UDMSCINS - BSc Musical Instruments

Students' learning is facilitated by direct contact time with the teaching team and through directed study and activities.

• The direct contact time takes place through lectures, tutorials and workshop based practical work to convey information, concepts, academic techniques and conventions, presentations, problem based learning


• Students are expected to complement direct contact with reading material recommended for the modules, and through open access to workshops, continue the practice of instrument making.

• Both taught-class and tutorial-based study encourage and develop synthesis of in-course learning


• Many activities require students to carry out independent work prior to, and following, meetings with lecturers and to cooperate with their peers. Increasingly through the course, students are required to engage in research using primary and secondary source materials.


• Technical drawing, instrument component templates, instrument component realisation. Material science: instrument design analysis. Construction techniques and templates; assesmbly stage 1. Musical instrument making, musical instrument maintenance and repair; restoration and conservation.

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1. Provide students with an understanding of musical instrument construction, the attributes and suitability of different materials used, especially their acoustical properties.
2. Educate students with an understanding of the needs of musicians and the music industry.
3. Develop students’ skills with regard to the maintenance and repair of musical instruments.
4. Prepare students for running a small business and contributing to research and development in the music industry.
5. Situate the study of the tools of music in historical and cultural contexts.
6. Enable the demonstration of the graduate attributes of self-awareness, critical analysis, effective communication, creative problem-solving, and independent working.

On completing this course, students should be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials available for construction, with regard to their acoustical and mechanical properties.
2. Carry out independent and scholarly research into chosen issues associated with design, construction, repair, restoration and conservation of musical instruments.
3. Apply principles and techniques that will be required for professional practice.
4. Think critically and creatively about materials and techniques with due regard to ethics, traditions, standards, good practice and customer expectations.

Cognitive Intellectual Skills

5. Develop and apply the developed intellectual skills and critical faculties of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of technical problems.
6. Develop self-awareness, problem solving, team-work, communication, self-management, presentational skills, and decision making.
7. Communicate ideas, principles, theories and information effectively by oral, written and visual means, with clarity and confidence.

Transferable Skills

8. Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations in using certain materials that may be endangered or inappropriately sourced.
9. Work effectively and independently on a negotiated project.
10. Understand that employability depends on a student’s knowledge, skills and abilities, and be conscious of the way that these assets are most effectively presented to a potential employers or clients.

Subject-Specific Practical skills

11. Understand the technical requirements of musicians with regard to musical instruments.
12. Plan and carry out safely the construction, repair, restoration and evaluation of musical instruments with regard to standards, timescales, deadlines, commercial and ethical considerations.
13. Show an understanding of the performance characteristics of instruments from set up or alternative materials.
14. Be aware of the historical and cultural context of the design and development of musical instruments

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials available for construction, with regard to their acoustical and mechanical properties:

MD4002 Media Skills and Practice 1
MD4003 Acoustics
MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology
MD6P08 Final Project Musical Instruments

2. Carry out independent and scholarly research into chosen issues associated with design, construction, repair, restoration and conservation:

MD5001 Creative Studio Practice 2
MD5002 Media Skills and Practice 2
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technolog

3. Apply principles and techniques that will be required for professional practice:

MD5003 Applied Music Technology
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology
MD6003 Exhibition and Representation
MD6P08 Final Project Musical Instruments

4. Think critically and creatively about materials and techniques with due regard to ethics, traditions, standards, good practice and customer expectations:

MD4002 Media Skills and Practice 1
MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology
CCS1, CCS2, CCS3 Critical and Contextual Studies 1,2 & 3

Cognitive Intellectual Skills

5. Develop and apply the higher intellectual skills and critical faculties of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of technical problems:

CCS1, CCS2, CCS3 Critical & Contextual Studies 1,2 & 3
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology

6. Develop self-awareness, problem solving, team work, communication, self-management, self- presentation and decision making:

CCS1, CCS2, CCS3 Critical & Contextual Studies 1,2 & 3
MD6003 Exhibition and Representation

7. Communicate ideas, principles, theories and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence:

CCS1, CCS2, CCS3 Critical & Contextual Studies 1,2 & 3
MD6003 Exhibition and Representation

