Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Could you tell me more about scholarships that are available?
There are a number of scholarships available. We offer an organ scholarship and work with Sheffield Cathedral to offer a number of choral scholarships. www.shef.ac.uk/music/prospective_ug/choralschol gives you the details you require for the choral scholarships. www.shef.ac.uk/music/prospective_ug/organ details the organ scholarship.
Question: What are students looking for in the degree now that the fee structure has changed?
Music departments around the country have spent enormous amounts of money on estates and facilities. These enable you to make the most of your potential and Sheffield has facilities to rival the very best in the UK. More and more students are thinking beyond merely the number of pianos, the number of microphones or the number of contact hours and are asking searching questions about the nature of the course and the research interests of the staff that work in the department. Whilst our number of contact hours will remain pretty much the same as in past years, The University of Sheffield is committing two new members of staff to the Department of Music in time for 2012 entry which increases points of contact dramatically. Many of our courses now include elements of entrepreneurship and provide opportunities to engage with working professionals. See for example how our sound and moving image module is engaging with local film makers in the creating - connecting - composing initiative. Our staff web pages have very detailed links about research, often with direct links to publications. Staff would be more than happy to receive informed questions about their research areas if you have a particular interest. Contacts are here.
Question: I've found out from the open day presentation about the general structure of the degree and I've seen from the undergraduate handbook just how the module choices might work in later years. Can you point me in the direction of the online list of modules please?
Yes, our first year is, broadly speaking, a set course for all single honours students (dual students are slightly different) and it prepares you for all our second and third year modules. You can find the current list of modules for second and third years at this link. We teach second and third year together which means you can normally expect to see the modules you want. There are very few third year modules for which a module in the second year is a pre-requisite.
Question: With the introduction of higher fees, what additional support / services am I likely to expect?
Music staff are as concerned about the rise in fees as you are. We are determined to prove that a degree in Music@Sheffield is an excellent choice and an experience that can lead to a highly satisfying career. As evidenced by responses at open days, applicants understand that the increase in fees does not represent new money and that significant changes in content and facilities take both time and money. Music staff realise the need to bring the department together through increased direct contact with students, be it through lectures, seminars, tutorials, social events such as concerts and informal practical work and electronic communication via email and social networks. We are making every effort to make contact and communication as efficient and flexible as possible. Our department propostion hinges upon an increased sense of community and mutual support.
Question: How does the national press view Music at Sheffield?
Music at Sheffield performed extremely well in a number of recent surveys. "The Complete University Guide rates Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, King's College London and Sheffield as the top five universities for music according to an index based on student satisfaction, entry standards, an assessment of the quality of the university's research and graduate prospects." (The Telegraph online guide. link, 16.08.11).
In 2011 Sheffield was the Times Higher 'University of the Year' see link
Question: Please provide information on music tuition offered for non-music students.
We can help you make contact with tutors as soon as you arrive. Please come to the department or email the office and see the list of current instrumental tutors.
Question: Please provide information on high-level orchestras.
In addition to the University Symphony Orchestra (which holds auditions very early in the first semester, see the music department for details), the department supports a chamber orchestra and the Jessop Sinfonia. Outside of the University there are a number of very exciting orchestras that welcome student performers. Please see the links below.
Music making in Sheffield: three examples
Question: Please provide information on practice rooms available.
Our guidance on practice rooms is as follows and applies to both pre-2012 and post-2012 applicants.
Our practice rooms are located on the ground and first floors in the soundhouse (the second floor houses the sound studios). You can see a picture of the soundhouse in the link below. Music is a very strong academic subject at Sheffield and our practice rooms are in great demand. Music is also a 'sport' in that many students not taking music at degree level will nevertheless continue to play their instrument. We prioritise our music students but if you play in a university ensemble we do everything we can to enable you to practice.