Oxford has a proud tradition of music spanning over 800 years. The music course incorporates a broad range of topics and is intended to create a well-rounded music student. A student will read, listen, perform and compose music, along with learning about music’s place in the world in terms of its culture, psychology, and history. The annual intake is almost 80 undergraduates and recently the male: female ratio has been a balanced 50:50.
The first year covers key topics such as the foundations of music, critical analysis, harmony, and counterpoint, but also offers a choice of other topics, including composition, performance, and musical skills. In the second and third year, students are given more choice. They pick two historical fields of music and then must decide on four other options. These other options cover many aspects of music, and include various performance, conducting, analysis, and cultural topics. A music student at Oxford can really tailor their course to their interests.
Teaching takes place in the form of lectures and workshops, as well as tutorials, for which students often have to write an essay or complete written work. In addition to this, students can practice privately. There are practice rooms and recording studios in the Faculty of Music, and most colleges have their own practice rooms. The university also offers the chance to get involved in various orchestras, ensembles and bands. There is a ‘college choir’ tradition in most colleges, and some of these choirs are quite prestigious.
Applicants are required to have an A Level (or equivalent) in Music, or ABRSM Music Theory at Grade 7 or above. It is also recommended to have a keyboard ability of at least Grade 5 but this is not required.