University of the Highlands and Islands

Applied Music BA Hons

This case study from the University of the Highlands and Islands explains the development of a highly networked and online Applied Music programme. Students based at campuses across the Highlands and Islands, and in and around Glasgow are taught using a mixture of face to face and online delivery. Key to creating a sense of belonging on this programme are face to face and virtual residencies in which students come together and collaborate on practical tasks.

Contributor: Anna-Wendy Stevenson


3. Induction and orientation

The first of the four residencies takes place in September in Inverness and acts as the students’ induction to the year. It takes place over four days and four evenings and the tightly packed schedule aims to be reflective of the professional musical environment in which these students will someday work (early mornings and late nights!) Students are divided into year groups and work together on a practical task which is based around a chosen theme. Themes vary from year to year but all residentials will involve composition, arrangement, performance. As well as working as a group, experts are brought in to give talks and to run workshops on the chosen theme for that year.