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Studying on Creative Music Making

The style of music I play and / or work in is not western classical music. Is the programme for me?

Yes. The programme focuses on the practice of music making with others regardless of genre.

Is the programme suitable for vocalists?

Yes. The programme is suitable for any instrument or voice in any genre.

How much time should I allocate to my study each day / week?

We expect the programme to require an average of 16-18 hours per week of study, including independent study and practical music making. This can be scheduled flexibly by you – there are no set learning hours.

What kinds of activities will study include?

Your study will include weekly reading, listening, online group tutorials and discussion forums, practical tasks and reflection, independent research and work towards assignments.

How will I undertake my distance learning?

Your online study will be undertaken through Moodle, Trinity Laban’s virtual learning environment. You will be able to access Moodle from home. You will also need to be able to use appropriate software to write and edit documents, download resources, send and receive email and undertake research using the Internet. You will need a basic recording device; for instance, a mobile phone, tablet or laptop, with which you will make recordings of your rehearsals and practice in order to listen back and reflect on your learning.

In addition, you will need to undertake tasks independently. These will take the form of reading and research as well as musical activities, such as changing your approach to personal practice or preparing for a rehearsal differently.

You will also need to undertake a Final Project which puts new skills and ideas into practice. This might, for example, mean organising, rehearsing for and performing a concert, making a recording, creating a website or marketing exercise for your group, promoting a cause through your music, creating a musical arrangement for your group or something else specific to you and your practice.

What form does assessment take?

You will receive regular and on-going feedback from staff through tutorials and discussion forums.  Formal assessment will take place through four written assignments and a Final Project with associated audio material uploaded via the Virtual Learning Environment. Support for students is provided.

Will I sit a practical music examination?

No. Assessment is via written assignments and a personal final project only.

Can I book practice rooms at Trinity Laban?

CMM students will only be able to book practice rooms at Trinity Laban’s King Charles Court site during the Easter Residential week.

Will I be issued with a Trinity Laban student ID card?

CMM students, as distance learners at Trinity Laban, will not be issued with a student ID card. You will be provided with your student identification number when you enrol and will be provided with an access card for the King Charles Court site for the duration of the Residential.

How many students will be studying on Creative Music Making?

The programme is designed to accommodate a cohort of 30+ students.

How long do I have to complete my studies? What are the programme start/end dates?

The programme starts on 23 September 2024  with an online induction period. Distance learning activities continue until late May when final assignments will be due for hand in. You will receive feedback within 3 weeks and final assessment results will be ratified by the end of July.

Completion may take longer if, for example, you are required to re-take an assessment or your study is interrupted due to circumstances such as ill health. The maximum period of time allowed for completion is 3 years.

Will the programme definitely run?

The programme will run subject to the recruitment of a minimum cohort. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run the programme due to lower than anticipated student numbers any fees paid will be refunded in full.

Is the programme open to international students?

Yes. Overseas students are responsible for ensuring they meet UK Visa and Immigration requirements to travel and attend the residential learning week.

Is Creative Music Making eligible for Tier 4 visas?

No. As a part time and distance learning programme Creative Music Making is not eligible for Tier 4 Visa.

Can I place my studies into abeyance / interrupt my studies?

If a student has extenuating circumstances, it may be possible to interrupt study.

Is there a CMM graduation ceremony?

There is no formal graduation ceremony for students on the CMM course.

 

Support for Students

What support do you offer students?

All students studying with Trinity Laban on Creative Music Making are able to access a range of support. This includes an online induction programme, an individual tutor contactable online, via email or phone; online information and advice covering a range of study tools and careers advice.

I have disclosed a health condition/impairment.  What support can I access for my studies on Creative Music Making?

Trinity Laban has considerable experience in supporting students with a range of disabilities including sensory impairment, neuro-diverse conditions, mental health problems, long-term illness and mobility difficulties. Trinity Laban invites disabled applicants to contact the Disability Coordinator to discuss any particular requirements you may have in relation to your enquiry, application or audition and interview.

 

 

Fees and Student Finance

What are the programme fees?

