Music and Music Technology Subject Brochure 2023/24

Music and Music Technology

Music BMus(Hons)

Course information

Our Music degree will allow you to develop a wide range of creative abilities, whilst deepening your understanding of music and how it works. You’ll be able to explore different styles, genres and traditions, develop as a performer, and create your own music. You’ll choose from a range of modules on subjects like experimental music, film and stage music, world music, music analysis, and early music, and can choose to keep your music studies broad or to specialise as a composer, musicologist or performer.

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Creative Music Production BA(Hons)

Course information

Focused on creating your own computer and studio-based music, on this course you’ll have the chance to develop advanced techniques ready for work in the music industry. Whether you’re interested in electronica, techno, ambient, glitch, pop, grime, or a new sound, the aim is to encourage you to unleash your creativity and express yourself musically.

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MUSIC

MUSIC AND

Course information

Music and sound are crucial parts of films, television, videogames, and apps. This course will help you prepare for a career in audiovisual media, developing your accomplishments in composition and sound design to a professional level. The course offers training in music composition, orchestration for live and virtual instruments, conducting, and performance. You’ll also be able to select from options in sound recording, audio production, and film theory.

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Music Performance BMus(Hons)

Course information

If you are a classical, jazz, or popular musician who wants to focus on developing your performance skills to an exceptional level, then this course is for you. It is designed for expert musicians with a passion for solo work, band and ensemble performance, and improvisation across a variety of styles and contexts. You’ll also have opportunities to study composition, songwriting, musicology, and technology modules that will enhance and support your development as a performer.

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Music and Sound for Screen BA(Hons) TECHNOLOGY

Sound Engineering and Audio Technology BSc(Hons)

Course information

Advancing technologies in the recording and audio industries mean there is a demand for people with the right skills to help develop the next generation of music and audio technology. This popular music orientated course combines a broad range of modules covering both the technical aspects of audio system development and the creative process of music production. You’ll have access to industry-standard recording studios and design labs to develop practical skills that will help you stand out from the crowd.

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Music Technology and Composition BMus(Hons)

Course information

You’ll develop your skills in both acoustic and computer-based music creation, as well as in production and orchestration. We take a broad view of composing with technology; everything from how to use the studio and computers as tools to manipulate sound, to writing for specific instruments. The course will give you opportunities to develop a career in composition, sound, sonic arts, or many other exciting creative routes.

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Popular Music BMus(Hons)

Course information

If you’re passionate about popular music and want to take your skills as a performer, songwriter, and audio studio professional to the next level, then our Popular Music degree is for you. Popular music is a highly competitive industry, so we’ll do all we can to help you on your way to a career. We’ll give you the opportunity to develop industry-standard practices and techniques, while learning how to break the rules to unleash your creativity.

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Music and Music Technology

Sound Engineering and Music Production

BSc(Hons)

Course information

If you’re planning a career in sound engineering and music production, this course can help you develop the essential practical skills, knowledge and abilities to give you the edge. The course has a clear focus on music production and combines a broad mix of modules ranging from the technical to the creative.

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WHY STUDY MUSIC AT HUDDERSFIELD?

Facilities

You will study in state-of-the-art professional standard facilities. With 21 different studios, you’ll have plenty of recording and composition studio space to use. We have a huge range of DAWs, plug-ins, synths, mics and processing equipment, all of which are regularly upgraded to keep up-to-date with industry standards.

Academic expertise

Tim Smart, Head of Popular Music, is also a successful and experienced trombone player. He has been the featured trombone player for British ska band The Specials since 2009, and has toured worldwide with them. He additionally holds the trombone chair on The Book of Mormon in the West End, and has also played on Legally Blonde, Sweeney Todd, Shrek, Chicago and Wicked. He has also freelanced for Jamie Cullum, Rag ’n’ Bone Man, The Kooks, The Dandy Warhols, Prince Buster, The Bays, Pete Tong, Goldie, and Tim Minchin.

Rachel Nicholls, Head of Vocal, is a soprano who has performed and recorded a wide range of operatic and concert repertoire under conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle and Valery Gergiev. She has performed with the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Bach Collegium Japan, BBC Symphony, London Handel Players, London Mozart Players, London Philharmonic, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic.

Richard Ward, Head of Brass, has played for West End shows as well as appearing with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic and the BBC Symphony. He has recorded film soundtracks and directed the brass band in residence at the Royal College of Music, taking part in the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.

David Pipe, Head of Organ Studies, has appeared as organist and conductor on national television and radio, and has made numerous recordings as organ soloist, accompanist, and continuo player. In 2018, he was elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, awarded to past students who have distinguished themselves in the music profession.

Jonathan Fisher, Head of Keyboard, is an accomplished and sought after collaborative pianist, having had notable performances at Leeds Lieder, Oxford Lieder Festival, Ryedale Festival, Harrogate Festival, and performed in many prestigious venues throughout the UK including The Purcell Room, The Wigmore Hall, The Bridgewater Hall, and Philharmonic Hall Liverpool. Geoffrey Cox, from the Music Technology Team, began his musical career in London as a guitarist in a postpunk, new wave band in 1979. Rejecting all forms of structured musical learning, he submerged himself in various rock groups before finally embarking on a course of musical study at Liverpool Community College in 1989 which led to the formation of a jazz-influenced quintet playing mostly his own music.

Unique opportunities

You’ll be able to explore the latest new music in the annual Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and our label-defying Electric Spring Festival.

You’ll be involved in an array of ensembles, choirs and bands, including orchestra, symphonic winds, brass band, various classical and pop choirs, big band, funk, soul, folk and reggae groups, and your own original bands.

Each year the Music and Music Technology department offers bursaries to qualified candidates who agree to perform specified roles in our University ensembles. The bursaries may be offered to outstanding orchestral, brass band, or choral musicians. Eligibility will be determined via audition at one of our Applicant Visits Days.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield you’ll study the Global Professional Award alongside your undergraduate degree, so that you gain valuable skills and attributes that we know employers are looking for.

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Music and Music Technology

@AHHuddersfield

ABOUT

Our Music department encourages a range of transferable skills for employment within the diverse music industry. We have a reputation for stimulating progressive musical talent and every year the worldfamous Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival brings cutting-edge international musical talent to the University and the Electric Spring Festival showcases the latest trends in electronic music, combined with promoting live exposure and exchange with national and global musical industries. Visit our web page