Valuable resources and preparation for this free course
Would you like to know more about what musicians do in rehearsals and performances? Would you like to learn different techniques for listening to and understanding music? Look no further than OpenLearn to get a real understanding of music with our free content.
You may be taking or want to enrol on this free course on FutureLearn or perhaps you would like to view a variety of related content on OpenLearn, we've collated a range of academic articles, videos, podcasts and relevant free courses to support your learning and give you a wider perspective on the subject.
To find out more about our range of short courses starting from £160 visit our short courses page.
Preparation
Before you start this course you may want to brush up on your Maths, English or Study Skills with our range of free courses.
The Open University's degrees and courses
The Open University offers a range of degrees and courses including BA (Honours) Humanities as well as an MA in Music
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Take your learning further with our free resources
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20th century composers: making the connections
Explore the world of 20th century classical and avant-garde music through the composers and the fascinating connections that exist between them.
Take part now20th century composers: making the connectionsLevel: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to music theory
Gain an understanding of the basic building blocks of musical theory and notation. This free course, An introduction to music theory, will introduce you to music staves, clefs, rhythmic and pitch values, rhythmic metre and time signatures. This OpenLearn course provides an introduction to music theory pitched at a level equivalent to Grades 1–3 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music theory exams. You can test your understanding as you proceed by completing simple multiple-choice questions.
Learn moreAn introduction to music theoryLevel: 1 Introductory
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Composition and improvisation in cross-cultural perspective
Improvisation and composition are words frequently used in the western world to describe the creation of music. But are they really two distinct processes, or are they aspects of the same phenomenon? In this free course, Composition and improvisation in cross-cultural perspective, we will explore the relationship between the two using examples of Asian music to help us clarify the concepts.
Learn moreComposition and improvisation in cross-cultural perspectiveLevel: 3 Advanced
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Voice-leading analysis of music 1: the foreground
This free course, Voice-leading analysis of music 1: the foreground, introduces 'voice-leading' or 'Schenkerian' analysis, perhaps the most widely used and discussed method of analysing tonal music. In this course, this method is explained through the analysis of piano sonatas by Mozart. The course is the first in the AA314 series of three courses on this form of harmonic analysis, and concentrates on the 'foreground level' of voice leading. As you work through this course, you will become familiar with five complete movements of Mozart's piano sonatas, as well as shorter extracts from some of his other sonatas.
Learn moreVoice-leading analysis of music 1: the foregroundLevel: 3 Advanced
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Charles Hazlewood on... Tchaikovsky and me
The conductor Charles Hazlewood explains the challenges and rewards he's found in Tchaikovsky's music.
Listen nowCharles Hazlewood on... Tchaikovsky and meLevel: 1 Introductory
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Charles Hazlewood on... Tchaikovsky's reputation
The conductor Charles Hazlewood argues that Tchaikovsky is more about passion than sugar plums.
Listen nowCharles Hazlewood on... Tchaikovsky's reputationLevel: 1 Introductory
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Learning to groove
The story of Tomorrow's Warriors, teaching young people to love jazz - and training them for music industry success.
Listen nowLearning to grooveLevel: 1 Introductory
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International Jazz Day
Let us inject a bit of jazz into your day as we celebrate International Jazz Day today (30 April).
Listen nowInternational Jazz DayLevel: 1 Introductory
Preparation for study
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Succeed with maths – Part 1
If you feel that maths is a mystery that you want to unravel then this short course is for you.
Read moreSucceed with maths – Part 1 -
Essay and report writing skills
Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.
Learn moreEssay and report writing skillsLevel: 1 Introductory
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Reading and note taking – preparation for study
Reading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This free course, Reading and note taking preparation for study, will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to apply them to your own notes.
Learn moreReading and note taking – preparation for studyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Badges come to OpenLearn
Using our free courses and want to show others what you've learned? We've got great news for you...
Read nowBadges come to OpenLearn
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