 

Fees for the Creative Music Making 2024/25 are £4,260. This includes standard accommodation and meals during the residential week.

How do I pay my fees?

Payment of fees can be made in full or in three equal instalments due on the following dates:

Date                                      Payment             

 

September 28th 2023           Payment 1

January 5th 2024              Payment 2

March 27th 2024                Payment 3

Payment is made via Trinity Laban’s online web payment system upon acceptance of offer of a place and prior to enrolment.

Payments dates for academic year 2024/25 will be uploaded soon.

Are Creative Music Making fees eligible for Student Finance?

Yes – this programme is eligible for Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales and Student Finance N.I., providing you are not undertaking other concurrent Student Finance funded study.

  • Student Finance England: A tuition fee loan covering the full cost of the programme is available and more information can be found here.
  • Student Finance Wales: the maximum tuition fee loan available for part-time study is £2625 so students will have to self-fund the remainder of the fee. Eligible students in Wales may also access part-time maintenance funding and more information can be found here.
  • Student Finance Northern Ireland: the maximum funding available for part time study is £3296.25, so students will have to self-fund the remainder of the fee. Eligible students in Northern Ireland may also access a course grant and more information can be found here.

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will not provide funding for this programme as it does not meet their eligibility rules, so students resident in Scotland will have to self-fund the full fee.

OU Students – You can only apply for Student Finance for one institution per academic year. This means you cannot apply for finance for both CMM and an OU module in the same academic year. Please email the Programme team if you have questions about this.

The Student Loans Company course code is 724934 (CTLU301/CMM is categorised as 2 years full time equivalent, part-time programme).

Guidance for your Student Finance application

Please read carefully.

  • All students (including OU students) will need to apply as a part-time undergraduate Trinity Laban student.
  • Please ensure you are applying for 2023/24
  • Please ensure you apply for finance for Trinity Laban, NOT the Open University.
  • If asked whether you are an OU student, select no (as you are applying as a Trinity Laban student for this programme).
  • The ‘University or College’ details are: Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, King Charles Court, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9JF.
  • The ‘course’ is NOT franchised, so please leave this field blank if asked.
  • The ‘course’ name is: Creative Music Making.
  • The qualification all students are expected to gain is a Level 6 Certificate
  • You will need to enter the programme start date (23 September 2024) / end date (23 May 2025)
  • This will be your first (and only) year of study for the ‘course’.
  • The SLC course code is 724934
  • For reference, CMM is categorised as a higher education, 2 years’ full-time equivalent, part-time programme.

What is the timeline for applications for Student Finance?

It is strongly recommended that you submit your application for Student Finance online as hard copy/paper applications can take up to 5 working days to be scanned and added into the Student Finance system and may result in a subsequent delay to your application.

Are fees refundable?

Our standard programme terms and conditions apply, a copy of which is available on the Trinity Laban website.

This does not affect your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Does the fee include all costs of the residential learning week?

Yes. Attendance on the residential aspect of the programme, including the costs of all accommodation and meals, is included within the programme fee. You will be responsible for the costs of your own travel to and from home, between venues once you arrive and any additional social or cultural activities you wish to undertake during the week.

Am I eligible for student concessions such as council tax exemption and Oyster card discounts?

These concessions are not available to you as a student on the CMM programme.

Do you offer any fee bursaries or financial awards?

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer any bursaries or funding for study on Creative Music Making 2024/25, however a 5% fee discount will be applied for those in the armed forces.

How do I withdraw from the CMM programme after enrolment?

We would encourage students to discuss any change in circumstance with the Programme Leader in the first instance. However in the event that a student wishes to withdraw from Creative Music Making programme, students are required to complete a Change of Status form and gain the relevant Programme Leader and Registry email authorisations.

Am I liable for any fees if I withdraw from the programme after enrolment?

This will depend on the date at which you withdraw and whether you have accessed the programme materials. By enrolling on a programme of study you are entering into a contract with Trinity Laban and are bound by the following deadlines and financial expectations should you decide to change status, or terminate your studies.

In the event that you access the online course materials during any given period, you will be required to pay the fee for that period.

