The MMus in Composition and Sonic Art allows you to develop your skills and understanding of contemporary practices in music composition and sonic art. The programme will equip you with the knowledge required to compose in a range of styles and genres, while enabling you to develop high-level skills in a compositional field of your choice. You will learn more about the concepts of research-led practice, and will hone high-level transferable skills in critical thinking, conceptual thinking, problem solving, analysis, communication, self-direction, creativity and originality.

Specialism is offered in a range of styles and genres, including writing for instruments and/or voices, acousmatic composition, composition for live musicians with electronics, popular song composition, and composing for film, television and other media.

You will work closely with professional composers and established researchers, most of whom have international profiles. The School enjoys close links with industrial and third-sector partners such as Music Theatre Wales, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Blipfonica, and it is often possible for students to undertake a work placement during the course of the programme.

What will you study on this course?

The programme is divided into two parts: two semesters of taught study (Part 1, 120 credits) and a substantial recital prepared over the summer (Part 2, 60 credits).

Part 1 (Diploma):

In each semester you will take a supervised Independent Composition Project in your chosen style and medium. These modules are complemented by Composition in Context (Semester 1), in which you will become familiar with the latest developments in composition and with the concept of creative practice as research, and Contemporary Music Practice (Semester 2), in which you will share ideas with musicologists and performers.

Part 2 (MA):

The Part 2 Project, completed over the summer months, normally takes the form of a substantial original composition, or a coherent portfolio of works.

Teaching is provided through a combination of individual tuition and small-group seminars.

The MMus in Composition and Sonic Art will allow you to develop a strong original voice in an academic environment, and is an ideal preparation for further creative work at PhD level and beyond. The programme will also equip you with skills in critical thinking, creativity and communication which are valued by employers both within and outside the field of music. Recent graduates have pursued successful careers as professional composers, arrangers, music typesetters, arts administrators, teachers, educational advisers, performers, and business people.

At Bangor you will part of a vibrant community of composers, scholars and musicians from all over the world, benefitting from the opportunities to share ideas and creativity across different modes of musical activity. You will be taught and supervised by world-renowned musicologists, composers and practitioners.