Aural Training

Module description

This module explores what it means to listen to music, how we understand what we hear, and how to use listening as a method of acquiring and developing musical knowledge. The Aural Training module supports the Performance module, for which it is a co-requisite (though Aural may be taken independently). Topics including melody, rhythm, harmony, and style will be addressed, with a variety of approaches encompassing a range of skills.

Music has historically been seen to reside in the score but, while notation is often useful, it is also limited. As well as practising dictation exercises, students will learn to hear the myriad variations in how musical notation is interpreted by performers, and they will explore their own ways to transcribe sound. Topics of focus may include, but are not restricted to: repertory from several periods of western classical music, world musics (including the challenges of ethnographic transcription), jazz and/or popular musics.

Assessment details

Examination 1 - Exam [50%]

Examination 2 - Exam [50%]

Educational aims & objectives

This module explores what it means to listen to music, how we understand what we hear, and how to use listening as a method of acquiring and developing musical knowledge. The Aural Training module supports the Performance module, for which it is a co-requisite (though Aural may be taken independently). Topics including melody, rhythm, harmony, and style will be addressed, with a variety of approaches encompassing a range of skills.

Music has historically been seen to reside in the score but, while notation is often useful, it is also limited. As well as practising dictation exercises, students will learn to hear the myriad variations in how musical notation is interpreted by performers, and they will explore their own ways to transcribe sound. Topics of focus may include, but are not restricted to: repertory from several periods of western classical music, world musics (including the challenges of ethnographic transcription), jazz and/or popular musics.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.