BMus (Hons) Music / BMus (Anrh) Cerddoriaeth
Congratulations on achieving a place on the BMus (Hons) course at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama- we are really looking forward to welcoming you to the course and to our friendly community!
This is the beginning of your four-year BMus journey, a modular programme that is flexible to your interests and which will provide you with an integrated approach to developing your artistry and creative personality. Your course features a mixture of core (i.e. compulsory) modules and in years 3 and 4 you will also be able to select elective modules to tailor your experience according to your preferences.
Below is a brief outline of the modules you will take in your first year, to give a clear idea of what you will be studying, so you can prepare yourself in advance of arrival.
For all students there are two performance (or composition) centred modules:
- Principal Study 1
- Collaboration 1
The Principal Study module focuses on your individual development as a performer or composer, and you will enjoy a wide range of individual and group lessons, classes, and practical performance/ sharing opportunities as part of your work. As part of this module, you will also have lectures and seminar classes to support you with establishing and maintaining a healthy and sustainable approach to your musicianship as well as strategies to help you make the most of your new undergraduate studies.
The Collaboration module involves departmentally specific classes, non-directed or directed ensemble work and other creative experiences to support the development of your skills as a collaborative musician.
The other modules you will undertake in the first year of your course link your performance or creative skills with the development of your aural, harmonic, analytical and embodied skills.
- Integrated Musicianship 1
- Engagement 1
- Music and Society 1
The Integrated Musicianship module draws together the fundamental skills musicians need to employ for their core practice, including; aural, harmony, body awareness and movement, rhythmic security, collaboration, using the voice etc. This module develops you in combining, and integrating, these skills to support a secure foundation for your individual creativty.
In the Engagement module, you will begin a practical exploration of professionally focused community music work that is outward-facing and gives you a hands-on chance to link with some of our local communities from year two onwards.
Via lectures and small group seminars, the Music and Society module allows you to explore a range of topics across different periods and genres, focusing on musicians within their communities. Within this module you will also be introduced to the study skills and research approaches appropriate for undergraduate study.
The College’s performance programme is a central and distinctive part of your degree experience and makes extensive use of our magnificent venues. The performance programme includes an array of distinguished visiting artists and events alongside public concerts given by College students and ensembles. There is so much to be enjoyed and learned from every performance you see, and you will be required to attend a number of designated performances by your Head of Department as part of your learning. In addition to these please be sure to make the most of your student experience by attending the many varied and vibrant opportunities on offer across music and drama.
Your Head of Department will act as your individual personal tutor and is the first person to consult if you wish to discuss any aspect of your instrumental, vocal or composition studies. You will also have individual termly tutorials with another member of staff to support your personal development work.
As your Course Leader, I am an adviser to you throughout your studies and offer my support to you across all aspects of your degree. I am always available to meet if you need guidance or to discuss any course-related matters.
Here in the music department at RWCMD we are proud to be friendly, supportive and inclusive, and we aim to nurture and support each of our students throughout their studies. I really look forward to welcoming you in person to College and to our thriving music community, however, if you have any questions you would like to ask me before your arrival, please feel free to email on andrea.jones@rwcmd.ac.uk
With warm wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding course!
Andrea Jones
Head of Undergraduate Studies (Music) | Pennaeth Rhaglennu Israddedig (Cerddoriaeth)