BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Music Business

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Music Business at BIMM University is a dynamic and comprehensive three-year full-time undergraduate joint honours degree, explicitly designed for aspiring musicians who aim to blend their artistic performance abilities with astute business acumen. Available across BIMM's vibrant UK campuses (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and in Berlin, Germany, this program provides a unique education that empowers students to not only hone their instrumental or vocal skills for live performance but also to strategically navigate the commercial landscape of the music industry. Students gain a deep understanding of performance techniques, musicianship, and live presentation, while simultaneously developing essential knowledge in artist management, music publishing, marketing, finance, and the legal frameworks underpinning music commerce. This integrated approach cultivates versatile, entrepreneurial artists, equipping them with the skills needed to manage their own careers, understand deal structures, and thrive in the multifaceted global music business.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Music Business is thoughtfully structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to ensure a balanced development of both performance artistry and business proficiency. In the first year, core modules typically include "The Creative Industries and You: Finding Your Path," "Performance Skills," "Core Instrument Skills," "Applied Instrument Skills," "The Music Business," "Releasing Music," and "Marketing and PR." These modules establish foundational knowledge in instrumental/vocal technique, live performance dynamics, and the essential business principles of the music industry. 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," "Business & Enterprise," and "Financing Creativity," alongside optional modules that allow for specialisation. The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," a "Performance Showcase," and a "Professional Portfolio," supported by further optional modules. These options enable students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as advanced performance, songwriting, or music production, ensuring a highly bespoke educational journey.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Music Business program at BIMM University is deeply rooted in practical application and creative projects, it integrates a strong element of research and critical inquiry to develop intellectually curious and adaptable music professionals. The curriculum encourages students to investigate the theoretical and contextual underpinnings of both performance practices and music business models. Through modules and major assessments, particularly the "Final Project," students are guided to conduct in-depth research into areas such as historical and contemporary performance trends, audience engagement, artist development strategies, the evolution of music industry business models, market dynamics, intellectual property, and the impact of digital platforms on music consumption and commerce. This involves developing critical thinking skills, evaluating diverse sources, and reflecting on their own artistic and entrepreneurial practices. This emphasis on research fosters an analytical and evidence-based approach, empowering graduates to make informed creative and business decisions and contribute strategically to the evolving music industry.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central and defining feature of the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Music Business 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, artist managers, music publishers, and marketing experts, 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 industry showcases, along with work experience placements and internships with leading record labels, artist management companies, music publishers, and other music organizations. 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 also fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow students from other BIMM disciplines (e.g., songwriting, production, event management), 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 BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Music Business program at BIMM University inherently cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international reach and diverse influences within popular music performance and the music business. By being offered across multiple campuses in the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to varied international music scenes, business models, and cultural approaches to both performance and commerce. The curriculum explores global trends in artist development, international touring, music publishing rights across territories, digital distribution, and cross-cultural marketing strategies. Students gain an understanding of how different regions contribute to and interact within the global music economy, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in both artistic expression and business practices. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with varied creative and commercial perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate and succeed in a truly global music landscape.