and research with itsproud heritage of service and achievement. The University’sbreadth of expertise encompasses: the humanities; thenatural, physical, health, life and social sciences;engineering and technology.

The University has an outstanding location amidst theparks, Portland stone buildings and tree-lined avenues thatform the city’s elegant civic centre. Unusually for a civicuniversity, most of the University’s student residentialaccommodation is within easy walking distance of lecturetheatres, libraries and the Students’ Union, saving you timeand money. More than £200 million has been invested inthe university estate in recent years to provide new andrefurbished facilities of the highest quality.

Cardiff: the University

The University’s Main Building


Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain’sleading research universities. This creates a stimulatingenvironment for teaching, ensuring that you are exposedto the very latest thinking and that the most moderntechnology and equipment is available. Teaching at Cardiffhas been independently assessed as being of an excellentstandard. The Quality Assurance Agency for HigherEducation, which undertakes assessments with all UKuniversities, confirmed that prospective students, parents,teachers and graduate employers can have everyconfidence in the quality and standards of Cardiff’s awards.Feedback in the recent National Student Surveys has alsobeen very positive.

The student population is drawn from a variety ofbackgrounds, with students attracted from throughoutWales, the rest of the UK and world-wide. The Universitycurrently has around 25,000 undergraduate andpostgraduate students and there is an almost equalbalance between male and female students. Internationalstudents comprise some 17% of the total studentpopulation. Government performance indicators show thatstudents at Cardiff are more likely to succeed in theirstudies than students at most other UK universities.Currently, 95% of students successfully complete ortransfer, better than many similar universities and betterthan the UK national average.

“With a strong academic reputation andexcellent facilities, Cardiff continues to gofrom strength to strength.”

The Guardian University Guide

“Cardiff is surely one of the best deals going: tip-topacademically, still not the hardest to get into and afantastic extra-curricular scene. There’s no excuseto leave with just a degree listed on your CV.”

The Virgin Alternative Guideto British Universities

“Cardiff has established itself as the front runner inWelsh higher education . . . it is a match for mostrivals in teaching and research and the overallperformance is amongst the best in Britain.”


More online at:

www.cardiff.ac.uk

Students have access to the latest IT facilities Cardiff has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere

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Cardiff has always attached great importance to theprovision of student accommodation and has investedheavily in recent years to provide some of the highestquality residences in the UK university sector. Most ofthe accommodation is located close to the academicbuildings. All first year undergraduates (who apply duringthe normal admissions cycle) are guaranteed a place inuniversity accommodation. There is a choice of cateredor self-catered residences.

New residences have been built in recent years and manyof the older ones have been refurbished to a high standard.The majority of the 5,300 study bedrooms have en-suiteshower and toilet facilities and all halls of residence havecomputer network connection points.

Accepting an offer of a place at Cardiff University on afirm basis and completing your online AccommodationRequest Form promptly increases the chances of youraccommodation preferences being met. Full details of allUniversity-owned accommodation are provided in theUniversity Residences Guide.

Besides managing University property, the ResidencesOffice maintains close links with the private sector andprovides assistance to students seeking to rent or sharehouses or flats.

“Guaranteed accommodation in halls and houses forfirst years. Very high quality and relatively cheap.”

Equitable Student Book

AccommodationMore online at:

www.cardiff.ac.uk/residences

A typical study bedroom There is a range of catered andself-catered accommodation available

Talybont Court, the University’s newest residence

As a fast developing capital city, Cardiff is a great placeto be a student. It’s large enough to offer you an excitingvariety of activities and entertainment, but small enoughfor you to feel comfortable in.

The Students’ UnionCardiff Students’ Union is one of the biggest, bestand most active in Britain. Solus, the Great Hall andthe Taf are among the Union’s major attractions. Solus isthe students’ own high quality nightclub, and is the secondlargest in South Wales. The Great Hall is a 1,500 capacityvenue for major concerts and the Taf Bar is the Union’svery own ‘local’. Other facilities include CF10, a caféoffering a variety of hot and cold food, a general shop andoff licence, University bookshop, computer shop, a gamesroom and video arcade, five full size snooker tables andtwelve pool tables, satellite TV, banking and insuranceservices. The Union also has its own letting agency andStudent Advice centre. It is also home to Xpress Radio(the students’ own radio station), an award-winning studentnewspaper, and more than 150 cultural, political, religious,social and sporting societies.

