BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance

Introduction

The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree is a three-year provides high-level vocational training for musicians who intend to progress into the music industry to work as session/freelance musicians in all areas outside of the classical music sector.

You will specialise in one of the following disciplines - guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, keyboards and vocals - and you will benefit from intensive individual instrumental lessons.

Overview

The egree balances the development of high-level instrumental and performance skills with the nurturing of business and entrepreneurial skills, within a music industry context.

Professional musicians direct the sessions which include 1.5 hours of intensive one-onone instrumental skills development each week.

Students are introduced to relevant music industry practice, organisations and associations. All course activity relates to the vocational activities of the professional, freelance musician.

Course Aims

• To develop your full potential as a performing musician.
• To develop your technical and interpretative skills to facilitate the achievement of excellence.
• To develop your reading of notation in relation to standard and non-standard Western notation.
• To develop your composing/arranging skills in context.
• To prepare you for employment and entrepreneurial participation in the music industry.
• To establish a practical and theoretical understanding of business practices within the non-classical music sector.
• To enable you to manage change in music and its associated industries and cultures.
• To enable you to formulate a career strategy that meets your personal aspirations.
• To develop your self-management and interpersonal skills.
• To prepare you for appropriate further study.

Outcomes

On successful completion of the Degree, you will be able to:

• draw upon a broad range of vocationally relevant skills;
• perform to standards appropriate to the demands of your chosen musical profession;
• demonstrate a high degree of selfsufficiency;
• utilise an acquired, broad technical base to inform performance and ongoing professional development;
• further develop and utilise contextual knowledge and understanding to inform ongoing professional development;
• access further, higher level study.

All applicants will normally be expected to possess the following minimum qualifications:

• GCE A level (A2) in one subject, or a Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or a National Diploma in a relevant subject area (Music, Performing Arts etc.);

• Passes at GCSE level (grades A*-C) in four differente subjects, two of which must be English Language and Mathematics, or acceptable qualification equivalents.

Acceptable qualification equivalents:

• Two AS (A1) passes will be deemed equivalent to one A level (A2) pass;

• A pass in a high grade instrumental examination in combination with a pass in grade 5 Music Theory is equivalent in this instance to an A Level (A2) pass.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications are also encouraged to apply. The admissions panel will consider admitting those who do not possess the qualifications listed above, provided applicants are able to demonstrate appropriate ability through their audition and interview.

AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS

Sessions take place at the RNCM and last about 45 minutes.

• Applicants must bring their own instrument except for drumkit. Please note, no drumkit can be provided for warm-up.
• Drum kit, PA and backline are all provided for the audition: - Yamaha Stage Custom Drum Kit (5 piece with cymbals)
  - Ashdown Bass Amp
  - Marshall Guitar Amp (with footswitch)
  - JBL PA system and Shure SM58 mics
• You will have up to 45 minutes warm-up time before the audition.
• If you intend to use backing tracks, please bring these on an MP3 player or a CD.

The audition will include:

• Introductions from tutors;
• Recital programme to last between 10-12 minutes demonstrating a variety of techniques through a varied choice of music;
• Each piece should be introduced with information about the music/composer – entire programme to last 10-12 minutes;
• Sight-reading test;
• Musicianship test (including aural tests, theoretical knowledge, technique, etc);
• Improvisation test;
• Interview on personal qualities and intentions for progression supported by portfolio of work (including CDs, DVDs, photos, press etc).