Applications are open for 2024
Note: This course is found under the Undergraduate option when making a UCAS application NOT the Conservatoires option.
Apply nowRebellion. Tradition. Activism. Our exciting and inclusive approach to Folk, Roots & Blues celebrates and allows you to explore music from all over the globe, bringing an understanding and appreciation of the social movements, rebel traditions and protest music that are central to this progressive art form.
Expanding upon these elements through an innovative approach to performance, songwriting, composition, arrangement and recording techniques, you will be able to express your own creativity in the format and style you see fit.
With a focus on your own personal creativity, you will learn the foundations and structures of Folk, Roots & Blues and choose how to or how not to apply them in your own music making. Our genre-less approach to Folk, Roots & Blues has understanding and creative risk at its heart.
As a performer, composer, or both, you will explore folk, roots & blues from its origins in oral tradition and its interpretation through different cultures and musicians. You’ll discover how different styles evolved in different communities and nations, and how traditions have been created and preserved.
From this grounding in folk, roots & blues you will experiment with other genres and cultural identities, forming and joining innovative ensembles, building your portfolio in performance, composition and songwriting. You’ll also capture field recordings and collaborate with students from other pathways.
Leeds has an eclectic folk, roots and blues scene, with a wealth of opportunities to perform in well-known venues, including the Howard Assembly Rooms, Seven Arts, Brudenell Social Club, Hyde Park Book Club and The Grove.
With one-to-one and group tuition from experts in your specialism, you will learn to master the complexities of rhythm, melody and harmony. You will also apply theory creatively and explore contextual studies that enhance your musicianship.
Graduates from Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Award-winning Folk, Roots & Blues artists, Film Scorers, Record Label owners and Producers. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“Performing at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards was incredible – all of my tutors came and supported me and it was just wonderful to know that I have the support from everyone at Leeds Conservatoire. I’m really, really surprised to have won the award but it feels amazing and I’m so grateful!”
– Maddie Morris, Folk Student and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winner
Our 3 year BA (Hons) Music (Folk, Roots & Blues) is designed for musicians who know they want to specialise in Folk, Roots & Blues.
All Specialist Study and Specialist Group Study modules are Folk, Roots & Blues focused, with the option to apply as either a Performer or Composer.
As with all our courses, studies in your specialist area will be supported by a broader curriculum designed to prepare you for your career in the music industry.
Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:
In addition to your chosen specialist instrument/voice/composition, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in a second (for students at Grade 6 standard or higher in their second instrument/voice).
This is not part of your course, but there are a limited number of Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursaries available, or tuition can be arranged at additional cost.
96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work.
Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.
Find more detailed audition information for applicants.
In many cases, if you prefer to submit your audition online rather than attend in person, this is an option. However, we don't want travel costs to be a barrier to attending in-person auditions at Leeds Conservatoire, so help is available for many applicants where finances are an issue. Eligibility and bursary application information is available on our audition information page.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Fees & Funding for International Students.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull*
*Note for applicants and offer holders for 2022/23 entry:
Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W309
Our alumni go on to win awards, tour and record as part of bands and ensembles, and have diverse careers in and out of the music industry.
Maddie Morris (Folk - Class of 2020) collecting the BBCR2 Young Folk Award
In 2019 Maddie scooped the prestigious Young Folk Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Previous winners Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar presented the award to Maddie at a ceremony in Manchester.
The BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award is an educational talent contest, open to musicians from the UK aged 16-21, that exists to discover the next generation of folk and acoustic acts. Eight shortlisted acts performed at a public concert and from those acts, Maddie was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges.
Read the article
Rhiannon Kenny McGrath and Che Bradley photographed by Yellow Pocket Studios
Singer-multi-instrumentalist-songwriters Rhiannon and Che, who studied on our Folk, Roots & Blues programme, played on Glastonbury's Greenpeace Field stage this year as their folk duo, Wychbury.
The Greenpeace Field attracts thousands of visitors every year and centres around the celebration of protest, activism and people power: themes that are central to our Folk, Roots & Blues programme.
"It was a dream to perform on the Greenpeace Stage," Wychbury shared on social media. "We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful stage to play on. Hopefully this might be the first of many Glastonbury performances for us!"
“When I first started the Folk degree, I was interested in diversifying my drumming to include global traditions in my performances, which I’ve been able to do in all of the different ensembles I play with. I have a second study in bass with an amazing tutor, which has made me a more diverse musician. The course has given me the extra knowledge and skills I need to perform to the best of my abilities, and I’ve got to meet some great musicians within the industry!”
– Tanatswa Bvumburah,Folk student
Folk musician and principal lecturer Jim Moray also hosts a podcast in which he talks to key figures in the folk scene. Past podcasts have featured visiting lecturer Sam Sweeney, and fellow lecturer Nancy Kerr.
We have over 70 teaching rooms, practice rooms and bespoke ensemble rehearsal spaces, as well as a comprehensive library of specialist instruments, mics and recording equipment, that are all available until late during term-time.
Find out more“I have jammed with lots of people since starting at Leeds Conservatoire. This is something I have never done before and having the opportunity to play with so many musicians has drastically helped me to improve my musicianship.”
– Iona Lane, Folk, Roots and Blues student
In addition to joining the conservatoire’s ensembles and taking part in showcases, the opportunities to perform at well-known folk venues in Leeds, such as Seven Arts or The Grove, are numerous.
Our folk, roots & blues musicians are encouraged to collaborate across genres, and recently had the opportunity to perform with our Contemporary Jazz Orchestra alongside award-winning guest artist Julian Arguelles. Watch the performance video.
Find out moreFind out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.
As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.
Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.
Open Days
A Leeds Conservatoire graduate is celebrating after winning a GRAMMY award for his composition work on a critically-acclaimed Star Wars video game.
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Held in the conservatoire’s specialist facilities, the celebratory event comprised of a panel discussion and a special side-by-side orchestral performance.
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The conservatoire secured performance and placement opportunities for students and recent graduates this summer through continued festival partnerships.
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