BA (Hons)Popular Music Performance and Production

Core modules

Performance Techniques 1

In this module, you'll be introduced to rehearsal, performance preparation and performance techniques for a range of styles. The module begins with safe and efficient group and individual rehearsal/practice methods, leading to performances in workshops, assessments and external venues. You'll be encouraged to develop skills of your choice, with tutor guidance, in order to be able to perform in a variety of styles and create your own musical pathways.

Introduction to Studio Recording 1

This module combines practical mixing and recording with the established and proven theories of how multitrack music is made.

Creative Music Industries

Key aspects of creativity, from songwriting and promotion, through to audiences and consumption are discussed and explained to enable you to understand the demands of the music industries.

Creative Performance 1

Building on the knowledge and techniques developed in Performance Techniques 1, this module continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on instrumental/vocal skills and techniques.

Creative Music Production 1

Having been introduced to fundamental concepts and theory of audio and music production, you now have the opportunity to apply these concepts to creative projects. You will undertake two composed productions, one using predominantly sequencing techniques with live vocals, and one using predominantly live instrumentation.

Theory and Listening Skills

This module will help you develop the language to communicate musical ideas. In addition to traditional notation you will learn how to describe and analyse songs and musical productions.

Core modules

Performance Techniques 2

Building on the knowledge and techniques developed at Level 4, this module continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on reflective practice.

Advanced Studio Recording 1

You will learn to understand mix techniques and methods at a higher level to help you craft more engaging, lasting mixes.

Music Portfolio Careers

In this module through research and enquiry, supported by the music team, you will investigate the many and varied income streams available to you.

Creative Performance 2

Building on the knowledge and techniques developed in Performance Techniques 2, this module continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on instrumental/vocal skills and techniques.

Creative Music Production 2

Building on the technical and creative skills that you have developed at Level 4 and in Advanced Studio Recording 1, you will learn how to arrange and compose music using workstations and/or the recording studio. These processes will be supported by development of a foundation in genre expectation and awareness.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Songwriting Techniques

This module will help you develop and enhance your skills in songwriting and will allow you to develop your musical identities through a wide range of songwriting tasks.

Creative Sound Design

In this module you will expand your musical thinking into the world of film sound design. Whether through music or sound effects, films rely heavily on sound added post production; this module gives you the chance to develop skills required for sound in visual media.

Core modules

Music Collaboration

You will examine how to approach collaborative projects in a manner that suggests professionalism and inspires those around you. Teamwork will be key, you will need to develop your ideas, present a proposal and realise your project in a negotiated group context.

Advanced Music Production

As well as advanced production techniques such as mastering, this module will examine how you can solve practical production problems and present your findings in a video or interactive format designed to train others.

Entrepreneurship and Artist Development

You will study and practise prescribed techniques such as music reading skills, technical exercises, professional practice, performance skills and repertoire.

Major Project

In this module you will undertake a major research project in an area of your choosing. It may take a variety of forms and is negotiated with support and feedback from module tutors who will discuss and approve project proposals.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Introduction to Experimental Music Performance

You will explore the creative dynamics of existing sound performances and recordings. You will investigate alternative approaches to music making by exploring experimental techniques that draw from creative music practices.

Surround Mixing

You will experience recent and emerging technological developments including 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. The issues in mixing music and film sound will be examined and you will learn how to achieve effective mixes in these formats.

Songwriting Portfolio

This module will help you develop your own musical identity through the execution of a negotiated individual songwriting project. You will also investigate contemporary and traditional practices used to successfully write songs across different genres.