We are delighted to be able to offer three fully-funded EDI scholarships for teachers in UK state schools wishing to study either of the following Open University modules:
- A232 Music, Sound and Technology
- A234 Understanding Music
These scholarships, funded by the OU’s Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, will be awarded to UK schoolteachers who intend to introduce or develop the provision of music technology or music theory in the non-fee-paying school or college where they work. They are open to teachers of any discipline (i.e., you do not have to be a music teacher) and at secondary level looking to develop their knowledge of these areas with this aim in mind.
In the award of these scholarships, preference will be given to:
- teachers (broadly defined) working in schools with a high proportion of students from backgrounds which are traditionally under-represented in the music studies, e.g. those from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background and/or where a high percentage of pupils are eligible for Free School Meals;
- individuals from backgrounds which are traditionally under-represented in the teaching of music, e.g. those from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background (including people with a mixed ethnic background) or from a working class background.
These scholarships are open to those teaching in non-fee-paying secondary schools as well as sixth form colleges. Please note that applicants will normally be expected to have worked for at least two years as a teacher.
Studying with the Open University
A232 Music, Sound and Technology and A234 Understanding Music are 60-credit modules, requiring regular study each week. Students are supported by a dedicated tutor, enjoy access to regular tutorials, and study primarily online. The Open University’s distance learning model gives students the flexibility to study where and when they want. Modules run from October to May and are assessed via a series of assignments submitted throughout the year.
A232 Music, Sound and Technology
This module explores the nature of musical sound and the ways that technology can be used by musicians working in the creative industries. You’ll be introduced to the skills needed for making recordings, and the module resources include software packages for analysing and editing recorded sound. You’ll study how the physics of sound underlie musical experiences, and investigate the acoustic properties of different instruments. The module aims to deepen your understanding of the nature of sound and to equip you better as a musician, whatever your background and musical interests. The material covered provides a strong foundation for the teaching of music technology up to GCSE level (or National 4/5 Music in Scotland).
Further information about this module is available on the OU website , and on our departmental website.
A234 Understanding Music
This introduction to the fundamentals of Western music theory will allow you to understand and use music notation. You’ll study the elements of music and how these are assembled into larger musical structures, focusing on music encountered in Western traditions (popular and classical). You’ll learn to make sense of a wide variety of notated music, and you’ll be encouraged to make meaningful connections between the topics you study and your own experiences and tastes through independent study. You’ll develop practical musicianship skills, using professional music-notation software, that will provide you with a grounding for arranging and composing. You don’t need any prior knowledge of musical notation in order to study this module, but some basic preparation in advance will be helpful. You’ll be directed to websites where you can gain the relevant information. The material covered provides a strong foundation for the teaching of music up to GCSE level (or National 4/5 in Scotland).
Further information about this module is available on the OU website, and on our departmental website.
What’s included in the scholarship
The Open University EDI scholarships consist of a grant of £3,462 to cover the full cost of the tuition fees for the module.
Successful candidates will be provided with support and advice on developing or introducing music in their school. They will also be asked to provide brief written and/or oral updates on their progress and plans during their studies and to complete a report following their completion of the module.
Developing the teaching of music in schools
Note that your plans to introduce or develop music in your school need not necessarily mean offering a formally examined course (such as a GCSE). Your plans might instead involve introducing teaching music-related classes or clubs off-timetable, for example. Please outline your plans and their expected impact (e.g. in terms of student numbers) in your application.
How to apply
To apply for the scholarship, please complete the application form and send it to FASS-Music-Enquiries@open.ac.uk.
With the form you should also send:
- a separate curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than two pages;
- a copy of your degree certificate (or a transcript of your degree that makes clear the level of your academic achievement);
- a statement from your headteacher indicating that they are willing to support your plans to introduce or develop music technology or music theory in your school or college. (This need be no more than one side of A4.)
The application form includes a section for a short personal statement (of no more than 800 words). You should use this section to outline:
- the nature of the school you work in and its student body (where possible, please provide information on the percentage of pupils with English as an Additional Language, Special Educational Needs and Free School Meals, plus a link to the latest Ofsted report);
- how you propose to develop the provision of music in your school;
- how the scholarship will facilitate greater access to music for those from backgrounds which are traditionally under-represented in the field (this may apply either to you as the candidate and/or to your students);
- your teaching experience to date;
- your need for this professional development.
The successful applicants will be selected on the basis of this statement, their eligibility, and their academic and professional achievements to date, also taking into account the level of support from the school or college.
Stronger applications will normally:
- show evidence of clear, well-developed plans;
- outline how the knowledge and skills acquired by studying the module will enhance the candidate’s ability to teach music; and
- demonstrate that the candidate’s study of the module will make a meaningful contribution to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in music education.
The scholarships will not be awarded to students receiving full funding from other funding bodies. It is not necessary to register for OU study before making this application.
The Open University is proud to promote diversity in education and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. If it would help to have the application in an alternative format, please contact: FASS-Music-Enquiries@open.ac.uk.
The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 3 July 2023 and we intend to inform all applicants by late-July. Informal enquiries about these scholarships can be made to: Dr Martin Clarke (martin.clarke@open.ac.uk).
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The Music Department’s partner orchestra, The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, has recorded the programme of a concert scheduled during the global health crisis for performance on its digital platform, OAE Player.