Music Foundation
An exciting programme designed to prepare students for progression to competitive music programmes at university or Music Conservatoires
This programme will enable you to refine your skills (composition, theory, performance, and recording) and broaden your musical knowledge and understanding. It is designed to give you unrivalled breadth of content and flexibility, allowing you to focus on particular areas of passion as well as developing your skills and creating well-rounded, confident musicians.
THIS COURSE OFFERS TWO TAILORED MUSIC PATHWAYS
Classical Performance:
Aimed at the more classically trained musician. Students will work towards entry into university, conservatoire, or music college.
Pop Performance and Music Production:
Aimed at both pop-based contemporary musician and music production students. Students will work towards entry into both pop performance and music production courses at universities, music college and music institutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Weekly principal study 1-1 lessons from industry leading tutors.
- Opportunity to study new instruments.
- Weekly small-group teaching on core subjects.
- Exciting cross-arts collaboration projects.
- Regular performance opportunities throughout the year and end-of-year recitals in professional venues in Cambridge University and in the city.
- Masterclasses and workshops from visiting artists and conservatoire teachers on audition preparation and musical development.
- Brand new custom-built music studio including integrated control room and live room.
- Opportunity for individual lessons in a second instrument and support to start learning a new instrument.
- Small class sizes, allowing for work that can be adapted to meet your needs and also allowing for personalised feedback and guidance.
- Our teaching staff are highly trained, have industry experience and are active professionals.
- Outstanding track record of getting students into music colleges and conservatoires.
- Exciting cross-arts collaboration projects with other creative departments such as drama, dance, game-design, fashion and film.
THE AWARD
At the end of the year upon successful completion, you will be awarded the UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance.
“CSVPA has really pushed me to apply to places I never thought I’d get offers from. I’ve received offers from Leeds Conservatoire, ICMP, WaterBear College of Music and BIM in Bristol. A number of these places gave me unconditional offers which was just the most amazing feeling. I owe it all to the amazing and talented staff here at CSVPA.”
Angus – Music Foundation
VIDEO
HIGHLIGHTS
OVERVIEW
Course Location
Cambridge
Course Length
3 Terms
Course Start
September
Contact Time
Up to 25 hours per week, with Instrument Tuition for 1.5 hours per week.
Studio Access
Students have access to our studios 7 days a week, from 8:00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday and from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at weekends.
Awarding Body
University of the Arts London Awarding Body
How your Work is Assessed
Assignments and projects focused on your main instrument or area of study, following the specification set by UAL, the awarding body.
English Language Support
Up to 5 hours per week if required
Progression
University music department, conservatoire or music technology college
ENTRY
Age
17 years +
Educational Level
Completion of High School is needed or a minimum of 1 x Level 3 qualification, preferably in a relevant creative subject (i.e. A level) and 3 x GCSEs at grade 4 or grade C, including Maths and English and at least one of which should be in a creative arts subject.
Students who do not meet these entry requirements will still be considered on their own individual potential to succeed.
English Level for International Students
IELTS 4.5+ (no element under 4.0)
Audition
An audition piece is required for entry to this course. Please refer to the Audition section below for more information.
STRUCTURE
In today’s world it is not only important to be able to play your instrument well, but it is vital to understand the history of the craft and where everything originated from. As well as this, the modern musician needs to have a good understanding of music technology, so
computers are a key element for all our musicians; the ability to be able to use the software, make your own recording, mix and master it, release and market it are all important skills if you are to become an professional musician.
If you are looking for a place at a university music department you will be well prepared for higher education, as well as high-level performance training we will also undertake rigorous academic training in areas including history, theory, analysis, composition, and aural training. At a music university department your study will be more academically based; you will study a broader range of content of which performance is one element. If you are looking for a place at a Conservatoire or Music College, you will be given the opportunity to undertake extensive preparation for entrance examinations and auditions. At a Conservatoire or Music College there will be more of a focus upon performance. You will be encouraged to build links within the music industry through course projects and key units throughout the year.
SUBJECTS
Aural Skills
These skills are necessary for making progress in performance, composition, historical and analytical work. Aspects covered: sight-singing, interval and chord recognition, rhythmic dictation, as well as recognition of style, genre and period.
