About Music
Music at York St John is not a course about classical music or
rock music – it’s a course about all musics and the way they come
together. We believe the study of music should be eclectic and
embrace the widest variety of musical genres
“Music should be a verb
rather than a noun.”
Our degree provides a relevant, contemporary and
challenging programme of study which crosses musical boundaries and
equips you with the diverse range of skills which are essential for
today’s musicians. We also believe the teaching of music is led by
practice, whether in performing, composing, listening or
understanding. A creative approach which is designed to help
students learn through discovery. We push for high standards
and we look for high quality performing, composing and thinking but
this is not a conservatoire. Instead, our graduates emerge
creative, flexible and able to flourish in all sorts of different
environments.
We value musical leadership - people who want to be musical
directors/conductors or producers get a very good experience
here.
We are looking for open minded, creative musicians
with strong practical skills and the potential to succeed. Students
will normally have a fairly high level of accomplishment in a
musical instrument but their most important asset is a willingness
to throw themselves into our wealth of musical networks. There is
an amazing variety of opportunities for performance, either as a
soloist or as a member of an ensemble. Our music students play a
vibrant and valuable role in the life of the University, providing
music for lunchtime and evening concerts and important events, and
bringing music to many community groups in the city and elsewhere.
There’s a string orchestra, a concert band and various choirs which
rehearse weekly while students themselves run a string quartet,
flute choir, improvisation group, ceilidh band, a musical
production society, rock bands and a ukelele ensemble. A series of
weekly lunchtime concerts and regular evening performances provide
regular opportunities to hear and take part in live music
events.
“We value musical
leadership”
All students have access to York St John-funded instrumental
tuition and to music technology resources and recording facilities,
including:
- A suite of practice rooms and rehearsal spaces
- Three specialist Music teaching spaces
- Two Music Technology Studios
- Recording Studio
- Music Library including CDs, DVDs and scores
- Willis pipe organ and Steinway grand piano
- Two harpsichords and a range of orchestral and ethnic
percussion instruments including Djembe and Samba band
Music at YSJ prepares you for a wide range of careers in music,
including community-based work, arts administration and employment
in the creative industries. It has also proved to be a good
springboard towards further study including PGCEs and Masters
degrees.
Here’s a selection of stories from recent graduates:
- Ben began composing music for computer games and is now head of
audio for a major computer game producer.
- Sadie teaches autistic children in California.
- Laura successfully completed a PGCE after graduating and is now
deputy head of music in a local school.
- Adam became a peripatetic instrumental teacher and was
responsible for the weekly music centres in York.
- Karl continued his studies on the MA in Jazz Performance at
London’s Guildhall College.
- Paul is a professional performer specialising in medieval
music.