BA (Hons) Music Production and Music Business

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Music Production and Music Business at BIMM University is a dynamic three-year full-time undergraduate joint honours degree, meticulously crafted for aspiring producer-entrepreneurs and artists who seek to master both the creative and commercial facets of the music industry. Offered across BIMM's vibrant campuses in the UK (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program provides a unique blend of technical proficiency in music production with essential business acumen. Students gain hands-on experience in studio engineering, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and sound design, while simultaneously developing a robust understanding of artist management, marketing, music publishing, and the legal frameworks of the music industry. This holistic approach empowers graduates to not only create high-quality music but also to strategically navigate the complexities of the modern music business, preparing them for diverse roles as independent artists, producers, or industry professionals.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Music Production and Music Business is thoughtfully balanced across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to develop a dual skillset. In the first year, core modules typically include "The Creative Industries and You: Finding Your Path," "Audio Fundamentals," "Audio Capture Methods & Equipment," "Mixing Multitrack Audio," "The Music Business," "Releasing Music," and "Marketing & PR." These modules establish foundational knowledge in both production techniques and essential business principles. The second year builds upon this with modules such as "The Creative Industries and You: Creative Collaboration," "Creativity, Identity and Agency," "Studio Practice & Engineering," "Practical Acoustics," "Business & Enterprise," and "Financing Creativity." The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," "Answering a Creative Brief," and a "Professional Portfolio," alongside a selection of optional modules. These optional modules allow students to tailor their learning in areas like "Creative Mix Techniques," "Psychology of Music," "Game Sound & Music," "Electroacoustic Composition," and various advanced business modules, enabling specialisation in line with their career aspirations.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Music Production and Music Business program at BIMM University is highly practical and industry-focused, it integrates a significant element of research and critical inquiry. The curriculum encourages students to develop investigative skills, exploring the theoretical underpinnings of both music production techniques and music business strategies. Through modules and major assessments, particularly the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into areas such as evolving production workflows, new technologies, market trends, consumer behavior, intellectual property rights, and innovative business models within the music industry. This involves critically evaluating sources, interpreting data, and reflecting on their own creative and commercial practices. This emphasis on research fosters an analytical and informed approach, enabling graduates to make well-reasoned decisions and contribute to the strategic development of both their own artistic careers and the wider music industry.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA (Hons) Music Production and Music Business program at BIMM University, providing unparalleled opportunities for real-world experience and professional networking. Students are taught by an impressive roster of active industry professionals, including successful music producers, audio engineers, record label executives, artist managers, and music publishers. BIMM leverages its extensive network to facilitate practical work experience, internships, and collaborative projects with leading music companies, studios, and artists. Students regularly participate in masterclasses and workshops led by high-profile industry figures, gaining unique insights and direct networking opportunities. The joint honours nature of the program also fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow students across performance, songwriting, and other music business disciplines, mirroring the collaborative reality of the modern music industry. BIMM's dedicated Creative Futures team further supports students with personalized career guidance and connects them to a wide array of employment opportunities.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Music Production and Music Business program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, recognising the international reach and interconnectedness of both music creation and its commercialisation. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to diverse international music scenes, production methodologies, and business practices. The curriculum delves into global trends in music technology, digital distribution, international copyright law, and cross-cultural marketing strategies. Students gain an understanding of how different territories operate within the global music economy and the nuances of working across borders. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with diverse creative, technical, and commercial perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate and succeed in a truly global music landscape.