Popular Music Performance BA (Hons)

Develop your talent as a musician and performer through the practical and theoretical study of popular music.

Course overview

Versatility is an essential characteristic for musicians in the 21st Century. On this course, you will learn how to develop your identity as a performer, playing a range of genres and styles - everything from The Spice Girls to Metallica, you will learn and perform music all the way from the 1950's right up to whatever is in the current charts.

On this very practically based programme, you will also have the opportunity to develop extremely useful skills such as Recording Techniques, live P.A mixing, Songwriting and Arranging - all essential for working in the music industry.

Why study this course with us?

Our course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled musician.

Popular musicians learn in different ways so the course uses accelerated learning techniques to ensure that all students progress in areas of musicianship, making clear links between; performance, context, theory and professional practice. The Department is committed to this holistic method of study, helping you to understand the value in what you are learning as you become confident, creative musicians. As a Department, we also have excellent links with industry professionals and visiting professors.

Teaching methods

Sessions are delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials in lecture theatres, and performance spaces, which are equipped with professional gear.

Assessment

You will submit a variety of work for summative assessment, including solo and group performances, presentations, recordings, composition portfolios and written essays.

Job prospects

Our course develops skills that equip you for a portfolio career as well as other professions; self-discipline; research and analytical skills; organisation and time management; communication skills; drive and motivation; and working independently and collaboratively. Graduate jobs you may go into include: musician; songwriter, music promotions manager; sound engineer; music teacher; or events organiser.

Careers service

The University has an award winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum; through employer contact and through tailored group sessions and individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability - Student Futures aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.