Is anyone starting Performances and Repertories (A871) this February?
I've been working on Educational Enquiry (E891) since October so I'll be finishing that off at the same time. I'm anticipating my life getting rather chaotic soon!

Hi Clare
I decided not to do this course this year. I just finished the Dip Mus and as I already have a degree was tempted to proceed on to this course - but I have decided to focus on my practical exams instead.

Just wanted to wish you luck - I might consider it another year

Elizabeth

I'm just starting A870 (foundation module). Have you done this one? how did you find it (esp. the workload...)

good luck with your studies!

No, I haven't done A870. I'm working for an MA in Education officially, but I was allowed to take a unit outside of the education ones. Good luck!

Just wondering if you could give a bit more detail on your experience of this particular course? What is the content like? What are the assignments like etc etc ..... anything that springs to mind really.

I am interested in it but decided against it for this year due to my grade 8 practicals. I might consider it next year.

Thanks

Elizabeth

I think the enjoyment of A871 depends on how sympathetic your tutor is. The tutor I had was particularly difficult and marked me accordingly without actually explaining what one had to do to gain better marks. My project was marked by somebody else and my mark for that was 25% higher which kind of illustrates the point. It put me off doing A877 altogether, but thankfully I had credit transfer which meant I could avoid doing it anyway...

Hi Clare

If you are out there, I was just wonering how you are getting on with A871???

I am still thinking about it!!

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth

I'm here, stuck to my computer until September, working on the end project for the course!

I've really enjoyed the topics and research for this course, as well as being able to focus on areas that really interest me for each assignment. However, like with my undergrad degree, I still find musicology to be such a vague academic area, especially compared to the education course that I'm working on in parallel. My marks have generally been good but I can never tell what sort of mark I'm going to receive in music, unlike education!

I'm currently researching Les Six with a focus on their clarinet music.

Although I have some slight reservations with the subject, I would definitely recommend the course.

Clare

Thanks Clare, glad you are enjoying the course.

I am probably going to do TA212 then AA302 and then finish off with a PGCE. I really only need AA302 but it doesn't start for another year so I though the technology of music one might be relevant and interesting - have heard some good things about it. I asked OU about 870 / 871 but apparently they don't "count" in terms of qualification for the PCGE. The man said with my other academic qualifications I probably had enough to get into the PGCE as it was, but in order to get a job after I need an "appropriate" degree so therefore I need to top up my undergrad music credits. I need to chat to a lady who is on hols at the moment to make sure this is all correct - so I am not going to register for anything just until I have spoken to her.

Elizabeth

That sounds good. I'm afraid I can't advise on the OU PGCE as I did mine at the RNCM, but I do know that I did my PGCE course with people whose undergrad degrees weren't in music. The course involves filling out a subject knowledge audit which helps highlight areas that are weaker, so even if you haven't done a full music undergrad degree you can work to improve certain areas.

Good luck with your future studies!
Clare

I'm really happy to say that I've just finished my final piece of work for this course, which also means I've just completed my MA!