Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Popular Music Performance
The Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Popular Music Performance is a music
degree unlike
any other. It trains drummers, vocalists, guitarists and
bass players to become
professionals in an industry that demands many
skills, from performance through to
composition, programming and
arranging. We deliver strong, versatile, employable
musicians.
The
course is validated by Thames Valley University (TVU). All students are
enrolled with
TVU and taught at our specialist facilities.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally have:
● 120 points at A Level,
or equivalent OR the Drumtech OTC/OCN One Year Diploma in
Popular Music
Performance
● Five GCSEs at grades A-C, including Maths and English, or
equivalent
● Drum performance at grade 8 standard *
● Sight
reading at grade 6 standard *
● Music theory at grade 6 standard *
*
These are guidelines only. Applicants are expected to be at this standard
not expected to
have passed the exams.
Prospective students should
apply through the UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk. A member
of the
admissions team will contact you to schedule a practical audition.
The
audition is an in-depth look at your stylistic and technical ability on
the kit, as well as
your sight reading, music theory knowledge and
aural awareness of intervals and chord
types.
FUNDING
Home
students can apply through their Local Education Authority for Tuition Fee
Loans,
Higher Education Maintenance Grants and Maintenance Loans.
International students
should contact the admissions team on +44 (0)
208 749 3131 for details about course fees.
YEAR 1
SEMESTER 1
Core
Curriculum A develops your understanding of essential musical concepts and
builds
the foundations of excellence in your drum playing.
● Drum
Techniques
● Drum Concepts
● Sight Reading
● Music
Theory
● Aural
● Keyboard Skills
20th Century Popular
Music History charts the rise of pop music from its earliest roots to
the
corporate phenomenon it is today, adding a broader dimension to students'
own
performance and composition.
Rhythm and Blues Performance is a
detailed study of this major genre of popular music.
Through live
performance and analysis students are able to reproduce the authentic
sound,
feel and dynamics of this style.
SEMESTER 2
Core
Curriculum B further develops your musicianship.
Rhythm Studies
examines the role of rhythm in popular music styles. This will add
originality
and musicality to your playing and composing.
Applied Rock Studies is a
focused study of progressive rock and the major artists
involved.
Through analysis and performance you will gain an understanding and mastery
of
this demanding style, which has influenced so many of today's bands.
YEAR
2
SEMESTER 1
Jazz Studies charts the development of Jazz from the
1940s. Weekly live performance
workshops allow you to develop your own
authentic jazz sound and develop a repertoire
of classic 'standards'
which will inevitably reappear throughout your playing career.
Arranging
and Programming for Small Groups draws on your knowledge of theory
developed
in Year 1 to develop your arranging skills for bands containing drums,
guitar,
bass, keyboards and vocals.
Music in Industry gives an
insight into the nature of today's music business structures and
identifies
key employment opportunities in this area.
SEMESTER 2
Miscellaneous
Playing Styles increases your versatility by broadening the range of
styles
you can play. You study reggae, blues, funk, Latin and country.
Specialised
Playing Styles gives you the opportunity to hone your knowledge of a
particular
style - jazz, rock or fusion.
Popular Music Composition Techniques
requires you to create original compositions
for small bands and
explores the use of processing and sequencing technology.
YEAR 3
SEMESTER 1
Advanced Instrumental Techniques heightens your
technical ability on drums and
enhances your creativity and innovation
in performance.
Directed Ensemble Skills provides crucial experience of
working under the guidance of
a musical director. This will often be
the reality of professional working life and you will
gain an
understanding of this important relationship.
Recording Project draws
on much of the skills and experience you have gained on the
course so
far. You must compose, arrange and rehearse original material for a band
of at
least 5 members and then record it on industry standard software,
to present as a
finished product.
SEMESTER 2
Showcase Studies
teaches you how to attract the interest of potential promoters and
distributors
by producing an effective press pack. The module culminates in a final
showcase
gig.
OPTION 1
Pop Music Dissertation requires you to produce a
detailed written study of an area of
particular interest.
OR
Performance
Project gives students proven expertise in musical performance - planning,
rehearsing
and performing a set to a very high level.
OPTION 2
Aspects of Music
Management explores concepts of marketing and PR, event
management,
artist promotion and music journalism.
OR
Music Production allows
students to develop their existing knowledge of processing and
programming
technology to an advanced level.
OR
Music Education Workshop studies
concepts of teaching, to help you maximise your
earnings as a
professional musician. You will gain practical experience and valuable
insights
into how to communicate effectively and how to motivate your students,
both in a
classroom and one-to-one.
