Studying Music at Durham

The answer is very simple: there is no such course at any Czech university which would combine both the theory and performance. Indeed, one may read Musicology at a faculty of Philosophy or apply to a conservatoire. However, unlike British universities, neither faculties of Philosophy nor conservatoires offer a balanced number of practical and theoretical modules. In this article I shall describe what it is like to be a Music student at Durham University.

Six modules every year
The academic year at Durham is not divided into semesters, but trimesters, which are usually ten weeks long. Another difference is that students do not choose their modules for every semester; instead, they have the same six modules throughout the whole year. In Year 1 all modules are compulsory, so that students are provided with foundational knowledge in all major disciplines of music.

In Musical Techniques students acquire the basics of harmony and counterpoint. We began with the Species Counterpoint by Fux and continued with Renaissance polyphony, Bach chorale harmonisations, Corelli trio sonata and finally string quartet. By contrast, in 20th-Century Composition we learn to compose dodecaphony, aleatoric music, minimal music and much more. In Introduction to Ethnomusicology we have got acquainted with musical traditions from around the world. We have also learned how to record and transcribe music. Another compulsory module is Analysis, where we analyse music in terms of the theory of harmony and formal syntax. In Performance module we study history of music from the point of view of performance practice and we also attend individual voice or instrument lessons. Finally, the core module in Year 1 and Year 2 is Historical Studies, where we try to understand music in the context of specific periods.

Apart from the compulsory Historical Studies module, in Year 2 students choose five other modules from a varied list. It works in the same way in the final year, where the Historical Studies module, however, is not compulsory anymore. One can continue with the modules introduced in Year 1 or pursue a completely different career path. For instance, I am planning to take up Conducting, Music Technology and Music and Science modules.

Self-study and time management
The course is in large part based on self-study. Every week we only have six one-hour lectures, group seminars and an individual tutorial. However, there is a set reading and listening for every lecture that we have to do so as to come prepared to the lecture. Similarly, we have to prepare for group seminars, where we discuss possible interpretation of the text we have read beforehand. Moreover, I have an individual tutorial almost every week, where I get feedback from lecturers on the work I have submitted. All in all, we do not have many contact hours, which, nonetheless, does not mean that I do not have much work. The preparation for lectures takes up a lot of time, and so do all the assignments we have to do. Therefore, one has to manage their time wisely, as it is extremely difficult to catch up if one starts to fall behind. After all, time management is one of the main skill one should acquire whilst at university.

Exams and assessment
All essays, compositions and other assignments are of two kinds: either so-called formative, or summative. Albeit being compulsory, results from formative assignments do not count into the final mark. Summatives, on the other hand, make up a certain percentage of the final mark. We have weekly formative assignments to Musical Techniques and also essays or other assignments to other modules. In the first year, we have to submit eight summative assignments during the first two terms. Written exams as well as a recital then take place during the exam period in the third term.

In conclusion, studying Music abroad substantially differs from what we are used to in the Czech Republic. Students here can focus on both the theory and practical subjects at the same time. Furthermore, Music Department at Durham University has an excellent reputation and is regularly ranked among the best three music departments in the UK. The main building of the Music Department is right next to the impressive Durham Cathedral, which makes it a beautiful place to study at. So far I have spent here only two terms, and although the study is not easy, I feel that I could not have chosen a better place.