Undergraduate courses

Breadcrumbs

Music

Music has been taught at Oxford for many centuries, and a link with this long tradition may be sensed in the core subjects of Techniques of Composition (stylistically-based harmony and counterpoint) and History of Music. The retention of these subjects at the heart of the curriculum ensures that every Oxford graduate acquires a detailed yet comprehensive understanding of Western music.

In addition, the wide range of second and third-year options enables students to specialize in areas of particular interest, such as original composition, solo performance, analytical techniques, editing, ethnomusicology, or specialist history options. For further details about the course see www.music.ox.ac.uk .

Teaching at St Peter's

St Peter's College generally seeks to admit four undergraduates per year. The great range of the course makes it sensible for some subjects to be taught by specialists in other Colleges; most undergraduates at St Peter's may expect to have the equivalent of at least two hours' individual tutorial teaching each week, of which one tutorial will be with the College Fellow in Music.

Every undergraduate reading Music is provided with an electric piano (clavinova) for his or her own study purposes; the College posseses two  Blüthner grand pianos and a single manual harpsichord by Robert Goble which are available for practice and for performances. As at other Oxford colleges, St Peter's does not provide instrumental tuition, but financial assistance with the cost of lessons is available to students offering Solo Performance as an examination option. Many of the College’s instrumentalists hold scholarships made available through the generosity of old members. These range in value from £100 -£400 and are awarded to matriculated members of the College after competitive audition. This strong tradition of instrumental music is apparent in the number of St Peter’s students who play in the University orchestras. Organ, Choral and Instrumental Scholarships are also awarded. 

Admission Requirements

Course entrance requirements

Written work and test requirements

Tutors

Dr Roger Allen

Dr Andrew Gant

Other courses