BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Songwriting

Program Overview

The BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Songwriting at BIMM University is an immersive three-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for passionate musicians and aspiring songwriters who want to excel as both performers and composers in the contemporary music landscape. Offered across BIMM's vibrant UK campuses (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program provides a comprehensive education that balances the refinement of instrumental or vocal technique and live performance skills with the intricate art of songwriting. Students delve into core topics including musicianship, music theory, digital music production, and the exploration of diverse styles and genres, while also receiving in-depth instruction on lyrical and melodic construction, arrangement, and the creative process behind crafting original music. This dual focus cultivates versatile artists equipped to not only perform at a high professional level but also to create compelling original material that resonates with audiences globally, preparing them for dynamic and sustainable careers in the evolving music industry.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Songwriting is thoughtfully structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to foster a holistic development of both performance and songwriting abilities. In the first year, core modules typically include "The Creative Industries and You: Finding Your Path," "Performance Skills," "Digital Music," "Core Instrument Skills," "Applied Instrument Skills," "Songwriting Techniques," and "Styles and Genres," alongside "Creative Technology." These modules establish foundational knowledge in instrumental/vocal technique, live performance dynamics, music theory, and the fundamentals of songwriting. The second year builds upon this with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Creativity, Identity and Agency," "Interpretive Instrument Skills," "Digital Performance Portfolio," "Music Creation with Technology," 1 and "Songwriting and Arrangement." The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," a "Performance Showcase," and a "Professional Portfolio," supported by optional modules. These options allow students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as "Creative Performance," "Complementary Instrument Skills," "Global Music Styles," "Writing for Media," "Recording," "Teaching," or "Research," ensuring a highly bespoke educational journey.  

Research Focus: While the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Songwriting program at BIMM University is profoundly practical and creative in nature, it incorporates a significant element of research and critical inquiry to develop intellectually curious and adaptable musicians. The curriculum encourages students to delve into the theoretical and contextual aspects of both performance and songwriting. Through modules and major assessments, particularly the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into areas such as historical and contemporary songwriting trends, performance psychology, audience engagement, the evolution of musical genres, and the impact of technology on music creation and dissemination. This involves developing critical thinking skills, analysing musical structures, evaluating diverse sources, and reflecting on their own creative processes and artistic identities. This emphasis on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make informed creative decisions and contribute meaningfully to the artistic and commercial landscape of popular music.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Songwriting 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 performing artists, renowned songwriters, session musicians, music producers, and publishers, who bring current insights and practical knowledge directly into the classroom. BIMM leverages its extensive network to facilitate unique performance opportunities at local venues and industry showcases, along with work experience placements and internships within the music industry. Students regularly participate in masterclasses and workshops led by high-profile artists and influential industry figures, gaining invaluable insights and direct networking opportunities. The joint honours nature of the program fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow students from other BIMM disciplines (e.g., music business, production), mirroring the collaborative reality of the modern music industry. 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 BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Songwriting program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international reach and diverse influences within popular music. The curriculum explores global music styles, international songwriting trends, and the nuances of performing and creating music for diverse audiences worldwide. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to varied international music scenes, cultural practices, and industry models. Students gain an understanding of how different territories contribute to and interact within the global music economy, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in performance and songwriting. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with varied creative and artistic perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate and succeed in a truly global music landscape.