Live performance is key, so you will participate in Ensemble Performance Workshops. When combined with stagecraft sessions these will give you the opportunity to perform on stage and in the recording studio in various ensembles and as an individual, whilst receiving expert guidance from experienced teaching staff.
You will learn instrumental and performance techniques through specialised 1:1 tuition and dynamic ensemble groupings. This will allow you to refine and enhance your approach with the aim of achieving a high level of musical fluency. In addition to the development of your instrumental/vocal skills and the stimulation of your creativity and musical curiosity, the course also uniquely integrates the study of song writing, arranging, stagecraft, music production and entrepreneurial activity.
You will respond to briefs which will contribute to an extensive portfolio of songwriting, performances, recordings, and visual material, which will provide evidence of your musical confidence, ability and originality.
You will explore professional artist development and address the real-world structure of the professional music industries such as contracts, rights, finances, planning, professional presentation and networking. You will explore the position of popular music in society, connecting musicians to distinctive and ground-breaking artists in context, and ongoing developments within the field. The degree is further supported by a programme of visiting professionals and workshops focussed on practical musicianship, healthy musicianship, vocational preparation and career advancement.
Most visibly and distinctively, the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance provides invaluable experience of working with specialist fine artists, photographers, fashion designers, animators, filmmakers, graphic designers and creative advertisers as part of our world-facing specialist arts institution. As a working musician you will come into contact with many other creative artists during your career and our degree provides the unique opportunity to build important creative networks and an impressive portfolio from the outset of your professional life.
Work experience covers a broad range of activities and students are encouraged to undertake work placements during their time at University. As well as guidance from the course team our Careers, Employability and Enterprise team offer support that enhances employability skills and underpins engagement with industry.
Graduates of the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance will be ready to pursue careers as artists, musical directors, and session, touring and theatrical musicians as well as arrangers, composers and producers.
Applicants must achieve by enrolment:
- Passes at GCE A level, or a Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification, or a National Diploma in a music-related subject with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points and
- GCSE level English minimum grade C/4 and
- Certified Theory of Music equivalent to either ABRSM or RockSchool or Trinity Grade 5 and
- Pass a Leeds Arts University audition in the year prior to entry demonstrating a high level of performing ability – equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8
Specifically - applicants do not need to hold a Grade 8 certificate, but will be expected to demonstrate energy and presence in performance to this level.
For mature students who are unable to provide formal evidence of an appropriate standard of English, the University may request completion of its own English proficiency test.
Click here to view the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance audition guide.
Tuition Fees
Our current fees are listed here
Other Costs
Further costs of study are related largely to the costs of materials and depend very much on how individual students choose to respond to University briefs.
Equipment & Materials
- Level 4 (First Year) Books and/or academic, musical texts and subscriptions approximately £100; additional musical and academic consumables approximately £100; 1TB USB HDD approximately £50 (you will be advised at induction week which is appropriate)
- Level 5 (Second Year) Books and/or academic, musical texts and subscriptions approximately £100; additional musical and academic consumables £100
- Level 6 (Third Year) Books and/or academic, musical texts and online subscriptions approximately£100; additional musical and academic consumables £150
Although good quality instruments, amplifiers, and microphones will be provided, we recommend that you invest in a reliable first-study instrument and a robust case or gig bag. Costs will vary depending on the brand and quality of instrument.
Trips
- During the year we will undertake a series of trips. The trips are an essential part of your course and are built into the academic year, so you are expected to take part in course visits.
- There will be an annual European trip opportunity which costs in the region of£350 including travel and accommodation.
- Other regional visits will cost approximately £10 each or be free of charge.
Our Terms & Conditions are here.
If you would like to download the Key Information on this course click here.
We are delighted to welcome undergraduate visiting and exchange students from Europe and around the world who would like to spend a semester or a full academic year taking credits from our exciting range of courses. You will be fully integrated into the academic and social life of the University during a period of full-time supervised study and your credits transferred back to your home institution.
You can join us through programmes such as Erasmus+, individual university partnerships or as an independent applicant. Please see here for more information and how to apply.
Leeds Arts University students interested in spending some time overseas can find information on the international opportunities available during your course here.
Questions? Contact international@leeds-art.ac.uk
@laupopmusic
