Hi I have registered for the A214 Understanding Music course with the OU which starts in February 09.

Is anyone else planning on starting this in February?

ET

I did A214 back in 06. It was great fun, especially the summer school. (What a shame the OU doesn't offer anymore pure music course at level 3...)

Hope you enjoy it

I did this one ages ago, it starts off really easy, but don't get complacent the level suddenly jumps to a point you'll have to start paying attention.

By the way, did you know that it can be substituted for grade 6 theory for the ab teaching diploma

Good luck

Glad you have decided to register for this course! I'm sure you will enjoy it..especially the Summer School in Durham!

All the best

This looks like a really good course ET - I've been having a look at it on their web site. I'd love to be able to join you on it but it would be taking too much on, what with G6 theory as well as taking up the piano on top of clarinet. I hope you enjoy it though, I'm sure you will, and look forward to hearing how you get on

I've done it and really enjoyed it. The summer school is great. I'm sure you'll enjoy it

I really fancy A214, but the first time I looked at it I couldn't really afford it - and of course, the price has just gone up since then! I also don't really get along with summer schools (I could get excused out of it and not go; but you still have to pay all the extra money as if you were going...)

However, A214 is due to finish soon and there will be an immediate replacement - I hope it is something just as good that I may be able to save up for in the future (depending on what fees they end up charging for ELQs)

Do you know that you can use your Tesco clubcard deals? I have been saving mine for ages and I have managed to get £750 in OU vouchers towards this course, which means that I only have to find an additional £275. I know after that if I want a degree I am going to have to find a lot more money, but it means I at least get a start.

ET

Yes, I'm aware...but I don't shop at Tesco! We manage about £2 in vouchers per year from Tesco

Hmmm, just realised it might be feasible for me to buy my petrol at Tesco...it's probably not that much!

We used to shop at Sainsbury's and get our petrol and diesel there (my husband drives a lot for work). When Nectar cards started, we got loads of points, we ended up getting our Xmas shop free for a couple of years

Then they changed how they awarded points on fuel, the points-offers stopped, and we ended up shopping elsewhere...we still get some Nectar points from the fuel, but not that many. So if I switch my fuel allegiance from Sainsbury to Tesco, I might get a bit of money out of it - any discount is worth it, really. Especially as I'm bracing myself for the ELQ fees (2 60-pt courses left to get my BA, will defo find a way to afford that; but it may have to stop there...)

Shame we moved and now live so near to Sainsbury's - if I could persuade my husband to buy fuel at Tesco I'd get loads of vouchers. But it would mean going out of his way because he never goes past our local Tesco...whereas I go past [a different one] on my way to work

Oh that is a shame. I am so lucky that we live so close to Tesco and even our local shop down the road is a Tesco Express. I even bought my glasses from Tesco opticians, and I might add that they were a good price too. When we did our kitchen up I bought some kitchen appliances from Tesco, so I have been raking in the vouchers.

My vouchers turned up this morning, I just need the registration form now and then I can send off the payment.

Just need to get on with my Grade 6 now, as I really would like to do that before I start if I can. If I haven't no worries, as this course will probably help me with it.

ET

Hi, ET

I'm currently doing the A214 course and think it's fab (but difficult). However, I notice you have Grade 3 theory and that will stand you in good stead - I started from scratch in Feb (ie started piano lessons and had only sung and choirs and had never done any theory) and started to struggle after Unit 4.

It's a really good course and actually I'm very tempted by the other Level 2 course - Music and Technology - as it looks fascinating.... may register to this in Feb.

BTW - does any one know what level this course is at? I'm finding it very difficult - currently analyzing Bach chorales - and think it must be above GCSE level. If not, then maybe I'm just not very bright.

ET - just noticed you are actually working towards Grade 6 ...... you should sail through this then!!

Both courses you've mentioned are OU Level 2 - which the OU says:


(Level 1 being to get your skills, studies to university level [so like 1st year at uni], and level 3 courses being like the final year of an honours degree)

Hi Peaches

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the course, are you going to the summer school?

I have spoken to a course advisor and she said that I will probablty find it a little easy at first but it moves quite fast and then I will get to the bit I don't know. I shall use the first part like a revision and also get me into the feel of things. I haven't actually done a level one course but due to the fact that I have been working on the theory grades the last year she said that I would be fine. However, she has suggested that I do a level one course before tackling the level 3 words and music, to get me used to the essay writing that is required for that course.

I am really excited.

ET

Good luck with it, ET. There is a bit of essay writing in A214, but it isn't onerous - I should think you'll cope fine. I've just done the summer school up here in Durham and found it very useful. (Joined the choir and a recorder ensemble.)

I think you're right about the when the course will hit you. Most of the people I met at summer school were pretty experienced musicians and they all said it took to about unit 16 before they found it hard going. I found it tough after Unit 4, if that gives you some sort of comparison. I got behind and that was the worst thing because once you get behind, it's hard to catch up as it eats into the time for the next unit, if you see what I mean.

Where you'll find it a lot easier than I did will be spotting patterns. My lack of experience means I'm very pedestrian in my approach to reading/writing music, but at summer school the others spotted cadences, modulations, passing notes, suspensions etc like a flash.

