BA (Hons) Popular Music Studies

Duration
3 years full-time

UCAS Institution Code
L31

UCAS Course Code
W340

Validated by
The Open University
more information

Apply online at
www.ucas.ac.uk

The BA (Hons) Popular Music Studies course is designed to meet the needs of students seeking a specialised programme of study in popular music. It provides undergraduate performers, composers, and musicologists with an exciting and innovative programme of study that combines contemporary practice with rigorous academic study.

Although all students will engage in performance and composition, each student can also choose to study either performance or composition as their Principal Study and specify this at the point of application.

Principal Study Performance

As a specialist performer, you will receive individual tuition on your chosen instrument, focusing on the development of performance technique and repertoire. At the end of each year, you will give an assessed public performance either as a solo performer or as part of a band, depending on your material and choice of performance.

Principal Study Composition

As a specialist composer, you will receive individual tuition each week focusing on the development of an individual compositional style. At the end of each year, your compositions will be assessed through the submission of a portfolio of your best work.

The course is divided into three core areas of study: Performance, Composition, and Musicology (Historical, Critical and Analytical Studies).

Performance Studies

You will develop your individual and ensemble performance skills under the guidance of a distinguished team of teachers and ensemble coaches. Tuition and coaching will be provided within an ensemble context. In this environment you will develop the skills required to effectively rehearse and convincingly perform material from a range of popular music styles. Specific attention will be paid to stagecraft and performance etiquette sensitive to genre and location. You will also take part in regular performance workshops led by visiting artists and members of the core staff team. If you select the relevent option, there will also be an opportunity to undertake a community music project working with amateur musicians to realise a community-based performance project.

Composition Studies

In this area of study you will develop the skills required to compose and arrange original material within a range of genres and will receive specialist tuition in developing harmony, melody and lyrics to support the development of your individual technique and style. Works will be specially written for performance as part of the Ensemble modules. You will also take part in regular composition workshops led by visiting artists and members of the core staff team.

Musicology (Historical, Critical and Analytical Studies)

You will study the principal developments in popular music and also consider the political and social contexts in which they occurred, through detailed examination of the work of the most significant performers and composers. If you select the relevent option, you will also have the opportunity to study a range of world music.

In addition to the three core areas of study, you will undertake modules in the following areas:

Music Technology

All students have the opportunity to study music technology and production through a range of music technology-based options and electives. You will acquire the skills to produce recordings of your compositions using the College’s digital recording studios, produce computer-based compositions and arrangements using the latest technology, and use industry-standard music notation software to produce professional standard scores of your compositions and arrangements. You will also have the opportunity to study the role of the musician in the studio.

Music Business and Career Management

A series of lectures, seminars and workshops with College staff and visiting industry practitioners will introduce you to the most significant aspects of the music business, including contract law, intellectual copyright, artist management and the recording industry. You will receive advice and guidance in producing a professional CV, applying for jobs, interview techniques, recording a demo CD and producing marketing and publicity materials.

Year One

The first year aims to provide a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of the study of popular music. As well as studies in the three core areas of the course, you will undertake modules in Studio Techniques and Popular Culture.

Year Two

In addition to continued studies in performance, composition, and musicology (historical, critical and analytical studies), you will undertake complementary studies in the music business and have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules in performance, song writing, commercial dance music, world music studies, studio musicianship, AND innovation and experimentation.

Year Three

In the final year, all students undertake a substantial project in their specialist area of study (composition, performance or musicology) and may also choose from a range of specialist options including community music, journalism and dissertation. You will also choose from a range of broadening options, including Indian improvisation, jazz studies and events management.

Assessment

In the first two years, modules are assessed through submission of course work and/or examinations (course work and performances). In the final year you will be assessed by dissertation, composition portfolio and/or recital.

Admission Requirements

The normal entry requirements for this course is 240 points.

240 points is equivalent to grades of C, C, C at A2 Level or MMM for the BTEC National Diploma. Applicants will be required to achieve a C grade in Music/Music Technology if taking A2 levels.

Applicants will also need a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade C or above including English Language.

All applicants will need to demonstrate normally through audition and written test, that they are ABRSM Grade VIII standard or equivalent in their principal study instrument and Grade V standard or equivalent in theory.  Please note these do not count toward the 240 tariff points.

Download an example theory test paper here.

UCAS course code W340 (View the course Entry Profile on the UCAS website here) Closing date: 15/01/2010

Interview Process

All students will need to demonstrate, normally through an audition, that they are ABRSM Grade VIII standard or equivalent in their principal study. Applicants for the Composition pathway will be required to submit a portfolio of original compositions, preferably in both score and recorded form. Applicants who are invited to an interview are required to take a written examination, which will assess their ability to meet the academic and theoretical demands of the course.

Download Audition Guide for BA Pop Applicants

All international students must have a British Council English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0.

When can I start applying?

For entry in September 2010, submit your online application form to UCAS after 1 September 2009 and before 15 January 2010.

Please note we only accept applications for the current year of entry. If you have exceptional circumstances that support a request for deferred entry, please contact the Admissions team.

Polaroids
Rachel Cook Band credit Rob Booker
Jen Armstrong credit Rob Booker
Ally Jowett credit Barnaby Aldrick
Neeta Sarl credit Jonathan Turner