World Music
Explore and analyse the cultural aspects of world music; folk, fusion, non-Western ‘classical’ music and learn to play and compose in these styles. We will also examine how world music has influenced Western composition in the past, and continues to do so today.
Composition
Develop skills in refinement of musical ideas; developing ideas; understanding of the possibilities and limitations of instruments and voices; and clarity of notation and performance instructions. You will produce a portfolio of compositions, to include vocal and instrumental music, and music for theatre.
Repertoire Classes
Broaden your knowledge of repertoire on your instruments from the Renaissance to the present day. Learn how to plan balanced programmes for auditions, exams and concerts. There will also be discussions of different performing styles by musicians past and present.
History Of Western Music
This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of Western music history through listening, research and analysis. You will be encouraged to experience and evaluate music and its meaning with an open mind, and to explore more deeply areas that are relevant to your own field and interests.
Music Theory
Based on individual skill levels you will be entered for Associated Board theory exams at the appropriate grade at the end of the academic year.
Pop Ensemble
This subject is for students pursuing Popular Music Studies; you wiil develop ensemble performing skills: to play accurately and musically together, to listen to other players, to understand balance of parts and to develop different ways of communicating ideas and intentions during performance.
Classical Ensemble (For Students Pursuing Classical Music Studies)
Develop ensemble performing skills from a wide range of repertoire and styles. The pieces could deploy anything from two singers/players to everyone in class. Apart from your main instruments, you will be encouraged to sing, play recorder, percussion and any other instruments that the others could play.
Pop Styles
This course provides a detailed look into the history of Western Pop and Jazz Music. You will explore the key features of various genres as well as learning to perform and compose in these styles. Improvisation and other creative music techniques will also be tackled in these classes.
Recording And Sequencing
Develop a working knowledge of music production through several practical recording and electronic music projects. Recording production techniques will include the use of microphones, recording techniques, mixing techniques, post-production techniques using effects and processors and mastering. Electronic music will include study of sound manipulation and composition techniques such as subtractive synthesis, sampling, and composition for film/games.
Hand Drumming
You will be refining your rhythm skills through group performance of the music of West Africa, Brazil and more on authentic instruments. In this class you will work on the crucial skills of pulse, rhythmic independence, and polyrhythm to help you to in your principal instrument performances.
Musicianship
Keyboard skills, both intermediate and advanced, will teach you interesting ways to play chords as well as other important skills needed by all musicians. Ukulele will also be taught as a vehicle for learning harmony and working on the coordination skills of playing and singing at the same time.
AUDITIONS
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
An audition piece is required for entry to this course.
Please State at Time of Application
- Main instrument
- Secondary instrument (if any)
- Length of time learning instrument
- Results of any formal music certification
- Level of music theory knowledge and ability to read notation
Two pieces contrasting in style representative of two different historical periods of piano repertoire.
Classical Singing
Two pieces of contrasting styles representative of two different historical periods of vocal repertoire.
It is preferred (but not necessary) that the applicant sing at least one piece in a language other than their own first language.
Pop Singing
Two pieces of contrasting styles (eg rock, pop, jazz, blues).
Two pieces of contrasting styles from the following lists:
Nylon-Stringed Classical/Spanish Guitar
Classical/Flamenco
Steel-Stringed Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Rock/Pop
Acoustic Folk/Blues
Electric Guitar
Rock (Rock, Blues, Funk, Metal, Pop etc.)
Jazz-Style Guitar (or Electric)
Jazz
Two pieces contrasting in style: one lyrical and one technical showcasing musicianship and sound.
Both pieces should showcase tone production and a variety of technical skills.
Please prepare all major scales up to four sharps and four flats.
Two pieces contrasting in style
Both pieces should showcase your technical skill and your musical personality.
Submit 2 contrasting pieces/demos that are around 3 minutes long each.
Pieces must have been programmed and mixed by yourself.
OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED
Students must complete a:
- Background information form
- Music Theory test
- Both of the above forms must be supplied when applying for this course.
- The Music Theory test needs to be completed under exam conditions. It is used to gauge the student’s knowledge and understanding of music. There is no pass or fail to the test, but it will be used to help place the student in the correct theory class.
AUDITION GUIDE
What We Look for in an Audition guide, to prepare fully for your audition at CSVPA.
RELATED COURSES
TALK TO US
Do you want to find out more about CSVPA? Talk to our student advisors now.
