Foundation Music

The course is divided into five parts, each of which culminates in an assignment which you’ll send to your tutor for review. A number of projects and practical exercises are also included in each section of the course. 

The five parts of this course are:

• Part One: Music History
• Part Two: Composing a Theme 
• Part Three: Aural Dictation
• Part Four: Composing a Song for Unaccompanied Voice
• Part Five: Special Study Investigation

Each part of the course includes elements of the following core strands:

• Music Theory & Ear Training – the language and grammar of music
• Music Composition – the art of writing music and expressing your ideas
• Typesetting and Publishing Techniques – how to use the Sibelius notation program
• Historical Contexts – musical periods, instruments and composers
• Special Subject Investigation – A personalised academic investigation, to be agreed with your tutor, gradually producing an academic essay.

The five strands appear in each of the five parts of the course, enabling you to combine your skills in each of these areas.

By the end of this course you should be able to: 

• demonstrate an understanding of the main historical periods of music history (c.700-1950) and be able to reflect upon the work of established composers and the relevant terminology.
• demonstrate an understanding of music theory to Grade 5 (ABRSM/TCL) and apply this knowledge to practical tasks.
• demonstrate techniques to manipulate and compose music.
• demonstrate an ability to typeset music clearly within Sibelius notation software.
• demonstrate an ability to independently research a subject and write about it critically in an appropriate academic style.

• Access a set text of course materials and resources on our virtual learning platform, OCA Learn.
• Enhance your core learning by signing up for additional webinars, workshops, and study groups through the Textiles Department, available on OCA Learn.
• Submit an assignment at the end of each section of the course for review by your tutor, and receive either written or spoken feedback.

• A minimum of 10 study hours per week. 
• Access to a laptop or desktop computer with internet access.
• Good standard of writing, listening, reading and speaking English language skills*.
• Good IT literacy.
• Access to Sibelius software (either Sibelius First or Sibelius Artist are suitable for this course)
• Music manuscript paper

*Please note, if your nationality does not feature on the majority of English speaking countries list [linked here] you will need to provide evidence of your English language skills.

You have 12 months to complete the course from the start of your Induction. 

Understandably, sometimes there are unexpected mitigating circumstances that affect your ability to study. In these instances, students can apply for an extension or deferral. We encourage students to seek support as early as possible in such circumstances.

On completion of the course you should have gained sufficient skills and enough confidence to go on to further study with the Open College of the Arts, as well as have begun to create a portfolio of work, and be able to decide on the nature and direction of your future studies and art practice. 

Review our undergraduate courses here. 

Foundation courses are not accredited, meaning the courses are studied for personal development and they do not carry any UCAS points, however upon receiving your final assignment feedback you can request a certificate of completion.

Please review the Foundation courses fees linked here. 

Eligible students are welcome to apply for a Learner Support Scheme bursary to help with the cost of course fees and resources. Information on eligibility and how to apply is linked here.

Foundation courses are not eligible for Student Finance. 

There are several intakes throughout the year students can join. The intake dates and deadlines linked here. 

Submit an enrolment form below to select your intake. Once submitted, your enrolment form will still need to be reviewed and confirmed as eligible to progress. Please allow 10 working days for your enrolment to be reviewed once submitted.