Staff-Student Relations and theMusic SocietyThe School of Music benefits from excellent staff-studentrelations, not least on account of its student-staff panel,which comprises elected student representatives andmembers of staff. This committee meets regularly todiscuss matters of importance and concern to studentsand is influential in the School’s annual review of itsdegree programmes.

The friendly atmosphere in the School is further fosteredby the Music Society, an active group of students whichorganises a series of lunch-time concerts and numeroussocial and other events. And the weekly rehearsals and theconcerts of the University Choir and Orchestra are sociallyas well as musically rewarding.

JobshopThe Unistaff Jobshop is a student employment service thatprovides casual, clerical and catering jobs around theUniversity to hundreds of students.


Student LifeMore online at:

www.cardiffstudents.com

www.wpsaonline.co.uk

The University has three sports centres

Solus nightclub, the Union’s state-of-the-art nightclub

“Cardiff Students’ Union is the biggest and bestequipped in Britain.”

The Independent

“Cardiff Students’ Union is independently recognisedas the biggest and best in Britain.”

Equitable Student Book

“The Students’ Union provides an excellent range offacilities, clubs and societies.”



The School of Music is housed in a purpose-built buildinglocated within Cardiff’s magnificent civic centre. The Musicbuilding provides accommodation for all Music lectures,seminars and tutorials, allowing for the development of aclose-knit learning community. On the left of the building,with its own entrance foyer, is the School’s Concert Hall.This is the home to both the annual Concert Series of theUniversity, and to the practical music-making activities ofthe School. The discipline of Music has been taught atCardiff University for over 125 years, and continues toprovide a challenging, vibrant, energetic learningenvironment for students.

Teaching / Studio FacilitiesOnce inside the main Music Building you will find all theamenities you need to facilitate your music studies. Allteaching activity is located in the main three-storey building,where a number of lecture theatres and seminar rooms canbe found. The building is also home to over two dozenpractice rooms, three ensemble rooms and four electro-acoustic studios. The main recording studio is fully equippedto industry standard, including the latest ProTools hardwareand software.

The Music LibraryNext door to the main Music Building, in Aberdare Hall, youwill find Cardiff’s own dedicated and extensive Music library.The library houses over 18,000 scores and printed music,9,000 books and 8,000 recordings, as well as archivecollections of manuscript and printed music, music journals,videos and DVDs. Expert subject librarians are available toassist with advice and specialist IT training.

Computing FacilitiesCardiff Music School and Cardiff University have recentlyinvested in a new £250,000 computer resource centre andlecture theatre on the ground floor of the Music Building.The computer suite contains both Macintosh and PCcomputers all running the latest Sibelius notation software.There are also a number of dedicated Digital AudioWorkstations which include full-size music keyboards andheadphones.

Performance FacilitiesThe School has a 250-seat Concert Hall which hosts about25 public concerts each year. The Hall houses two concertgrand pianos (Steinway and Bösendorfer), a two-manualpipe organ, a chamber organ, a fortepiano, two harpsichordsand various other early keyboard instruments, as well aspercussion instruments, all of which are available for studentuse. There is also a collection of reproduction ‘period’instruments.

The Concert Hall is integral to the life and work of theSchool, acting as the centre for both student music-making,and the School’s prestigious Tuesday-evening concert series(see http://concerts.cf.ac.uk for details). Much of thismusic-making connects directly with our undergraduateprogrammes, and a range of visiting professional performersfrequently hold master-classes and workshops with ourstudents in composition as well as performance. Thisprovides undergraduates with a rare opportunity to learnfrom professional musicians of the highest quality. Tuesdaynight performances are often recorded for future broadcaston BBC Radio 3.

Performance OpportunitiesOne of the attractive features of studying at Cardiff is therichness and diversity of its music-making. You’ll discoverthat there’s an enormous range of musical societiespromoting orchestral, choral and chamber music, as wellas a contemporary music group. We also activelyencourage our students to use the University Concert Hallto stage their own lunch-time concert series, and have adedicated School Concert Coordinator to offer support andguidance. In the unlikely event that the type of music youwant to play isn’t already happening at Cardiff, you canalways set up a new group.

The School maintains a strong commitment to the musicallife of the campus, the city and the region, and prides itselfon its level of practical music-making. Reaching out to thewider community, the University Choral Society, UniversitySymphony Orchestra and School ensembles regularlyperform in Cardiff’s leading venues as well as further afield.

