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BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
Leeds
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance program at Leeds Arts University provides an immersive and comprehensive undergraduate experience for individuals passionate about developing their skills and establishing a successful career as contemporary popular music performers. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with a strong foundation in instrumental or vocal technique, performance skills, songwriting, music theory relevant to popular music, live sound, stagecraft, and the music industry. It emphasizes the development of individual artistic identity, collaborative musicianship, critical listening skills, and the entrepreneurial acumen necessary to navigate the modern music landscape. Students are encouraged to explore diverse popular music genres, experiment with innovative performance approaches, and develop a strong personal performance style. The program fosters a collaborative and industry-focused learning environment, preparing graduates for a wide array of roles within the dynamic and global popular music industry. Students will develop a substantial portfolio of their performance work, showcasing their technical proficiency, artistic expression, and stage presence.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance program at Leeds Arts University is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of popular music performance principles and practices. It typically encompasses core modules that delve into instrumental or vocal technique, ensemble performance, songwriting, music theory and harmony relevant to popular music, aural skills, live sound and recording basics, stagecraft and performance practice, music industry studies, music technology, and professional development. A strong emphasis is placed on practical application through regular rehearsals, performances, and collaborative projects. Students will have opportunities to perform in various ensembles, develop their songwriting skills, and gain experience with live sound and recording technologies. The curriculum often incorporates workshops on specific performance techniques, improvisation, and stylistic interpretation. Critical analysis of contemporary and historical popular music performance is integrated throughout the program to provide a robust intellectual framework for creative practice. Students are also encouraged to explore their individual musical interests and to develop their unique performance identity.
Research Focus: The BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance program at Leeds Arts University encourages a research-informed approach to creative practice, prompting students to explore the theoretical, historical, cultural, and technological aspects of popular music performance. Research within the program often involves investigating different performance styles and techniques, analyzing the work of influential popular music artists, exploring the history and evolution of popular music genres, and examining the impact of technology on performance and audience engagement. Students are supported in developing their own research interests and using their performance practice as a form of inquiry. This might involve in-depth studies of specific performance techniques, analysis of song structures and harmonic language in popular music, or exploration of the relationship between performance and identity. Practice-based research is central, with students using their developing performance skills and repertoire as a means of generating new knowledge and understanding about popular music performance. The program fosters critical listening and encourages students to articulate their artistic choices through research and analysis.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with invaluable connections to the professional popular music industry. The university actively fosters relationships with music venues, festivals, record labels, artist management companies, and music industry professionals. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in live performances at local venues, workshops and masterclasses led by renowned musicians and industry experts, collaborative projects with established artists, and potential internships within various music industry organizations. Guest lectures from leading figures in the popular music world offer valuable insights into current industry trends, practices, and career pathways. The university's strong location within a vibrant musical city provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with the local music scene and build their professional networks. The university's dedicated careers service provides ongoing support in developing professional skills, creating promotional materials, and navigating the music industry.
Global Perspective: The BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance program at Leeds Arts University incorporates a global perspective by examining the diverse musical traditions, performance styles, and cultural influences within popular music from around the world. The curriculum often explores international popular music genres, the impact of globalization on musical styles and performance practices, and the role of music in different cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to consider diverse musical influences in their own performance and songwriting and to understand the global market for popular music. The presence of international students and faculty within the university fosters a rich and cross-cultural learning environment, promoting the exchange of global perspectives and ideas within the field of popular music performance. Students are encouraged to consider the global reach of popular music and to develop a performance style and repertoire that demonstrates an awareness of international musical trends and cultural nuances, preparing them for careers in a globalized music industry.
Location
Leeds
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Leeds Arts University offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize talent, academic excellence, and to alleviate financial burdens.
Skin's Chancellor Scholarship: The Skin's Chancellor Scholarship is a prestigious award offering cash scholarship per year for three years to one international undergraduate student. This scholarship aims to support general living and maintenance costs during the student's time at the university. Applicants must submit an application form outlining how the scholarship will benefit their studies, along with three examples of their work.
International Progression Award: Current international students at Leeds Arts University who are progressing from the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design to an undergraduate degree, or from an undergraduate degree to a postgraduate degree, are eligible for a tuition fee discount. This discount is applied to the tuition fees for each year of the course.
Early Payment Discount: International students who pay the full annual tuition fee are eligible for a early payment discount. This discount is applied at the time of payment, and students are advised to allow time for the payment to clear.
The BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance program is meticulously designed to equip graduates with a versatile and highly sought-after skillset, opening doors to a diverse and rewarding range of career paths within the expansive world of contemporary music.
Professional Musician/Performer: Establishing a career as a performing artist, playing live shows, touring, and recording original music or as a session musician.
Songwriter: Creating original songs for their own performance or for other artists, potentially working with publishers and music libraries.
Session Musician: Providing instrumental or vocal performances for recording sessions, live shows, and various musical projects for other artists.
Bandleader/Musical Director: Leading and directing musical ensembles, arranging music, and managing rehearsals and performances.
Music Teacher/Tutor: Sharing their musical knowledge and performance skills by teaching instrumental or vocal lessons privately or in educational institutions.
Live Sound Engineer (Performance Focus): Applying their understanding of live sound to ensure high-quality audio for their own performances or for other artists and venues.
Music Arranger/Orchestrator: Creating musical arrangements for live performances and recordings, adapting existing songs for different instrumental or vocal configurations.
Backing Vocalist/Instrumentalist: Providing vocal or instrumental support for other artists in live and recording settings.
Music Event Organizer/Promoter (Performance Insight): Utilizing their understanding of live performance to organize and promote music events and concerts.
Creative Entrepreneur/Independent Artist: Managing all aspects of their music career, including recording, releasing, promoting, and performing their own music.
