BMus (Hons) Contemporary Music Performance and Production

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The music industry has changed. Nowadays, successful artists are multi-instrumentalists who can produce their music, run their projects, and profit from their online channels. The BMus (Hons) Contemporary Music performance course aims to deliver flexible, musically literate graduates with the abilities, theoretical knowledge, and networks required to pursue long-term careers as professional musicians.

On this music degree, you will be taught by experienced musicians who work in the industry and bring their practical knowledge and skills to the classroom. So, this is the course for you if you’re a musician, songwriter, performer, producer, arranger, or media composer.

To be successful in this Contemporary Music degree program, you must have a solid foundation in your chosen specialisation. If you don’t have but want to improve your skills, you’ll need to apply for a four-year degree with an integrated foundation year.

Integrated Foundation Year

The BMus Contemporary Music Performance & Production is supplemented by a foundation year programme for students whose musical talents need to be improved to secure UG entry. This level of study is intended to provide students with an organised musical education, for example, if you have yet to study music officially at Level 3 or have access to private music lessons.

The Contemporary Music course is designed so that students will acquire and obtain the necessary musical, industry, and study abilities. It focuses on ensuring that students achieve fundamental skills in their primary instrument. The Contemporary Music course introduces music theory, performing, practice, and study techniques.

What will you learn with the Contemporary Music course?

- - An understanding of rudimentary music theory
  - Development of natural musicianship
  - Essential instrumental and performance skills
  - The ability to collaborate
  - Key academic study skills
  - An understanding of core industry skills

Course Length: 3 years / 4 years including Foundation year;
Start dates: January / April / August / September;

Career opportunities

This course is designed to equip students with the skills, theoretical knowledge and connections necessary to establish a lasting career in music. The list below highlights some of the career options available:

Professional session musician
Arranger
Musical director
Brand member
Producer
Songwriter
Programmer
Executive, manager, administrator, officer in the music or wider entertainment industry
Music industry entrepreneur
Music teacher
Project manager

And more;

Entry requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years old;
Applicants are required to submit proof of prior certificated learning (e.g. Secondary School Diploma/Baccalaureate/Level 3 qualification) and/or relevant work experience;
Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed provided they could demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.
If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language.
Applicants must bring their original certificates when coming for registration;

Course structure - Modules

FOUNDATION

Music theory 1
Instrumental & ensemble skills 1
Essential study skills & academic writing
Music theory 2
Instrumental & ensemble skills 2
Filesharing, fisticuffs & the philosophy of copyright

YEAR 1 – Compulsory modules

Harmony 1 & the music industry landscape
Harmony 2 & the history of popular music

YEAR 1 – Optional modules

Principal instrument and programming 1
Songwriting 1 and programming 1
Studio and production 1 and programming
Professional performance 1
Jazz performance 1
Principal instrument 2 and programming
Songwriting 2 and programming
Studio & production 2 and programming
Professional performance 2
Jazz performance 2

YEAR 2 – Compulsory modules

Harmony and theory 3
Harmony and theory 4

YEAR 2 – Optional modules

Principal instrument 3
Songwriting 3
Studio and production 3
Professional performance 3
Jazz performance 3
Music programming 3
Musical directing & arranging 3
Principal instrument 4
Songwriting 4
Studio & production 4
Professional performance 4
Jazz performance 4
Music programming 4
Musical directing and arranging 4

YEAR 3 – Compulsory modules

Harmony and rhythm: world music or jazz arranging
Working in the music industry

YEAR 3 – Optional modules

Principal instrument 5
Songwriting & artist development 5
Studio and production 5
Professional performance 5
Jazz performance 5
Composing for media broadcast 5
Musical directing & arranging 5
Principal instrument 6
Songwriting & artist development 6
Studio & production 6
Professional performance 6
Jazz performance 4
Composing for media broadcast 6
Musical directing & arranging 6

* The units can vary, depending on the chosen pathway or optional modules which your institution will choose for the course structure.

Assessment

Lectures, seminars, group projects, and e-learning are among the teaching methods used. Written exams, case studies, assignments, projects, and reports are all examples of assessment methods.

Progression

Study progression:

PG diploma in music or a related subject
PGCE or other teaching qualifications
Further study at masters level

Funding

Self-Funding

The Tuition Fee of the course will vary depending on the institution you wish to study in, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU and International Students as well. Please contact us to find out the tuition fee for a specific course you’d like to know about.

Government Funds – Student Finance England

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on Indefinite stay, you can receive support from the government via Student Loan Company to cover tuition fees and some living costs while studying, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fee loans, to cover the full cost of your course, are paid directly to the course provider. Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term. You won’t have to pay back the loan until after your course, when you’re earning above a certain level. Students can still apply for grants if they’re eligible for certain benefits, disabled, or need help with childcare costs.