Cardiff School of Music: Your Environment

Undergraduate study

12

“At Cardiff we ensure that nostudent remains anonymous.From arrival our students arefully immersed into our activemusical and academiccommunity. Each student isallocated a personal supervisorthroughout their time atCardiff to ensure they havethe support and guidance whenselecting their module options.”

Studying Music at CardiffCardiff has one of the largest and most diverse musicprogrammes in the UK, offering a high degree of flexibilityand student choice. Through its undergraduate programmes,the School offers a highly stimulating environment forstudents interested in a practical, scholarly and creativeengagement with music. Our undergraduate curriculum isstrong in traditional musicological and musical skills, but isalso wide-ranging and imaginative, reflecting contemporarydevelopments in music and musicology. During your threeyears at Cardiff, you will have the opportunity to exploreaspects of music that will probably be unfamiliar to you,including ethnomusicology, popular music and musicaesthetics. Cardiff has intentionally designed a flexiblemodular scheme of study to ensure that our students havethe greatest opportunity to develop new skills, whilst alsohaving the opportunity to engage with new musical interests.

The first year in Music is essentially a foundation yearpreparing students to take advantage of the creative andintellectual benefits of higher education. The second andfinal year courses are more advanced and focus on morespecialist topics, encouraging a greater level of concentrationon areas of particular interest. To complement academicstudy, students are actively encouraged to join either theUniversity Choir or Orchestra and other ensembles.

StructureEach year is divided into an autumn and a spring semester,and has a modular structure. Modules may be single (10credit modules taught and examined in one semester) ordouble (20 credit modules taught and examined over one ortwo semesters). At the start of each year you will be given amore comprehensive guide containing further details onmodule aims, learning outcomes, methods of assessment,module syllabuses, and reading and listening lists. Studentsare invited to seek guidance and advice over module choiceswith their personal tutors.

Teaching Methods and AssessmentsThe methods of assessment vary from module-to-moduleand you may be assessed by a range of essay assignments,presentations, extended projects, performance, and writtenexams. Two thirds of the course in the first year is taught insmall groups or individually. Nearly half of the third-yearcourse involves intensive one-to-one teaching.

“For a professional composer,national borders can be blurry:I am from New York and I teachcomposition at Cardiff University,as well as regularly travelling torehearsals and performances ofmy work around the UK and abroad.

Much of my teaching at Cardiffinvolves helping students to compose pieces forworkshops with professional musicians. Many studentswho come to Cardiff to study Composition at theundergraduate level continue to progress through toMMus and PhD. It’s immensely rewarding to be able tooffer these opportunities and help students to discovertheir own creativity.”

Dr Arlene Sierra (Senior Lecturer)

Academic Staff

Dr Tim Taylor (Director of Undergraduate Studies)

Academic Staff

Study AbroadStudents reading for a degree in music also have theopportunity of studying abroad as part of theirundergraduate programme. The School has links withuniversities in the following cities: Berlin, Cologne, Freiburg,Helsinki, Innsbruck, Lisbon, Milan, Paris, Rouen,Salamanca, Thessaloniki and Venice. While the programmeis open to students taking the BA / BMus route, it isparticularly suitable for those students studying Music anda Modern Language. The period of study abroad may beone semester or up to a full academic year, and is usuallytaken in the second (BMus; BA Hons), or third (BA JointHons involving a modern language) year.

International VisitorsAs part of the EU ERASMUS Scheme, the School alsowelcomes a number of international students from theirhome countries. Students are attracted from across Europeto spend a semester or a year of study at the School andfrequently return to pursue their PG studies. Theinternational student body helps provide for a lively debatein seminars and tutorials, broadening the perspectives ofour UK based students.

Robin Stowell’s formal education in theuniversity and conservatoire sectorssparked his research interests inhistorical performance and music of the‘long eighteenth century’. He has sincepublished several books and articles onhistorically informed performance, and has becomerecognized as a world authority in these areas. ProfessorStowell combines his scholarly and practical interests inhis university teaching, contributing to modules inensemble playing, performance practice, the history ofmusical instruments and the editing of early music.

Professor Robin Stowell

“I grew up in Oakland, California,and moved to Cardiff in 1997 forpostgraduate study. It was here at theSchool of Music that I began to studypopular music and popular culture.Popular music is a huge field of study,and in my modules I teach the history of popular music,and also look at the cultural and social factors thathave shaped popular music since World War II. After all,there’s always a new way of hearing familiar music.”

