Music

You will study with staff who are known for their world-leading expertise. They bring their knowledge and experience to the classroom to give you the best possible learning environment. Classes and assessments are designed to be challenging and intellectually stimulating across our three disciplines: musicology, composition and performance. Whether appraising music from the past or the present day, you will develop skills of critical thinking and creativity, which are highly transferable to the world of work.

Our courses are flexible, allowing you to develop your interests in familiar areas such as music history, composition or performance. Studying Music at Bangor University provides exciting opportunities for study in less familiar areas such as Music in Health and Wellbeing, Notation and Editing, and Acousmatic composition. 

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including our Electronic Music Studios.  In the Music building, our main lecture hall is equipped with a new Steinway grand piano and is an ideal location for recitals and rehearsals. We also have two other professionally equipped concert halls for you to practice and perform in.

Pontio, the heart of creative arts here in Bangor University hosts a lively series of concerts and performances. The Arts and Innovation centre houses two theatres and a cinema that double up as teaching spaces.

Making music with others is an integral part of the experience of a degree in music. You can choose to study solo performance on your main instrument or voice, but there are also options to perform in ensembles as part of your course.

Outside the classroom there is a wide range of opportunities to perform, you may wish to join one of the university-run ensembles, Bangor University Symphony Orchestra, University Chorus or the Chamber Choir. There are also lots of societies to join, including the Music Society Orchestra and Choir, the Concert Band, the Brass Band, the Jazz Band and the String Orchestra. Student ensembles always feature strongly in our gala concerts as well as in the annual Bangor Music Festival.

We pride ourselves on offering a student-centred experience. You will be welcomed into a lively and supportive community of Music staff and students here at Bangor University. There are many opportunities for you to get involved with music-making and other extra-curricular activities.

When you arrive at Bangor, you will be assigned a peer guide to help you find your way around and settle into university life. You will receive academic support from your lecturers and tutors, who are always happy to answer questions and offer advice. Each student also has a personal tutor, a member of academic staff who is there to provide pastoral care and support throughout your studies.

Preparing students with excellent employability opportunities is at the heart of all our courses. Studying, performing, and creating music allows you to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. You will also be able to take opportunities to put your skills into action through community placements, allowing you to explore the use of music in different contexts, such as music centres and care homes.

We also offer a range of support on CV writing, interviewing and professional development. The skills and experiences you will gain are highly valued by prospective employers and allow our graduates to pursue a wide range of careers.