Music (Classical) with Foundation Year

We believe that being a classical musician today involves mastery of technique, creative application of theory and adaptability – making you at home in any musical context – and the Foundation Year route at Leeds Conservatoire will give you an extra year to focus on your musical development. There are numerous opportunities to perform with core ensembles such as Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choir, Opera and opportunities to explore recent classical music with the exciting crossover amplified group New Music Collective. There is a vibrant student union within the conservatoire, which also runs its own ensembles and orchestra, so there are many ways in which students are active as performers and composers. Leeds Conservatoire has recently formed a partnership with Opera North that will increase access for students to gain real professional experience via side-by-side projects. The emphasis is on challenging students to achieve highly, but supporting and nurturing them also.

This course follows the same specifications as our three year BA (Hons) Music (Classical) except that the extra Foundation Year allows for students who need an extra year of study to achieve the standard of our entry requirements for the 3-year BA. The Foundation Year modules include one to one tuition on your principal instrument/voice/composition, as well as skills development in ensemble work (or group composition), music theory and aural skills. Contextual Studies focuses on the repertoire of your chosen pathway, as well as cross pathway musicology and practical and collaborative sessions focusing on creative skills. The Musicianship Skills modules allows all students who have completed their Grade 5 theory prior to the start of the course to choose an elective module to supplement the core curriculum. The list of options includes subjects like music technology, keyboard skills, pathway specific composition and creative performance techniques.

On completion of the Foundation Year you will continue to Year 1 of the BA (Hons) Music (Classical).

From Level 4 one to one study is augmented with weekly Performance in Context and Composition in Context classes. Historical musicology is thematically explored alongside critical listening and harmony, as well as other valuable skills that are aimed to bring contextual understanding to the primary focus of practical musicianship.

Leeds is a vibrant musical city and students are regularly given the opportunity to hear professional music-making of the highest standard and are given numerous opportunities to perform within the city and the wider region. Study is supplemented by regular masterclasses by visiting world-class musicians and composition students are given at least two opportunities per year to write for visiting professional ensembles.