Maizie - thanks for the info - I never read it on the OU site . That explains why I'm floundering. Someone said to me it's the equivalent of a GCSE and someone at summer school who's just done Grade 5 theory said, rubbish, we hit grade five at around Unit 4 (out of 30), so I wasn't sure where to peg it.

ET - it's such fun when the booklets and CDs arrive - all shiny and new. You are going to wallowing in music for next year!!

ahh A214.
I haven't done it, but one of my old music teachers teaches it and never stopped talking about the summer course up at durham. Knowing his teaching/enthusism you should, hopefully, enjoy it .
I really want to have a go at this course as well, but i know i'll have to wait till i've finished university.

I liked it so much I'd be tempted to do it again! But I don't think they would allow that.

Evening Everyone,

I apologise for reigniting an old thread, but I found it through google some time last week and felt the need to post.
I’ll do a “brief” explanation of who I am and what I am here for.
I’m a 19 year old male from England who has a passion for music, it’s a part of me and life without my music would be unliveable, I like all music, but I my main tastes flow from the blues, through to hard rock and all in-between and to heavy metal (a bit old school).
In primary school they use to teach brass and woodwind instruments, which as a young lad I wanted to take part in, with a preference towards either saxophone or the flute, but the school declined me this opportunity because I never focused or did well enough in my academic lessons.
When I was in my early teens I wanted to play guitar, which my parents were dubious about, but they got a Squire Strat set from Argos for me, which I’m forever grateful for, but in all honesty I never focused, I never put the time in that others did and I never got lessons due to the sheer cost of them.
Now though, I work and have a very well paid job for my age, but I have higher ambitions than what I do, it’s a bit heartless my work really, there’s no soul in it for me and it inspires no passion.

I rang up tonight about guitar lessons with a highly recommended guitar teacher in my local town, but he was unavailable, so I’m to ring back tomorrow, because I really want to dedicate some time to this, not to be famous or make money, but so I can play guitar, have fun, maybe do a couple of gigs and find my own person voice through music, as I’ve never really been any good at conversation.

But now for the reason I’m here, I’m a student with the Open University, studying DD100 An Introduction to the Social Sciences, which seemed interesting when I enrolled, but I don’t feel that direction is for me after a few months study, which I will finish in October.
The course A214 has caught my eye, because by the looks of things it’ll give me that extra musical understanding and would fit in nicely with me learning guitar.
But I have no previous musical training, except GCSE Music, which to be honest was a choice to avoid doing PE or Drama, and I came away with an E grade.
So those who have viewed the courses (A214) details or have studied the course, do you think if I start guitar lessons soon, the course would be suitable enough for a comparative novice?
I’m slightly dubious about putting myself forward for it, I know if I work hard I can do anything I want, as anyone can (I like to think so anyway)
But it’s an expensive course and I’m unsure as to if I’d get the benefits for guitar which would out way the cost.

Advice please?

I’ll leave it at that now.
500 odd words there.

Lots of odd words are written on this forum, a few more won't make any difference



[sorry, feeling frivolous ]


Welcome to the forums!

They do - AA302 is making a comeback at the end of the year. It's only missed a year.
I did it last year and am currently doing AA317 (Words and Music). Contrary to what is being spread around, I believe it is very worthy of being included in the OU diploma and named Humanities with Music degree.
A214 is being replaced with a course without a summer school, which will make it cheaper.

Hiya and welcome to the forums

I did the course in 2005 and it does start right from the very beginning. Although I had studied music before so found the first few monhs reasonably easy, there were others on the course who had no previous musical experience and they managed to keep up, although admittedly the learning curve was alot steeper. As I understand the next session is the last time it will be offered with a summer school so if you can I would register as this is an invaluable experience to meet other musicians and have a fun time.

Good luck

Does anyone know anything about the contents of the course which will be replacing A214?

thanks

Hi there

I am in the process of doing the A214 at the moment, in fact just come back from summer school that is an experience that you could never imagine and just want it to go on an on forever.

They do say that A214 is a course that you can do without any musical knowledge, however, for those that do manage this I take my hat off to them as it isn't easy.

In view of the fact that you play the guitar and have done GCSE music even if you didn't get a great grade I think this course would be fine for you.

February 2010 is the last year that this course will run, so if I was you I would jump at it. It is the most brilliant course ever, mind you it is getting really tough now!

Summer school isn't to be missed, no wonder all past A214ers want to go again, I have now joined forces with them.

As for payment you can get a budget account and in cases where you haven't got funds you can get help.

Have a look at the content on the OU site and you can give them a ring and they will let you know whether they think the course will be ok for you or not.

Let me know what you decide.

I would definitely recommend!!

ET

I have registered for the AA302, I was really pleased as I had originally said AA317 to get the diploma but when I heard the AA302 was back I went for that instead. Are you enjoying the Words and Music?






Last chance is February 2010, will you be finished by then?

I know how your teacher feels, I don't want to stop talking about summer school, its very intense but you make lots of friends. After studying in mostly isolation it is so nice to come together with likeminded people and study together.

