Course summary

The BA (Hons) Music Performance offers students holding a Level 3 vocational qualification the opportunity to obtain a full degree in a distinctive and inclusive learning community, which has provided adult education in the arts for over 125 years. Walking in the footsteps of Holst, Tippett, Vaughan Williams, Cardew & Oram, students will benefit from a vibrant music culture. This includes a vast array of ensembles, instrumental classes and events to engage with. They will be part of a large and well-regarded music department, situated right in the heart of London, with direct access to the capital’s world-leading music industry. Students will be coming to the course with a range of musical skills and interests. The aim of the BA (Hons) Music Performance is to expand their technical, theoretical and creative horizons, whilst encouraging specialization in their chosen field, to build a credible career path following graduation. The content reflects these aims. It includes project work, collaborative work, research, critical skills and skills acquisition. Whilst developing higher levels of student autonomy, this will facilitate their own self-determined path. This course will allow creative music practitioners to: • Develop their practical skills and abilities • Develop artist development, entrepreneur and career skills • Critically interrogate their work • Apply research to their work • Contextualize music and cultural history Students will gain experience of live briefs and SME operations and have access to existing projects such as The Engine Room, Sonic Arts Exhibition and international competition, TERM Records (Morley College’s own record label) and Morley Radio. They will benefit from additional experiences by joining in with our wide range of existing ensembles, performing in London venues or recording concerts as Assistants to the work of Morley College Studios. They will be able to work with our resident artist in workshops and to attend symposiums by Morley, to gain insight from industry professionals. In the first year of the course, students will gain fundamental skills in theory and creativity, develop their performance and consider cultural influences in contemporary music. Their professional development will begin with reflective investigation, application of digital tools and skills, as well as study of the wider industry and their place in it. Throughout the second year, students will continue study of cultural and sociological contexts. This will further develop their essential skills and professional identities. This will give them the opportunity to select from a number of elective modules, allowing them to structure their own musical identity. The final year focuses on a major project and an autonomous collaborative working scenario, allowing students to place their professional practice in context, while receiving support and feedback. Around these are further creative and academic modules to further hone their technical, professional and analytical skills.