Overview

The BA (Hons) Music at the University of York explores music through creative practice, historical study, critical analysis and academic research. The course enables students to examine diverse musical traditions and develop a deeper understanding of how music is created, performed, experienced and understood within different cultural and historical contexts.

What You'll Learn

• Music history and the development of musical styles, practices and traditions.

• Music theory, analysis and approaches to understanding musical structure.

• Composition and creative approaches to developing musical ideas.

• Performance and the study of music through practical engagement.

• Musicology and critical perspectives on musical works and practices.

• Different musical cultures, genres and traditions from varied historical and social contexts.

• Research methods for investigating musical questions and working with relevant sources.

• Independent study, critical thinking, academic writing and effective communication of musical ideas.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse musical works and practices using appropriate theoretical, historical and critical approaches. They will understand how music develops within cultural and historical contexts and be able to evaluate different perspectives on musical creation, performance and interpretation. Students will develop skills in researching musical topics, assessing relevant evidence and presenting well-supported arguments. They will also be able to apply creative and analytical thinking to musical work, communicate ideas clearly and engage independently with a range of musical materials and perspectives. The course supports a balanced understanding of music as both a creative practice and an academic discipline.