Course summary

In 2005, we became the first UK conservatoire to deliver a specialist course in Popular Music, and we’re still pioneers 20 years later. Our BA (Hons) Popular Music degree is designed for performers ready to craft their own sound, develop their artistry, build a sustainable career and make a lasting impact on the music industry. Whether you dream of touring in a band, working as a solo artist or session musician, or becoming an instrumentalist or multi-instrumentalist producer, this course will give you the practical and technical tools, artistic confidence, and industry insight to make it happen. You’ll develop advanced instrumental and/or vocal skills, refine your performance identity and cultivate your stagecraft through tailored one-to-one tuition and taught group sessions with professional performers. You’ll have the creative freedom to collaborate with other musicians, focus your own creative practice, and work in our Apple Mac labs where you will learn the skills required to realise your ideas and performances into recordings using industry-standard software and facilities. You’ll explore the cultural, social and industry context of popular music and will learn how to analyse songs and performances, empowering you to become an informed and adaptable musician. Through expert tuition and a regular series of visiting masterclasses and Q&A sessions, you will also learn the music industry skills that prepare you for the realities of a portfolio career. From the rehearsal room to the main stage or recording studio – this course will help you grow as an artist and thrive as a professional and cultivate a successful career in the music industry.