Classes & activities
Core Modules
Undergraduate students take weekly academic classes in addition to their principal study. The classes are designed to complement and add to every student’s creative development as performers.
Below are the module titles for 2020-2021. For detailed information about Academic Studies, download the BMus course handbook.
BMus Core Modules, Years 1 and 2
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Analytical Skills 1
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Analytical Skills 2
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Performing In Context 1
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Performing In Context 2
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Aural Skills 1
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Aural Skills 2
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Score Reading
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Artist Development
BMus Elective Modules; Year 3 and 4
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Analysis of Post-Tonal Music
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Approaching the Great Luthiers
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Attentive Listening
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Aural Skills, Further
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Baroque Performance on Historical Instruments
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Baroque Performance on Historical Instruments, Advanced
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Compositional Techniques of the Germanic Traditions c.1780-c.1880
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Conducting, Advanced
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Conducting, Intermediate
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Contemporary Music Workshop
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Crossing Cultural Frontiers
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Free Composition for Performers
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Free Composition for Performers, Advanced
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Fugue
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Listening to Mozart, Thinking about Mozart, Playing Mozart
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Maestro: a History of Conducting through Film, Recordings and Marked Scores
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Messiaen in Context
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Methods in the Analysis of Tonal Music, Advanced
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Mozart’s Operas
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Musical Aesthetics and Criticism
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Open Academy
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Open Academy. Advanced
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Performing Baroque Music (with a focus on Handel)
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Performing Experimental Music
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Repertoire Studies
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Research Project
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Silent Film Improvisation
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Song Accompaniment
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Studio Performance
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Worldwide Repertoires
Department Classes
And Activities
Principal Study is the core of your programme. It is taught in individual lessons with your Principal Study Professor and through a range of Artist Development activities organised by your Department. You receive one hour of individual tuition per week.
You may well also take a Related Study instrument (e.g. trombonists learning the sackbut, horn players learning natural horn etc). It may be possible for you to take an additional Second Study (e.g. piano for a trumpeter), however competition for the limited provision of Second Study lessons is extremely strong. Alternatively, you can apply to do this at the start of the academic year.
In addition to the weekly individual lessons, both undergraduate and postgraduate brass students participate in:
Orchestral Studies
Each instrument group holds classes where you will study standard repertoire and orchestral excerpts which are a crucial part of all professional auditions. These classes are taken by Academy professors who have exceptional knowledge and professional experience.
Chamber Music
Both allocated and self-generated chamber music for brass and mixed ensembles plays a major role in the Brass Faculty. All groups receive coaching from Academy professors and the Head of Brass who help guide and prepare you for assessed performances and frequent public concerts. The Academy promotes successful chamber ensembles and many current and former student brass ensembles have been given Fellowships, appointed Ensemble-in-Residence or given prestigious performance opportunities to support and raise the profiles of emerging brass ensembles.
Masterclasses
All brass students play in masterclasses during their time at the Academy. These performances and learning opportunities are for you to receive objective feedback on your solo playing and to observe the way an artist can guide a student in enhancing their performance. Public and private masterclasses given by distinguished artists take place throughout the year.
Performance Classes
Performance Classes are led by leading brass professionals several times each term. These give you an opportunity to experiment and explore communication skills in solo repertoire and to receive direct feedback about all aspects of your performance.
Symphonic Brass Ensemble
Held once or twice each term, this ensemble regularly performs both within the Academy and in venues throughout London. The ensemble has made several successful recordings and occasionally goes on tour.
Discovery events
Discovery Events are the perfect way to find out more about the Academy and whether it’s the right place for you.