Admissions - Subjects

MUSIC

ESSENTIAL SUBJECTS Music   DESIRABLE SUBJECTS History and/or a European Language

These notes describe the admissions procedure and the teaching of Music at Queens', and should be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of the Cambridge University Undergraduate Prospectus. The Course The Tripos course follows the usual Cambridge style of Part IA, Part IB and Part II taken at the end of the first, second and third years respectively. It is designed to give an appreciation of the art of music and its history and is primarily designed for those who wish to study music as an academic rather than a performing subject.  In Part IA papers are taken in Harmony, Counterpoint, the History of Music, a set work and Analysis.  In addition a practical examination includes aural and keyboard skills.  For Part IB and Part II there is more choice.  In Part IB students study Tonal Composition, Analysis and three papers from a wide range including Free Composition, a Dissertation and a variety of Historical options. In Part II students choose six papers from a broad selection including Performance, Fugue, Notation and Advanced Composition, Dissertation, and a number of special historical areas of study.  The course thus provides training in intellectual skills, which may stimulate and satisfy each student's individual interest. Admission Successful candidates are likely to be all-round musicians, intellectually able and willing to cope with a wide variety of academic study within music. The interview will include a short test of keyboard skills (harmonisation of a simple tonal melody) and aural skills (interval and chord recognition), a repertoire test and an unseen analysis.  Candidates are asked to send, in advance of the interview, photocopied examples of their recent essay writing and harmony and counterpoint work.  This submitted work might form the basis for discussion at the interview.  Performance is not required at interview. Conditional offers are normally made at the level of A, A, A at A-level (with appropriate equivalents in other examinations).  The Director of Studies is Dr Paul Wingfield of Trinity College.  College Music Queens' has an extremely lively musical tradition with a particular character of its own, based on the activities of the St. Margaret Society, the Chapel Choir and the presence of a College Musician. There are two Organ Scholars, who are responsible for Directing the Chapel Choir, and playing the organ at services.  The student-run St Margaret Society (MagSoc) supports a chorus of 150 singers who perform in the city twice a year. The College Musician, a young professional player resident in College for two days a week, provides expert coaching and presently directs the Queens’ String Orchestra.  There are many opportunities to make music on all levels, concerts in the last term have included a swing band, acapella singers group, string quartets, wind chamber groups, and solo recitals.  The College has excellent concert and rehearsal facilities, including two halls and the chapel, and three practise rooms.  There are two grand pianos, six other pianos, a harpsichord, a spinet and the recently restored Binns organ. Chapel Music The choir is directed by the Organ Scholar, assisted by a junior Organ Scholar in his/her third year.  The Choir sings Evensong twice a week and undertakes concerts and special services from time to time; recent performances have included Bach's Passions and Handel's Ode on St Cecilia's Day.  The Choir usually tours once a year, and recent tours have included America and Germany. The Organ Scholar is expected to choose the music, recruit the choir and train it. Previous scholars have regularly gone on to positions of eminence in church music or in the concert world. Organs scholarships are awarded every two years. (Full details of the organ scholarship are available from the Admissions Secretary on request.)                       For further information visit the Faculty website:  www.mus.cam.ac.uk   January 2004