Music Foundation Year BA (Hons)

**Do you have a passion for music? Would you like to develop your performance skills alongside an understanding of music history and knowledge of music theory?**<br/><br/>The Music Foundation Year is a fully integrated programme with the BA (Hons) Music course, and will allow you to develop key musical skills in piano playing, theory and harmony.<br/><br/>During your studies, you will develop your performance skills in 20 one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons with the same specialists who teach on our degree programme. The course will equip you with essential skills for a performer such as interpretation, effective practising and handling performance anxiety. You will build your knowledge of music theory, and the study of harmony will be delivered in a fresh, creative way using the piano and/or guitar. Your creativity will develop through improvisation, taking inspiration from the music you perform.<br/><br/>Our Foundation Year introduces you to music history by examining music in the everyday environment of the home, asking how music is made and consumed, and its function in society. <br/><br/>Whether you are a complete beginner or a highly accomplished pianist, you will develop piano playing skills needed for a career in music.<br/><br/>Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can automatically continue your studies on the BA (Hons) Music degree where you will build upon the knowledge gained in this initial year. The Foundation Year gives you the space to focus on the one subject, music, developing the skills and knowledge you need within a Humanities environment.

Joining Northumbria means joining a business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Northumbria are currently ranked Gold for student outcomes, Silver for overall teaching excellence*, and a top 8 university for student life**. <br/><br/>Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is home to an enormous student population of 31,170, and consequently, some of the best nightlife scenes in the country! Newcastle also has one of the lowest costs of living in the country (We Buy Any Home, 2024), so you don't have to break the bank to have fun either!<br/><br/>There's truly something for everyone at Northumbria! You can make use of the fantastic facilities including the £30 million flagship Sports Central. And if exploring is more your thing? You're never far from beaches, stunning countryside and local history.<br/><br/>Find out more about Northumbria and get in touch today!<br/><br/>* (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)<br/>** (Uni Compare 2025 Rankings)