Where a student wishes to withdraw from their programme part way through the academic year for whatever reason, subject to the student observing the above procedure for withdrawal, the Conservatoire will adjust their liability for tuition fees:

  • Notification of withdrawal on or after 17 Oct 2023: 1/3 of the full fees
  • Notification of withdrawal on or after 8 Jan 2024: 2/3 of the full fees
  • Notification of withdrawal on or after 2 April 2024: full fees

Dates for the 2024/25 academic year will be uploaded soon.

Fee liability for students with tuition fee loans is as follows:

  • Notification of withdrawal on or after 17 Oct 2023: 25% of the annual tuition fee for your course will be payable
  • Notification of withdrawal on or after 8 Jan 2024: 50% of the annual tuition fee for your course will be payable
  • Notification of withdrawal on or after 2 April 2024: 100% of the annual tuition fee for your course will be payable

In the event of the formal withdrawal procedures not being observed, the student is liable for payment of fees in full for the academic year.

In the event that you have not paid the due fees or discharged any other financial obligation to the Institution, Trinity Laban reserves the right cancel your registration and remove you from your programme of study, cancel the awarding of any degree or certification, and take action to recover outstanding monies.

Tuition fee debt

A fully enrolled CMM student who has opted to pay by instalments must make all payments by the agreed dates. If a student does not make the second or third payment by the due date, their access to the CMM VLE will be suspended.  They will be notified by email of any outstanding debt or sanctions applied. The student will not have access to the VLE re-enabled until such time that payment is received.

If tuition fees remain outstanding after the end of the academic year, the debt will be actively pursued by the Finance Office Credit Controllers, and the matter will also be passed to a debt collection agency.

 

 

Residential Learning Week

What are the dates for the residential learning week 2024/25

The residential learning week takes place Monday 7 April 2025 – Saturday 12 April 2025 (inclusive).

Do I need to attend the residential learning week?

Yes. Attendance at the residential learning week is an essential part of your studies. Students should attend for the full period of the residential, which leads to a performance and includes support for assignments. We recognize, however, that some personal circumstances may prevent this from being possible. Where this is the case, please inform us.

I will be unable to attend the residential learning week for reasons of poor health, disability or other personal circumstances. Can I join the course?

Yes. Please contact us to discuss alternative study options for learners unable to participate.

Where is the residential learning week held?

The 2024 residential will take place at King Charles Court, home to Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music within the Old Royal Naval College and part of Greenwich’s historic world-heritage site with a final residential learning week performance.

View the map.

Who are the teaching team for Creative Music Making?

Curriculum content for Creative Music Making has been devised and developed by the staff of both Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music and the Open University, drawing upon their world class subject expertise and professional experience.

A detailed tutor list for the residential learning week will be provided to students in early Spring 2025.

Are the Faculty of Music’s buildings accessible?

All of the Conservatoire’s study facilities are accessible for wheelchair users. A limited number of our rooms (because of the historic nature of the building) do not have level access, however, appropriate accommodation will be utilized for all elements of the Creative Music Making programme.

Students will be asked for information to confirm their access requirements prior to the residential learning week to ensure that residential activity is programmed according to the needs of individuals.

What can I expect in a typical day on the residential learning week?

A typical day will commence at 9 am with final activities extending into the evening (with regular breaks for refreshments).

A detailed timetable for the residential learning week, including arrival and departure times, will be available on the website later in the year and all registered students will receive a detailed outline of the residential learning week schedule in Spring 2025.

What will I be doing during the residential learning week?

The residential learning week content will include seminars, performances, lecture recitals, workshops, rehearsals and tutorials, developing your skills in an immersive environment. There will be an informal performance on the penultimate evening of the residential.

Is accommodation provided?

Yes. As a student on the programme you are automatically booked onto the residential learning week. This includes 5 nights’ accommodation (with breakfast), the costs of which are included as part of your programme fee and paid for by Trinity Laban. (Please note this does not include any additional ‘charged to room’ costs, e.g. room service charges, which you will be required to pay for upon check-out). Where students require any additional nights’ accommodation (for example at the beginning or end of the residential course), these must be booked and paid for direct with the accommodation provider by the student themselves.