Transferable Skills
8. Be aware of ethical considerations of using certain materials that may be endangered or inappropriately sourced:

MD4002 Media Skills and Practice 1
MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology

9. Work effectively and independently on a negotiated project:

MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology
MD6P08 Final Project Musical Instruments

10. Understand that employability depends on a student’s knowledge, skills and abilities, and the way that these assets are presented to an employer:

MD5001 Creative Studio Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology
MD6004 Project Development: Music Technology
MD6P08 Final Project Musical Instruments

Subject-Specific Practical skills
11. Understand the technical requirements of musicians with regard to musical instruments:

MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology

12. Plan and carry out safely the construction, repair, restoration and evaluation of musical instruments with regard to standards, timescales, deadlines, commercial and ethical considerations.

13. Show an understanding of the performance characteristics of instruments from set up or alternative materials.

14. Be aware of the historical and cultural context of the design and development of musical instruments:

MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology

MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2
MD5003 Applied Music Technology

CCS1, CCS2, CCS3 Critical & Contextual Studies 1, 2 & 3
MD5002 Media Sills and Practice 2

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement---Art-and-design-.aspx

Students are assessed through a variety of methods related to the course outcomes set out above.

Formative assessment such as coursework, presentation, will require students to;

• analyse case studies connected with the musical instrument industry
• write essays and reports on topics relating to historical, musicological and technological aspects of musical instruments and their use

Summative assessment takes place in a variety of forms, from coursework to examinations, which will require students to undergo or submit:

• in-class tests
• presentations
• essays
• reports which may be based on workshop projects

Throughout the course, students will experience various assessment strategies that are part of the development and evaluation of the above cognitive skills. Modules studied earlier in the course are a formative basis for those studied at level 6.

Assessment vehicles for the above Learning Outcomes, at level 6, include:

presentations, essays, reports and embodiment in practical outcomes (such as a constructed or repaired musical instrument).

‘Employability’ is integral to the design and delivery of the Music Technology critical practice curriculum. At all levels and throughout, notably in the opportunity to realise intellectual and practical properties of accumulated learning in the Level 6 by completing an integrated programme of specialist, discipline-specific studies.

To qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Musical Instruments students must:

1. Satisfy the University’s requirements for a Degree with Honours (see Undergraduate Awards Framework; regulations for undergraduate assessment) and additionally;
2. Progression between levels of study:
• Level 4
In order to progress to Level 5 of this course students must have completed and passed each Level 4 module at 40% or above.
• Level 5
In order to progress to Level 6 of this course students must have completed and passed each Level 5 module at 40% or above.
• Level 6
In order to achieve an honours degree award on this course students must have completed and passed each Level 6 module at 40% or above.

PART-TIME MODE OF STUDY
Part-time study is defined as 60 credits per year. Consequently, in part-time mode, the duration of study for a 360-credit degree will be 6 years. The pattern of study in AAD degrees shall be as follows:
Year 1 - Two studio/atelier modules MD4001 & MD4002
Year 2 – Critical & Contextual Studies 1 + subject discipline module CP4017 & MD4003
Year 3 - Two studio/atelier modules MD5001 & MD5002
Year 4 – Critical & Contextual Studies 2 + subject discipline module CP5017 & MD5003
Year 5 – Major Project Realisation MD6004 & MD6P08
Year 6 – Critical & Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation + Exhibition & Presentation module CP6017 & MD6003

Graduates may apply for full membership of the Institute of Musical Instrument Technology.

Most graduates enter the music industry and many enjoy careers rising to senior and influential positions in the industry, both in the UK and abroad. Many graduates have found work as Instrument Makers, Repairers, Restorers and Conservators in established businesses or on a self- employed basis. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you will be able to demonstrate a keen interest in musical instrument making and normally be expected to obtain:

• A minimum of 280 UCAS points from at least two A level or equivalent level 3 qualifications in relevant music technology/ music/ media/ arts/ humanities subjects.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

We encourage applications from International/EU students with equivalent qualifications. We also accept mature students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Suitable applicants living in the UK will be invited to an interview. Applicants living outside the UK will be required to have a telephone interview with the course leader Nick Blishen.

This course is also available as a four-year extended degree, the first year of which is the Foundation Year Film, Media and Music.