Wish I had 2 weeks there! And in such beautiful surroundings too.




It is said to be a course that you will need prior musical knowledge, however nothing is set in stone yet so could change.

There wont be a summer school and I don't think it will be as good as A214, I think A214 has a reputation for being the best ever.

They are talking about bringing an open music summer school where anyone doing music courses will be able to attend, I think this is around 2011, but don't quote me I may have it wrong.

ET

p.s. don't forget you can always use your Tesco clubcard vouchers to pay or part pay, that is what I have done.

Very much thank you - far more than AA302. But then I'm a singer so it's right up my street and very relevant to me and my teaching. Don't get me wrong AA302 is a great course, but you have to choose depending on what you want out of it.

Yes I know what you mean, when I was at summer school Donald Burrows went through the different courses and I knew then that I had gone for the right one for me. Mind you I have got to pass A214 first if I want my diploma!!! Got to do my Bach Chorale this month, spent ages on it and about to start again............

Hello everyone again, the response has been fantastic and I am now feeling more positive towards a number of reasons, the majority goes down to the responses here, but also it goes down to me watching a speech by James Hetfield on youtube, which I find quite inspiring. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rLJThW4mMg The part regarding people stuck is what inspires me.

I've still got a couple of questions though:

Firstly, Could someone please expand on the residential school? Is it a single national event or are they placed near you? And what was involved, expanding on the information given on the Open Uni website?

Secondly, what sort of keyboard would people recommend that has 5 octaves and can play chords? I’d like to buy one if I enrol, to keep for future use, but not being overly acquainted with keyboards, they’re slightly alien in their design and features to me. I’ll be popping into my local music shop this weekend too, but some extra knowledge of what I would need could be useful.

Hiya

Its a National event with people from all over the country. I think Durham is where it is always held.
The day is split up into different lectures, some being compulsory, discussing the various scores used in the course and other topics to help with the final exam. Others are optional, I remember being one looking into Sonata Form and another understanding Neapolitan Sixths to name a couple. Time is also given to rehearse with other players for the last night concert.

The concert is held in the big hall on the last night where the choir performs (anybody can join the choir) and any solo, duet or ensemble performances are done. Afterwards everybody has a party in the bar and there are generally some more less formal performances there.

As for the keyboard, I coped with a basic Yamaha, which I think is now the equivalent of the E313, which are aroung £150. It is quite a basic model but I just needed something to check my harmonisations sounded ok. Obviously if you were intending to use it in the future you may need a higher spec, but this was adequate for the needs of the course

Hope this helps

It is held in Durham, this year it was for 3 weeks during the summer with 100 in each group. You work right next to the Cathedral and Durham is so beautiful like a little island with the river going all round it. It truly is a very memorable place.

We were split up into tutor groups when we arrived, for this there were 8 in the group and you were allocated a tutor for half the week and then swapped over for the latter half. I was lucky and had 2 of the most fantastic tutors ever. For 2 days we had what they called historical study days where we had different tutors, these would be to talk about the different periods and composers of music. Lectures and workshops are going on in between which are not compulsory but I found that I wanted to get the most out of everything so would always go to one of them. Sometimes you would find that there would be more than one option that you would like so you would have to choose.

Then there was the music making times where you did your practise for ensembles, solos, duets and the choir. I also found that I had to fit in some extra time to practise with a friend on the recorder as I hadn't played for 40 years.

The course is very intense, so busy but so good. In the evenings once the bar shut some of us would go out and find a pub in the town or go to a club " The loveshack" Again this was a truly memorable experience to be around all these lovely people.

The concert the last evening was just brilliant and then off to the bar where the tutors entertained us.

The hardest part of the week was saying goodbye to everyone as they become like a newfound family. So much anti climax after you leave. All I have to do now is try and write up my notes and sort them out somehow so that I know what I am doing.

As for the keyboard you are told what is required prior to the course and offered the loan of one from the university if you want to.

As I said February is the last chance for you to experience this, so if you are interested give them a ring and ask them your questions, they are so helpful.

Good luck.

ET

Thanks eldatom, I'm so pleased you had a good time and now I'm really excited because I've signed up to do A214 next February. If you have any good tips on how to prepare for the course I'd be very glad to hear them.
And The Judas Kiss, maybe I will see you there!

Hi eldatom,

i was on the summer school this year in durham, august 1st - 7th, wonder if we met? All i will say is that i was in T7 group and didnt venture down to the LoveShack. Did you risk the green scrambled eggs?

I would definitely recommend this course to anyone and really hope the stand alone summer schools do happen as i will almost certainly attend. Ive already booked my next course, From Composition to Performance and am really looking forward to it.

Theres alot of harmony on the A214 course, music analysis and last two tmas include writing music in the Classical style for keyboard.

Ive taught piano for 15 years and this course has introduced me to a few new composers and breathed new life in to my own playing.

Oh I wonder if we did meet, I'll send you a PM. I was in T10 and I did venture down to the loveshack on more than one occasion!

I too have signed up for next course "from composition to Performance" .

ET