Dr Sarah Hill (Lecturer)

French Music andNational Identity

1848-1902

British Music in theTwentieth Century

Orchestration

Music Society Concert

Studio Techniques:MIDI and Synthesisers

19.00-21.00:University Choir


Formal Functions in theClassical Tradition

An example of the Second-Year Timetable

Opera from Handel toWeber

Ethnomusicology: Music inCross-Cultural Perspective

Jazz in the Modern World

Russian Music up to 1914

Music & Idea: FromEnlilghtenment to

Romanticism

Performance Practice

Chamber Orchestra

3.30-5.00:Chamber Choir

Issues in Popular Music

Harmonic Practice1750-1900

Careers Talks

John BirdPublic Lecture

19.30:Chamber Concert

Analysing C20th Music

Intro to SchenkerianAnalysis

Practical Lesson

Composition

Fundamental Acoustics

ContemporaryMusic Group

18.30-21.00:Symphony Orchestra

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9:30

11:10

12:10

13:10

14:10

15:10

Evening

Academic Staff

Academic Staff

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BMusIf you wish to concentrate on Music, then the BMusprogramme offers the most in-depth study, allowing you tospend all your time studying music. It also enables you totake the specialist 30-credit options of Composition and /or Public Recital in Year 3 (these options are not availableon the BA and BSc programmes).

• UCAS Code - W302Degree Programme - BMus HonsYear - 1-3No. of Music Credits - 120 credits per year

There are a number of compulsory modules that BMusstudents must complete throughout their studies; these areidentified by an asterisk in the tables below. 120 Musiccredits must be completed each academic year, and thesemust be selected from those offered within the School. Aselection of the current modules available in Music aredetailed below; these are subject to change each academicyear as we continue to refine the programme.

Year One

• The Full Works (t)• Composition 1a• Ethnomusicology I: Music in Human Life• From Page to Stage• Practical*• Repertoire Studies*(t)• A History of Popular Music• Elements of Tonal Music I* (t)• The History of Musical Instruments• Elements of Tonal Music II* (t)• Composition 1b

* = Compulsory for BMus(t) = taught in small groups

Year Two

• Composition II• Harmonic Practice 1750-1900• Orchestration I• From Worksongs to Bebop• Russian Music up to 1914• Analysing 20th Century Music• Music and Idea• Performance Practice• Formal Functions in the Classical Tradition*• Studio Techniques I: MIDI and Synthesisers• French Music and National Identity• Orchestration II• British Music in the 20th Century• Opera from Handel to Weber• Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis• Jazz in the Modern World• Ethnomusicology II• Issues in Popular Music• Practical Musicianship II

* = Compulsory for BMus

Year Three (Final Year)

• Composition III (1-1)• Recital (1-1)• Project in Music Analysis (1-1)• Composition (1-1)• Project in Ethnomusicology (1-1)• The Birth of Modernism• Nineteenth Century Italian Opera• The Romantic Opera and the New German School• Studio Techniques II• 20th Century Contrapuntal Practice• The Birth of Modernism• Polish Music and the Search for Identity• Innovation and Tradition in French Music• Idea of Absolute Music• Stravinsky & the Twentieth Century• Notation and Editing of Early Music

1-1 = one-to-one teaching

Undergraduate Degree Programmes


BA Music (Single Hons Music / Joint Honours)If you would like to combine your Music studies withanother Humanities subject (including Maths) you shouldenrol for a BA programme. This option will allow you tocombine modules from the School of Music with aselection of modules offered by 10 other programmes ofstudy across the University. If you decide to opt for thisroute you will be required to complete a minimum numberof credits per academic year in the School of Music, detailsare given below. A wide selection of modules is availablefrom within the Music School; see page 14 for furtherdetails. For further information on Joint HonoursProgrammes, see the list of UCAS codes on page 20.

• UCAS Code - W300

Degree Programme - BA Single Hons (Music)

Year 1 - No. of Music Credits - 80 credits

Year 2 - No. of Music Credits - Minimum 100 credits

Year 3 - No. of Music Credits - Minimum 100 credits

• UCAS Code - Various Codes (See page 20)

Degree Programme - BA Joint Hons

Year 1 - No. of Music Credits - 80 credits(recommended) (NB. Maths and Music 60 credits)



BSc (Physics with Music)The links between music and science are uniquelyrecognised at Cardiff. This programme of study will allowyou to combine music (one third) with physics (two thirds).For further information contact Dr Carole Tucker of theCardiff School of Physics (029 2087 4144).

