Classical Music with Foundation Year

This course follows the same specifications as our three-year BA (Hons) Classical Music degree, but the extra Foundation Year will allow you to gain the essential musical and theoretical skills you'll need to study classical music at university level.

Our BA (Hons) Classical Music degree is a bold and inspiring performance-focused course designed for passionate young musicians ready to take their place on the world stage. Rooted in tradition but driven by innovation, it combines rigorous classical performance and composition training with global musical exploration, creativity, and industry-ready skills.

You’ll be immersed in solo and ensemble performance, building technical excellence and artistic identity through music theory and analysis, regular recitals, workshops, and one-to-one tuition with expert musicians. You’ll also compose, improvise, and collaborate, creating new repertoire alongside preserving and reinterpreting historical traditions.

You’ll explore diverse musical traditions through Global Music modules, learn recording and production techniques, and develop the entrepreneurial and digital skills you need for a modern portfolio career. By final year, you’ll be leading projects that reimagine how classical music is performed and shared – from cross-arts collaborations to studio recordings.

You’ll work with industry leaders like Opera North, take part in masterclasses with world-renowned artists, and gain experience in live professional settings. Whether your future lies on stage, in the studio, or in the community, this course prepares you for a dynamic, adaptable, and fulfilling career and help shape the future of classical music.

The Foundation Year modules allow you to explore key repertoire, strengthen your musicianship, and understand classical music in historical and cultural context. Through workshops, seminars, and individual tuition, you’ll refine your technique, improve critical listening and begin composing your own work. You’ll also build strong practice habits, enhance your stylistic awareness, and grow in confidence as a performer or composer.

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

More information: https://bit.ly/LC-Classical-UCAS

Course Modules

Foundation Year
CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Essential Principles
CAT (Classical Aural and Theory) Structural Analysis
Classical Repertoire, Musicology and Composition
Harmonic & Cultural Analysis
Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 1
Introduction to Classical Performance & Composition 2
Year 1
Classical Performance & Composition 1
Classical Performance & Composition 2
Global Melodic Understanding 1
Global Rhythmic Understanding 1
Musicianship 1 (HIC) – Harmony, Improvisation, Composition
Musicianship 2 (CLM) – Composition, Listening, Musicianship
Year 2
Classical Performance & Composition 3
Classical Performance & Composition 4
Global Melodic Understanding 2
Global Rhythmic Understanding 2
Integrative Pedagogy
Musicianship 3 (MAIC) – Musicology, Analysis, Improvisation, Composition
Year 3
Classical Innovations 1
Classical Innovations 2
Classical Performance & Composition 5
Classical Recording Project 1 – Audio
Classical Recording Project 2 – Visual

The course is assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the diversity of creative and professional practice. Assessment methods include performance recitals/composition portfolios, technical tests, online portfolios, presentations and written work.