Year One
Popular Music Histories
This provides an introduction to the work of key bands and practitioners in popular music to provide a broad overview of the development of popular music and of the contexts that enable it to be understood and assessed.
Music Promotion
This module aims to introduce you to market research, branding, and use of video. The module utilises industry standard software to produce relevant promotional material (printed, digital media and video) for the popular musician.
Principal Study 1
You will will engage in specialist 1-to-1 sessions with an instrumental tutor for one hour per week over the academic year (24 weeks). The sessions will develop technical proficiency, musicality, and awareness of repertoire.
Performance Ensemble
This module takes the form of a weekly performance workshop within which you will receive formative feedback from a specialist tutor, as well as from others on your course. Sessions address aspects of analysis, and different approaches to arranging for the live ensemble.
Music Theory
You will initially engage with the fundamentals of notation and the various elements of music to develop your musical vocabulary. Music computer software will be integrated within sessions to enable you to see and hear the musical information presented.
Live and Recorded Audio
Workshop sessions explore the theory, principles and practices of live sound engineering and recording. This will consist of safely setting up and running PA systems for performance and effectively utilising the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setup to produce demo quality work.
Year Two
Popular Music Studies
You will consider various theories, concepts, and ideas related to the multifaceted discipline of Popular Music. This may include, for example: authenticity, identity, sexuality, fandom, the auteur, dissemination, reception, industry, technology and sonic analysis.
Management of Music and Events
This module aims to develop your understanding of the management of music and live events. Particular attention will be paid to skills that will enhance self-employment, entrepreneurship within the industry, and how to approach professional communication and maximise your contact networks successfully.
Principal Study 2
This continues your specialist 1-to-1 sessions with an instrumental tutor for one hour per week over the academic year (24 weeks), tailoring specific learning to your own needs. You will engage in a practice routine in which you will develop stylistic awareness, creativity, and technique, in order to realise and clearly express musical ideas.
Professional Practice 1
This is a practical module that will focus on deconstruction, analysis and application of music theory with more specific focus on musical structure. Workshop sessions will enable you to apply theory, experiment with ideas, and to create improvisations and/or compositions. You will develop your practical technique and your ability to express musical ideas in practice.
Professional Practice 2
Continuing from Professional Practice 1, this module explores deconstruction, analysis, and application of theory with more specific focus on musical arranging and orchestration. Practical workshop sessions will enable you to put theory into practice, collaborate in ensembles exploring a broad range of styles, and create music that stretches your technical and stylistic boundaries.
Music In Practice
This is a work-based learning module in which you will plan, organise and engage in professional research about possible employment routes. You will then undertake a work placement or professional project for a set period of time in, for example: live sound, multi-media, community music, arts administration, teaching, running workshops in schools and colleges, or working alongside practising music practitioners etc.
Year Three
Popular Music Research
In this module lectures and seminars will be dedicated to aspects of popular music research such as musicology, audience studies, performance studies, and/or cultural studies. You will work toward the submission of a focused piece of work examining a specific area of music.
Preparing and Leading Music
You will examine and explore the wide variety of contexts within which there is a requirement for music leadership which might include such areas as: teaching, ensemble management, musical theatre, band leading, music in worship, production, musical directing, and academic delivery. You will engage in a practice-based project within which you will undertake research, engage in and lead sessions, and document your progress and development.
Principal Study 3
1-to-1 sessions run throughout the academic year with an instrumental tutor for one hour per week (24 weeks). The focus is on the development of your musical voice in appropriate repertoire both independently and in a group context within which you may be required to take a leadership role.
Negotiated Practical Project
This option (versus a Dissertation or The Session Musician module) is a self-directed practical module enabling you to engage in a research-informed investigation leading to a substantial practical piece. In consultation with your supervising tutor, the module enables you to determine your own area of investigation.
Dissertation
This option (versus the Negotiated Practical Project or The Session Musician module) is a largely independent academic research module resulting in the production of a large scale written piece. You will be supported by an academic supervisor through tutorial sessions throughout the year.
The Session Musician
The final option (versus a Dissertation or The Negotiated Practical Project) is a practical module providing you with an opportunity to experience a range of the likely musical scenarios you may encounter during the course of a music career. You will undertake practical workshop sessions engaging in simulated ‘real’ tasks and then be provided with an opportunity to evaluate them weekly.
