BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
Duration
3 years / 4 years with placement year*
Institution code
L28
UCAS Code
3 years W315 / 4 years W316
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Students in the Auditorium
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Students in the recording studio
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Students in the Auditorium during a masterclass with our Chancellor, Skin.
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Student Cathy Kio in the Auditorium. Photography by Martine Lund.
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Student on the drums in the recording studio
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Students performing
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Students in the editing suite
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Students performing
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Students performing
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Mixing decks in the recording studio
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Students performing
The Course
This course breaks down barriers between performance, production, and composition, empowering versatile musicians to thrive in today’s dynamic popular and modern music industry. Designed for passionate performers, it focuses on developing technical skills, professional delivery, and creative artistry to succeed in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
Students specialise in vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass, or drums, developing the skills and confidence needed to create original music and achieve professional success. Through individual tuition, band workshops, and sessions with industry professionals, they refine their technical ability, creativity, and professional delivery while building a portfolio of songs, recordings, and visuals. Small group sizes encourage collaboration and foster valuable creative networks.
Purpose-built facilities replicate industry environments, including a performance auditorium, a dedicated songwriting studio, four individual production rooms, two music production labs, a drum room, a mirrored practice room, and three ensemble spaces, including a 24-hour rehearsal space. A state-of-the-art recording studio further enhances the professional learning experience.
A vibrant community of over 2,000 creatives, spanning disciplines such as music production, photography, and film, fosters collaboration and innovation. Students work alongside producers, filmmakers, and designers, creating unique portfolios featuring music videos, promotional photography, and compositions while shaping their distinct artistic identity.
This course nurtures ‘360-degree musicians’—skilled performers, producers, songwriters, and arrangers in modern and popular music. By integrating performance, production, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive in today’s dynamic music industry.
Workshops and guest speakers have included Skin OBE, Jason Bowld (Bullet for My Valentine), Imogen Heap, West End performers, composers, agents, publishers, and industry experts across labels, management, and promotion.
*The placement year is subject to approval.
The Structure
You will develop performance, production, and composition skills through one-to-one tuition, ensemble workshops, and solo, stage, and studio performances. Students explore songwriting, arranging, stagecraft, and music production while building their artistic identity and entrepreneurial skills, alongside a broader understanding of popular music culture.
Course Facilities
BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance students have access to bespoke music facilities to support their studies including: 24-track analogue/digital recording studio; fully-integrated studio live/ensemble rooms; auditorium with full live PA and lighting rig and sound-proofed instrumental teaching rooms.
Computer suites house networks of Apple Mac computers featuring regularly updated, industry-standard software for a wide range of creative applications that support all our courses. All suites use equipment consistent with that used in the creative workplace. A purpose-built specialist library is open to all students and includes Digital Collections to enhance the learning experience as well as the University archive. Self service facilities are available throughout, supported by a dedicated and experienced team of library staff.
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BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
Virtual Tour
Study Abroad
Studying abroad can help Leeds Arts University students gain valuable experience, broaden their horizons, develop international networks and experience their practice from a different perspective. Leeds Arts University has a global network of international partner universities in 15 different countries. Students can apply for a semester abroad in their second year of study.
Accolades
BMus students have performed at iconic Leeds venues including O2 Academy, Belgrave Social, The Wardrobe, and Brudenell Social Club, and toured the UK.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are equipped for diverse careers as artists, musical directors, session, touring, and theatrical musicians, arrangers, songwriters, and producers. Many also pursue postgraduate study to further enhance their expertise. Our graduates don’t just follow the beat—they set it, forging vibrant careers across modern and popular music.Graduates may also continue onto postgraduate study.
Course News
Academic Staff
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Connecting you to creative industries
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Applying
*Please note that our courses are subject to an annual review process in order to maintain their quality and enhance the student experience. As a result, Course Specifications may be amended for the coming year.