• UCAS Code - FW33

Degree Programme - BSc Hons Physics and Music

Year 1-3 - No. of Music Credits - 40 credits

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We asked a representative group of students to writeabout their time as a Cardiff music student. This is whatthey said.

“During my studies at Cardiff I wasfortunate to have regular one-to-one vocal training by a professionalvocal tutor. I could not have askedfor better training or a moreenthusiastic tutor. Membership ofthe University Chamber Choir alsogave me the opportunity to try outnew repertoire. A particularhighlight for me was being asked tosing the role of Philadel in Purcell’s King Arthur.”

Rhiannon Owen (BMus, Porthcawl, South Wales)

“What attracted me to Cardiff Schoolof Music was the range of topicscovered from history to analysis aswell as composition andperformance. During my time hereI have grown to enjoy contemporarymusic much more than I thoughtwas possible and I put this down tothe study of analysis of 20th centurymusic as well as history modules‘Modernism’ and ‘20th Century British Music’. I thinkyou should study at Cardiff University if you want avaried and rounded music education which will prepareyou for almost any career path in music.”

Jon Yardley (BMus, Wolverhampton, England)

“I chose Cardiff Music School as itemitted a very warm and welcomingatmosphere to international students.Members of staff were alwaysextremely helpful and were alwayshappy to offer additional help andguidance to ensure I settled in well.I enjoyed my time at Cardiff so muchthat I have returned to complete myPhD at the School.”

Anke Henkel(International Student from Hunfeld, Germany)

“I decided to study Music at Cardiff asa number of friends who had previouslystudied at the School highlyrecommended it, and they have allgone to have successful careers withinthe field. As a mature student I wasconcerned that I would feeloverwhelmed returning to University, but these concernswere unfounded as I was able to seek support from veryenthusiastic staff, and the teaching progressed at a paceI was comfortable with. There have been so manypositive experiences and opportunities so far, making fora very fulfilling first year!”

Ciara Read (BMus, Colorado, USA)

“Coming from the Isle of Man anda small community, Cardiff wasthe perfect place to study. The cityhas all the excitement of a capital,but is small enough to keep thatcommunity feel. The musicdepartment is small enough to bea friendly, welcoming environment,but big enough to give you plenty ofopportunities as a musician and as a student. I was ableto study all aspects of music, whilst at the same timethe ethnomusicology modules allowed me to develop aninterest in traditional music from my homeland.”

Cinzia Yates (BMus, PhD, Isle of Man)

“The most appealing aspect of theSchool of Music is the supportivecommunity you are welcomed intoas soon as you arrive. In no otherdiscipline are you so involved withyour peers and tutors who supportyou throughout your musicaldevelopment. This is fosteredthrough regular participation in university organisedensembles, contact with the helpful staff and theregular social activities organised by the resident MusicSociety. Being surrounded by like-minded peers hasgiven me the confidence to try new things and to getinvolved in the musical life of the city.”

Gavin Allsop (BMus, West Midlands, England)

What do our Students say?


Many of our students enter the music profession asadministrators, composers, conductors, librarians, performersand teachers. The transferable skills nurtured within a musicdegree make you among the most employable of artsgraduates. The analytical, creative, social, technical, verbaland myriad other skills developed during a student’s time atCardiff School of Music ensure that our graduates havesignificant careers in other fields also including banking, civilservice, IT, law, management and retail.

Each year the School’s own series of Careers in Musictalks brings to Cardiff professionals active in such fields asperformance, music education (including special needs),arts and artists management, production and licensing,and composing for media. In collaboration with theCareers Service and GoWales the School promotes workexperience and internship opportunities, and is able toconnect students with professional mentors in their areaof interest for specialist guidance and advice.

Higher DegreesNearly one fifth of our graduates choose to embark onpostgraduate academic study at Cardiff. The School offersa number of courses, allowing students to specialize further inmusicology, ethnomusicology, composition, performance andmusic, culture and politics. Past graduates have also continuedon their academic career paths obtaining postgraduatequalifications from other institutions such as CambridgeUniversity, Oxford University and the Royal Academy of Music.

