What's included
Books of scores and teaching units, audio CDs, a DVD, and you’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- module materials
- audio and video content (replicating the content of the CDs and DVD)
- assessment guide
- online tutorial and forum access.
You will need
Good quality (but not necessarily expensive) headphones so that you can distinguish important details in performances, interpretations and recording techniques.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Materials to buy
Set books
- Schumann, R.: Alberti, M. (ed) Piano Quintet E flat major op.44 - piano, 2 violins, viola and cello - study score (no. ETP 78). ISMN: 9790200200980 Ernst Eulenburg Ltd £12.99 - ISBN 9783795763565 This study score is available from specialist music shops and can be ordered directly from the publisher. Please use the correct ISMN and ETP no. when ordering.
Other materials
- Beethoven, L. van: Del Mar, J. (ed) Symphony no.6 in F major, op.68 "Pastoral" - study score (urtext edition no. TP 906). ISMN: 9790006204298 Barenreiter £12.50 This study score is available from specialist music shops and can be ordered directly from the publisher. Please use the correct ISMN and edition no. when ordering.
- Steven Spielberg (Director) Close Encounters of The Third Kind (DVD) 2011. EAN: 5051159650115 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment £5.99 This DVD is available from high street or internet retailers, or by searching on www.find-dvd.co.uk. Please ensure you purchase the DVD released in 2011, since other releases and media formats may contain significantly different versions of the film.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying A342 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.