BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Event Management

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Event Management at BIMM University is a unique and innovative three-year full-time undergraduate joint honours degree, meticulously designed for aspiring musicians who wish to combine their passion for performing with a comprehensive understanding of the live events industry. Available across BIMM's vibrant campuses in the UK (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester), this program cultivates versatile artists who are not only adept performers but also possess the essential skills to plan, promote, and produce their own gigs, tours, or larger-scale events. The course empowers students to take a DIY approach to their artistic careers, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and equipping them with the practical knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic and booming international live music sector. It emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and strategic thinking, preparing graduates for diverse and sustainable careers within the music and events industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Event Management is thoughtfully structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to provide a balanced and integrated skillset. In the first year, core modules typically include "The Creative Industries & You: Finding Your Path," "Performance Skills," "Digital Audio Workstation Skills," "Music Event Planning," "Applied Performance," "Event Production & Tours," and "Marketing & Branding." These modules lay a strong foundation in instrumental or vocal technique, musicianship, live performance, and the fundamentals of event logistics and promotion. The second year builds upon this with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Interpretive Instrument Skills," "Social Media and Digital Marketing," "Exploring Practice Through Collaboration," and "Digital Performance Portfolio," alongside optional modules like "Festival Management." The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," "Performance Showcase," "Event Sustainability," and a "Professional Portfolio," supported by further optional modules. These options allow students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as "Creative Mix Techniques," "Crowd Management," or "Technical Event Production," ensuring a highly bespoke educational experience aligned with their career aspirations.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Event Management program at BIMM University is highly practical and performance-oriented, it integrates a crucial element of research and critical inquiry. The curriculum encourages students to investigate the theoretical underpinnings of performance practices, audience engagement, and event management strategies. Through modules and significant assessments, particularly the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into areas such as performance psychology, audience analysis, current trends in live music production, the impact of technology on events, and the growing importance of sustainability in the event industry. This involves developing critical thinking skills, evaluating diverse sources, and reflecting on their own creative and organisational practices. This emphasis on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make well-informed decisions about their artistic development and event planning strategies, making them adaptable and innovative professionals.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central and defining feature of the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Event Management program at BIMM University, providing unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional networking. Students are taught by an impressive roster of active industry professionals, including successful performing artists, session musicians, concert promoters, and festival organisers, who bring current insights and real-world case studies directly into the classroom. BIMM leverages its extensive network to facilitate unique performance opportunities at local venues and festivals, alongside work experience placements and internships with leading event companies and music organizations. Students regularly participate in masterclasses and workshops led by high-profile industry figures, gaining invaluable insights and direct networking opportunities. The joint honours nature of the program fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow students across other BIMM disciplines (e.g., music business, production), mirroring the collaborative reality of the modern music and live events industries. BIMM's dedicated Creative Futures team further supports students with personalized career guidance and robust industry connections, ensuring graduates are highly employable and well-connected upon graduation.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Event Management program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international reach and diverse influences within both popular music and the events industry. The curriculum explores international touring models, large-scale music festivals worldwide, and global trends in popular music genres and performance practices. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to varied international music scenes and diverse cultural approaches to live performance and event planning. The program also addresses the complexities of operating in global markets, including cultural nuances in audience engagement and regulatory differences in event organisation. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with diverse creative, logistical, and performance perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate and succeed in a truly global music and events landscape.