Here are some examples of where our past graduates arearound the world.

MUSIC Alumni• Giselle Allen (BA, 1992) International Opera singer.

• Carol Bennett (BMus, 2004) leader of the secondviolins in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

• Sian Clarke (BA, 1999) Policy Advisor, Department ofCulture, Media and Sport.

• Oliver Condy (MA, 1999) Editor BBC Music Magazine.

• Elizabeth Drew (BMus, 1987) Recording Editor, EMI.

• Claire Feazey (BMus, 1989) Artists’ Manager IMGArtists, Paris.

• James Garratt, (PhD, 1999) Senior Lecturer in Music,University of Manchester.

• Andrea Haines (BMus, 2008) Member of Voces 8.

• Karl Jenkins (BMus, 1966) International Composer.

• Lindsay Kemp (BMus, MA 1989) Freelance journalist,artistic director Lufthanza Early Music Festival.

• Lucy Leddington-Wright (BMus, MA 2003) RoyalOpera House, London. Assistant Orchestra Manager.

• Peter Linnett, (BMus, 1990) Music Librarian, BBC,London.

• Hannah Muddiman, (BA, 2005) Opera administrator,Royal Academy of Music, London.

• Chris Taylor (BMus, 1991) Producer BBC Radio 3.

• Katie Thomas (BMus, 2005) Member of world-renowned Monteverdi Choir.

• Mark Thomas (BMus, 1979) Film Music Composer.

• Richard Thomas, (BMus, 1980) Marketing Manager,Classical Music Magazine.

• Rebecca Willows (BMus, 2006) Community andEducation Officer, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Anthony Woodcock (BMus, 1979) President of NewEngland Conservatory, USA.

What can you do with amusic degree?

The world-renowned Monteverdi Choir


The reputation of Cardiff School of Music is reflected in thekeen competition for places on its programmes fromstudents not only from the United Kingdom but from allover the world. Cardiff is looking for intellectually curious,lively students who are keen to explore music in all itsaspects. If this is you, we urge you to apply!

To be considered for a place on one of our degreeprogrammes, you should apply through the UCAS scheme,details of which can be found at www.ucas.com. The UCAScode and number for Cardiff University is CARDF C15, andscheme codes can be found detailed in this brochure. Yourpersonal statement, included on the UCAS form, is animportant tool for the admissions tutor in the selectionprocess, and you should tell us all about your interests andexperience, including practical music-making.

Visiting the School of MusicOnce we have received an application, if it meets basicentry requirements, we will invite BMus and BA SingleHonours students to visit the School of Music. Discussionswith the Admissions tutor or another member of staff willenable you to raise any questions you may have, whilstalso offering us the opportunity to get to know you better.Students choosing to study the BSc / BA Joint Honours willnot be invited for interview. However they will be invited toa Humanities Open Day in February or March.

AuditionsOn visiting the School, all BMus and BA Single Honoursstudents will be required to sit a written test, audition ontheir principal instrument / voice, and be given a shortinterview. If you are unable to accept the invitation on thedate we suggest, an alternative date can usually bearranged.

This might sound rather daunting, but it should not put youoff applying. Most people who come here for interview –whether or not they are offered a place – say how muchthey enjoyed the experience. We try to make it ascomfortable for you as we can.

Open DayA University-wide Open Day is held in the spring of each yearand provides the opportunity to visit all departments in additionto residences, the Students Union and sports facilities. TheAdmissions Tutor is also very happy to discuss queries, bytelephone or email throughout the course of the year.

Applicants with Disabilities / EqualOpportunitiesEvery application is considered on an individual basis.We welcome applications from students with disabilities.Applicants with special requirements that relate to adisability or medical condition are encouraged to contactthe Disability Advisor, who can discuss individual needs.

Notes for Welsh Language ApplicantsWe recognise that if you are a Welsh speaker you may feelmore comfortable speaking to a Welsh speaking personaltutor. Every effort will be made to allocate you a Welshspeaker. If you wish, you can also submit your assessedwork and take your examinations through the medium ofWelsh, regardless of the language of tuition you arefollowing. Some of the accommodation at SenghennyddCourt and Talybont student residences has been allocatedfor Welsh speakers and learners that wish to be groupedtogether. If you would like to take advantage of this pleasemake a note of this on your accommodation form.

