INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE: MUSIC & ENGLISH

Course Details

The programme runs across three terms (Sept to July) with additional pre-sessional and post-sessional English Language development and enhancement activities available to students as required. Most Professional Studies teaching takes place during the Autumn and Spring terms to allow students adequate self-study time to prepare for the final recital and deepen their English Language skills during the Summer term.

Modules	Credits
Professional Studies	60
Integrated Skills in English	60

The Professional Studies module includes 1-1 lessons, departmental classes, Alexander Technique, Dalcroze Eurythmics, CoLab, audition class, performance workshop and generative techniques.

The Integrated Skills in English module includes small group tutorials, practical project tasks, and chamber music coaching.

For further details see our Programme Specification

Teaching and Learning

Learning takes place through a blend of formal tuition, experiential learning and personal study. Musical skill development and English language acquisition is equally balanced throughout the programme, and opportunities will be sought wherever possible to intermix learning across these two areas of study.

Instrumental / composition / vocal tuition consists of individual lessons, group classes, rehearsals, workshops and seminars, with some masterclasses also available for observation. Students will develop their learning from individual lessons within a broad range of solo, small group, chamber and large ensemble activities. Visiting artists, ensemble directors and lecturers will expose students to a variety of views and approaches current within the profession. CoLab  is an integral element of performance studies and is a ring-fenced period of the academic year where students from across the institution work together to create and develop creative projects and where artistic risks and innovation are encouraged.

Tuition in English language and associated academic study skills is delivered in small tutorial groups, where practical experience of communicating with others is blended with the development of vocabulary and grammar knowledge and understanding to develop fluency and the ability to consistently apply learning in practice. Where possible and appropriate, English language lessons will integrate opportunities for musical learning. The programme aims to enable students to develop independence strategies in support of lifelong learning, and tutors will regularly encourage reflection and the formulation of specific personal targets for learning.

A number of elements of the programme will involve study with another student or students in a collaborative way. Collaboration is considered to be at the heart of professional artistic life and as such, opportunities such as these represent valued learning experiences.

Assessment

Professional Studies

Examination:

• The minor performance or composition technical assessment will permit formative feedback to allow students to check their technical progress against the expectations of the programme.
• The major performance or composition assessment will require students to perform or create music under similar conditions to a public performance.

Participation requirement:

• Students are also required to attend Ensemble/group activities in order to develop understanding of professional expectations and responsibilities in relation to collaborative activity.
• Students are required to participate in CoLab in order to develop understanding of the requirements of a collaborative project that crosses media, genre or culture or conventions, and skills in generative performance and negotiated project design.
• Students are required to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to the module leader’s satisfaction. This will consist of a learning journal, regular recordings, performance reflections, etc.

Integrated Skills in English

Assessments:

• Minor Assessment: Communication in the chamber rehearsal examination. This assessment will permit feedback for learning and allow students to check their progress as effective communicators in musical contexts.
• Major Assessment: Students will be required to rehearse music under conditions similar to a standard chamber ensemble rehearsal. It will develop students’ abilities to collaborate effectively with their fellow musicians and to apply personal skills of debate, dialogue and rehearsal leadership needed for many rehearsal contexts.

TCL ISE II:

At the conclusion of the year of study students will undertake the Trinity College London ISE II exam, which comprises two exam modules:

• Reading & Writing
• Speaking & Listening

Candidates must pass both modules for an ISE II (B2) qualification.

Entry Requirements

Trinity Laban places greater emphasis on its own audition process than on formal qualifications. The course is aimed at students considering entry to undergraduate study at conservatoire or university, and places are offered to candidates who demonstrate the potential to reach that level within the year. As a guide, ABRSM/Trinity College London Grade 8 or equivalent would be the minimum expected level of entrance to the programme, although this is not a pre-requisite.

NB: All applicants should note that Trinity Laban will not consider applications for deferred entry.

The programme accepts students in all Western Art Music instruments and voice.

English language requirement:  CEFR B1 (ISE I – Integrated Skills in English B1 or IELTS level 4.5 in all 4 areas). For Tier 4 purposes the IELTS will need to be the specific IELTS for UKVI test.

Fees and Finance

Undergraduate Fees

It is not possible to confirm fees for future academic years, as fee changes are linked to inflation and changes in government policy. Fees may increase by up to 5% each year.

Accommodation and Living Costs

This information can be found on our Accommodation and Costs of Living pages.

Financial Support

Read about financial awards and external funding opportunities in the Fees and Finance section.