BA (Hons) Music: Community Music

York

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Music: Community Music program at York St John University is designed for students passionate about using music as a tool for social change, community development, and cultural enrichment. This innovative program combines practical music-making skills with a focus on community engagement, outreach, and collaborative projects. Students explore diverse musical traditions, develop leadership and facilitation skills, and gain hands-on experience working with communities in various settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, prisons, and community centers. With an emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and social justice, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become effective community music practitioners and advocates for positive change.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Music: Community Music program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in music theory, performance, composition, and community music practices. Core modules cover topics such as group facilitation, community music leadership, music therapy principles, cultural diversity, and social impact assessment. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as music education, music for health and well-being, music technology for community engagement, or arts administration. Throughout the program, students engage in practical projects, fieldwork placements, and collaborative initiatives that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world community contexts and develop their own unique approaches to community music-making.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Music: Community Music program incorporates a research focus that encourages students to critically examine issues related to music, culture, and community development. Students have the opportunity to conduct research projects, case studies, and participatory action research in collaboration with community partners, exploring topics such as music's role in social cohesion, identity formation, intercultural dialogue, or empowerment. Faculty members are actively engaged in research in areas such as community music pedagogy, participatory arts practice, music and well-being, and cultural policy, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and scholarly expertise that informs their studies and enhances their understanding of community music practices.

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes industry engagement and practical learning experiences that allow students to connect with community organizations, arts agencies, and social service providers involved in community music initiatives. Students have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects, internships, or placements with music education programs, youth ensembles, music therapy clinics, or community arts organizations. They also have the chance to collaborate with community leaders, cultural activists, and social entrepreneurs who use music as a tool for positive social change. Through industry-focused projects, workshops, and events, students gain valuable experience, build professional networks, and develop the skills and contacts needed to succeed as community music practitioners.

Global Perspective: With its focus on community music in a global context, the program at York St John University offers students a global perspective on music, culture, and social justice. Students explore diverse musical traditions, cultural practices, and community music movements from around the world, gaining insights into the ways in which music can foster social cohesion, promote intercultural understanding, and address social inequalities. The program also includes modules on global music education, international development, and cross-cultural collaboration, preparing students to work in diverse and multicultural communities and engage with issues of global significance such as migration, displacement, and cultural preservation.

Pollster Education

Location

York

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 13000

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic qualification: International students must have a minimum overall score of 60% or above in the relevant secondary education qualification or its equivalent.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading,  Speaking, and Writing.
  • PTE: A minimum overall score of 46 with no individual score below 36.
  • Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

York St John University offers a range of scholarships to international students, providing financial support and recognition for their academic achievements. These scholarships aim to attract talented students from around the world and promote diversity within the university community.

International Scholarship Programme: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from non-EU countries. It offers a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,500 per year for the duration of the program. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Vice Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is available to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £5,000 per year. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Country-specific Scholarships: York St John University also offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may have varying eligibility criteria and award amounts. Examples include the Nigeria Scholarship, Ghana Scholarship, and India Scholarship.

Sports Scholarships: York St John University values sporting excellence and offers scholarships to international students who excel in their chosen sport. These scholarships provide support for training, coaching, and competition expenses, along with access to sports facilities and other benefits.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and award amounts may vary each year.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Music: Community Music program at York St John University are well-equipped to pursue diverse and fulfilling career opportunities in the field of community music, social justice, and arts advocacy. With their unique blend of musical skills, community engagement experience, and social awareness, graduates are prepared to make a positive impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. 

Community Music Facilitator: Graduates may work as community music facilitators, leading music workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and creative projects in diverse community settings such as schools, youth centers, hospitals, prisons, or refugee camps. They use music as a tool for social inclusion, empowerment, and personal expression, engaging participants in collaborative music-making experiences that foster creativity, resilience, and community cohesion.

Music Educator/Teaching Artist: Professionals in this role work in schools, community centers, or arts organizations, delivering music education programs, workshops, and residencies that promote creativity, cultural awareness, and social justice. They design curriculum, develop lesson plans, and lead music classes that cater to diverse learners and address issues such as equity, diversity, and inclusion. Teaching artists may also collaborate with classroom teachers, arts administrators, and community partners to integrate music into interdisciplinary learning experiences and support holistic student development.

Music Therapist/Well-being Practitioner: Graduates may pursue careers as music therapists or well-being practitioners, using music to support individuals' physical, emotional, and cognitive health and well-being. They work in healthcare settings, mental health clinics, or rehabilitation centers, designing music-based interventions that address therapeutic goals, such as stress reduction, emotional regulation, pain management, or social interaction. Music therapists may also specialize in areas such as trauma recovery, dementia care, or developmental disabilities, working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and support to clients and their families.

Community Arts Organizer/Program Manager: Professionals in this role plan, coordinate, and oversee community arts programs, festivals, and events that promote cultural participation, civic engagement, and social change. They work for arts organizations, local authorities, or nonprofit agencies, developing partnerships, securing funding, and managing logistics to ensure the success of community-based arts initiatives. Community arts organizers may also advocate for arts funding, cultural equity, and social justice policies that support access to the arts for all members of the community.

Arts Administrator/Cultural Policy Analyst: Graduates may work in arts administration, policy research, or advocacy roles, shaping cultural policy, funding priorities, and strategic initiatives that support community arts engagement and creative expression. They work for government agencies, arts councils, or advocacy organizations, conducting research, analyzing data, and developing recommendations to advance the role of the arts in community development, social cohesion, and cultural democracy. Arts administrators may also oversee grant programs, arts education initiatives, or cultural exchange projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts sector.

Social Justice Advocate/Community Organizer: Professionals in this role use music and the arts as tools for social justice advocacy, community organizing, and grassroots activism. They work with marginalized communities, advocacy groups, or social movements, using music as a means of raising awareness, mobilizing action, and amplifying the voices of those affected by social inequality, discrimination, or systemic injustice. Social justice advocates may organize concerts, protests, or cultural events that address pressing social issues and promote collective action for positive change.

Music Program Coordinator/Youth Development Specialist: Graduates may coordinate music programs, youth initiatives, or community development projects that provide young people with opportunities for artistic expression, skill-building, and personal growth. They work for youth-serving organizations, cultural institutions, or arts nonprofits, designing programs that engage young people in music production, performance, songwriting, or digital media creation. Music program coordinators may also mentor youth leaders, facilitate youth-led initiatives, and collaborate with community partners to address youth needs and aspirations through music-based programming.

Community Engagement Officer/Arts Outreach Coordinator: Professionals in this role develop and implement community engagement strategies, outreach initiatives, and partnership programs that connect arts organizations, cultural institutions, and creative practitioners with diverse communities. They work for arts councils, museums, galleries, or cultural centers, fostering relationships with community stakeholders, facilitating dialogue, and co-creating arts experiences that reflect community voices and priorities. Community engagement officers may also evaluate the impact of arts initiatives, measure outcomes, and advocate for sustainable funding and support for community-based arts projects.

Cultural Entrepreneur/Arts Innovator: Graduates may become cultural entrepreneurs or arts innovators, launching their own ventures, projects, or social enterprises that use music and the arts as catalysts for community development, economic empowerment, and social change. They may start community-based music schools, artist collectives, creative cooperatives, or arts-based businesses that generate revenue, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods. Cultural entrepreneurs may also collaborate with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to develop creative placemaking initiatives, cultural tourism programs, or arts-driven economic development strategies that promote community well-being and sustainability.


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