Notes for International StudentsInternational students wishing to apply to Cardiff MusicSchool must do so through UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk). Youwill be able to obtain information on how to apply and onthe suitability of your qualifications from either:

• Your local British Council• Your School / College• The University’s local education advisor (see below)

Cardiff University InternationalEducational AdvisorsThe University’s International Office works in co-operationwith educational providers in a range of countries. Thesecan provide students with a local source of assistancewhen applying to study at Cardiff Music School. We haveadvisors based in a large number of countries.

Full details are available at:www.cardiff.ac.uk/international

More online at:

www.cardiff.ac.uk/fees

www.cardiff.ac.uk/scholarships

www.direct.gov.uk

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk

www.cardiff.ac.uk/international

Applying to Cardiff MusicSchool

20

“When writing your personalstatement, make sure you tellme about your musical interestsas well as all the choral/chamber/ensemble/orchestral playing/singing you do. If your applicationmeets entry requirements, youwill be invited to audition andinterview. The day in the Schoolof Music also includes a short written test. This is nota marked exam, but an assessment of your musicaldevelopment. Offers are then made in line with theinformation gathered from your UCAS form, your test,your interview and your audition.”

Dr Clair Rowden, Lecturer and Admissions Tutor

Key FactsAdmissions Tutor - Dr Clair RowdenSchool Office Tel: 029 2087 4392Website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/musicEmail: [email protected]: 029 2087 4379

2009 Applications - 6002009 Admissions - 70

Typical OffersA-Levels

BMus / BA (Single Honours)

AAB-BBB (with an A or a B in Music plus evidence ofworking towards Grade 8 in instrument or voice. PracticalMusic and Music Technology will be counted as separateGCE A-Levels as long as theoretical Music is offered, alongwith one other traditional academic subject.

BA (Joint Honours)

AAB-BBB (with an A or a B in Music), dependent on thechoice of other subject, plus evidence of working towardsGrade 8 instrument or voice.

BSc (Physics and Music)

BBB (to include Physics and Music), plus evidence ofworking towards Grade 8 instrument or voice.

International BaccalaureateStandard offer: 32 points with 6 at higher level music, plusevidence of working towards Grade 8 instrument or voice.

Mature StudentsMature students are welcomed and considered individually.Please contact the School for preliminary advice.

English As A Foreign LanguageFor those applicants whose first language is not English orhave not had a substantial part of their education taught inthe English language, evidence of their ability in English isrequired. For example, a score of 6.5 in IELTS with aminimum score of 6.0 in each category or an equivalentqualification.

Cambridge PreUOffers range from D3 x 2 + M2 x 1 to M2 x 3, plusevidence of working towards grade 8 in instrument or voice.

UCAS CodesW300 BA Single Honours (MUSIC)FW33 BSc Physics and Music

BA Joint HonoursMusic in conjunction with the following:LW93 Cultural CriticismWQ33 English LiteratureWR31 FrenchWR32 GermanWV31 HistoryWR33 ItalianGW13 Pure MathematicsVW53 PhilosophyVW63 Religious StudiesQW53 Welsh

For a copy of the current University prospectus,please contact:

The Undergraduate Recruitment Office,Cardiff University, Deri House2-4 Park GroveCathays ParkCardiff CF10 3PA

Tel: 029 2087 4455Email [email protected]: www.cardiff.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Academic Staff


Important information. Please read carefully.The University offers the information contained in thisbrochure as a guide only. It does not constitute acontract and is not binding on prospective students,students or the University. While the University makesevery effort to check the accuracy of the factual contentat the time of publication, some changes will inevitablyoccur in the interval between publication and theacademic year to which the brochure relates (Entry2010). For example, courses, entry requirements andtypical offers may have changed in line with market andstudent demand, and research development. Applicantsshould not therefore rely solely on this brochure andshould visit the University website (www.cardiff.ac.uk)for up-to-date information concerning course content,accreditation, and entry requirements for the relevantacademic year when considering applying to the University.

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How to find us

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When you have finished with thisbrochure it can be recycled, butplease consider passing it onto afriend or leaving it in your careerslibrary for others to use.

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Key:

School of Music

University Buildings

Accommodation

Photography Credits: Paul Gaffney PhotographyPages: 2, 10, 15, 18

School of Music

Cardiff University, 31 Corbett Road, Cardiff CF10 3EB

Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4816Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4379Email: [email protected]

www.cardiff.ac.uk/music

cardiff university school of music undergraduate brochure

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