Where is the accommodation?

Accommodation is provided within close proximity to our Greenwich campus.

Are meals for the residential learning week included?

Yes, all meals are provided.

Is the accommodation offered accessible for wheelchair users/ those with limited mobility?

Yes. The accommodation is all level access. There are a limited number of adapted rooms suitable for those with limited mobility.

Is Wi-Fi provided?

Wi-Fi is offered on site throughout Trinity Laban. You will be provided with log in details on arrival.

Can you provide parking at the Faculty of Music site?

Parking spaces are very limited at the Old Royal Naval College, so we are only able to guarantee parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. For those playing large instruments we are able to offer parking spaces / drop off provision on arrival and departure days.

Some parking, bookable in advance, may also be available at the accommodation. Students will need to make their own arrangements for this.

Do I need to bring my instrument with me?

Yes. Much of the residential learning week involves practical music making for which you will need your instrument (should you be an instrumentalist).

I need an amp. Will this be provided?

We are able to provide a limited number of amps for use by students on the residential learning week. We will contact all students in advance for details of instrument played / voice type to confirm arrangements and what you should bring.

Do I need to bring a music stand?

No. Music stands are provided.

Can I leave my instrument at the King Charles Court?

We encourage you to keep your instrument with you. Where this may not be practicable, e.g. due to size of instrument, we are able to offer instrument storage on site. Although we will do our best to ensure your instrument is secure, please make sure your instrument is comprehensively insured. All items left onsite will be at the owner’s risk.

Is there anything else I should bring to the residential learning week?

We will write in advance with details of anything you need to bring. You will need something with which to make notes and you may also wish to bring a recording device with you.

Can I book practice rooms during the residential learning week?

Students studying on Creative Music Making are able to book practice rooms during the residential learning week (only).

Can I bring along my children or my partner to the Residential programme?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate additional attendees at the residential, with the exception of Personal Assistants for disabled students.

 

 

Application Process

How do I make an application?

Please follow our step-by-step application guide.

Is there an audition for the programme?

No. Applications are via UCAS Conservatoires. (Conservatoire code: T75 / course code: 501M)

Is there an application fee?

For entry in September 2024, a standard UCAS application fee of £27.50 applies.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications for 2024 entry are open until 9 September 2024, but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible. Applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis. Late applications may be considered – late applicants are advised to contact admissions@trinitylaban.ac.uk

Please note the applications cycle for this programme differs from those of undergraduate music programmes listed on UCAS Conservatoires.

I have previously studied with the Open University. Can I apply to Creative Music Making through them?

No. Although the programme has been developed in partnership with the Open University, you need to apply directly to Trinity Laban via UCAS Conservatoires.

Do I need to provide references?

No. The application system on UCAS Conservatoires requires you to name two referees in support of your application. However these are not normally contacted as part of the assessment of applications for CMM.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are reviewed by our Programme team who will consider your prior musical experience, your musical plans for the year ahead and your aspirations. We will contact you if we require further information in relation to your application or if we feel that it may not be right for you. Otherwise, we will contact you to offer you a place on the programme.

I haven’t previously studied with the Open University. Can I still apply?

Yes. Creative Music Making may be taken as a standalone programme and does not require you to enrol with OU.

I am an OU student, do I need a minimum level of prior credits?

OU students pursuing degree study should have passed 120 credits at OU level 2 including A224 (or its predecessor A214), before embarking on Creative Music Making. This is in line with the OU’s standard policy of requiring students to progress through the three stages of their degree in order. OU students who commenced their studies before Sept 2012 may not have taken 120 credits at level 2 but must still have passed A224 (or A214) before embarking on CMM.

OU students with the recommended prior credits are guaranteed a place on CMM, provided they have submitted their application on time.

Do I need to be making music with others to apply?

Yes, or you need to be intending to start doing so as part of your studies. The curriculum focuses on this element of music making and as such you will not be able to fulfil the assessment requirements without being actively involved in shared music making during your studies.