Popular Music Performance BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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This program in Popular Music Studies combines practical and theoretical study, developing students' musical talent and performance skills. It emphasizes essential industry skills such as recording techniques, live PA mixing, songwriting, and arranging. The program provides opportunities for experiential learning through work placements, overseas study, and project-based modules, preparing students for a range of careers in the music industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Develop your talent as a musician and performer through the practical and theoretical study of popular music. On this very practically based programme, you will also have the opportunity to develop extremely useful skills such as recording techniques, live PA mixing, songwriting and arranging – all essential for working in the music industry. Our course provides a unique opportunity for you to excel in performance while developing a critical mind and becoming an intelligent, multi-skilled musician. Popular musicians learn in different ways, so the course uses accelerated learning techniques to ensure that all students progress in areas of musicianship, making clear links between performance, context, theory and professional practice. The Department is committed to this holistic method of study, helping you to understand the value in what you are learning as you become confident, creative musicians. As a Department, we also have excellent links with industry professionals and visiting professors.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year

• University Study Skills (Compulsory)
• Reading and writing critically.
• Constructing and evaluating an argument.
• Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
• Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
• Introduction to reflective practice.
• Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
• Referencing and citation.
• Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
• Literature searching.
• Report writing.
• The culture and expectations of higher education.
• The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
• The nature of research journal publishing.
• Independent Project (Compulsory)
• Research and planning skills.
• Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
• Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
• Identifying areas of interest.
• Application and development of critical analytical skills.
• Development of self-directed study.
• Use of learning resources.
• Visual Culture: History and Society (Compulsory)
• Introduction to semiotics and visual language
• Emerging trends: environment and interiors
• The birth and evolution of cinema
• The human commodity: advertising, celebrity and reality television
• Introduction to postmodernism and popular art
• Photography as social commentary
• The internet and digital spaces
• Narrative and Storytelling (Compulsory)
• Introduction to the ways that narrative and stories are important in different cultures and contexts
• Introduction to methods of interpreting narratives and stories
• Introduction to key stories and narratives that have shaped cultures
• Introduction to how stories and narratives can change or influence cultures
• Introduction to how stories and narratives are constructed and reconstructed in the twenty-first century
• Introduction to skills in reading texts

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Year 1

• Introduction to Popular Music Studies (Compulsory)
• This module serves as an introduction to the academic study of popular music.
• Throughout this module, study skills will be embedded into the module at an appropriate level for undergraduate studies.
• It will place popular music studies in the context of cultural studies and examine current theoretical approaches to the study of popular music.
• The module examines questions of production, dissemination and consumption across a variety of styles and forms, along with providing a historical context for the development of popular music in the 20th Century.
• Popular Music Practice (Compulsory)
• Within this module the students will develop the basics of a range of skills important to being a musician.
Key concepts that may be covered are:
• Playing music of different genres within the broad heading of Popular Music.
• Listening Skills
• Instrumental Technique
• Performance Skills
• Communication and rehearsal techniques
• Music, Harmony & Understanding (Compulsory)
• This module will introduce music theory, and the way in which we listen to and understand what we hear.
It will help students to develop aural perception skill and ability to apply the fundamentals of music harmony. Lectures and seminars will enable students to understand the place of theory within popular music studies. In addition, the module will teach students how to transcribe music effectively.
• Key concepts that may be covered are:
• Music theory
• Chord construction
• Harmonic progressions
• Musical analysis
• Aural perception
• Transcription
• Performance Platform 1 (Compulsory)
• Students are guided in their development of professional practice on their instrument or voice in weekly tutorials.
• This will include content such as scales, arpeggios, chords, rudiments, technical exercises, improvisation, vocal harmonisation, grooves, and set repertoire.
• Music Technology (Compulsory)
• Within this module the students will develop further skills important to being a self sufficient music industry practitioner.
• Key aspects are:
• Using digital recording technology.
• Using P.A systems and other associated technology for music performance.

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Year 2

• Experiential Overseas Learning (Optional)
• Part A: Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:
• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Theories, models and strategies of learning
• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning
• Personal and placement-related skills
• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work
• Part B: Overseas
• Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours
• Year abroad study exchange (Optional)
• Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world
• Theories, models and strategies of learning
• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection
• Personal and placement-related transversal skills
• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Whilst abroad:
• Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load.
This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.
• Experiential Project (Optional)
• This module allows students to spend several weeks working on one major project working in a professional, 'simulated real world' working environment.
Students will plan, execute and evaluate their work for the selected context appropriate to the programme of study.
• The experiences gained in this module are invaluable to those students who see themselves working in their chosen field in the future.
The staff teaching on this module bring a wealth of professional experience which they use when supervising the project work of the students.
• The exact role of each student will vary according to the project undertaken, (and often with outside agencies) under staff supervision or direction.
All work created will be designed to emulate best professional practice.
• Applied Practices (Optional)
• Applied practice embraces a wide-range of performing arts practices in dance, drama and music that share a common purpose, to make a difference or change in peoples’ lives.
Whether it is in education, a social or recreational setting or other community environment, the module develops the skills and strategies required to be able to facilitate and lead inclusive, participatory workshops and where appropriate, include a performative element to accompany a workshop with understanding and confidence.
• Content will include theoretical frameworks within which to contextualise the practice by exploring and studying case studies, practitioners and their processes in the fields of education, participatory arts, therapy, and politics.
• Performing Musical Theatre (Optional)
• This module develops students’ awareness and appreciation of repertoire within Musical Theatre.
• It enables students to explore the cultural, social and historical significance of Musical Theatre in the history of 20th/21st century performance and to apply what they have learnt in a performance context.
• In this very practically focussed module, students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with one or more of the triple threat skills of Acting, Singing and Dancing.
• Popular Music: Genres and Contexts (Compulsory)
• This module will provide students with an overview of the development of popular music in the 20th, and early 21st Centuries.
• It will introduce students to the main movements in the field, and to the critical and theoretical debates that have grown up around the study of popular music over the period.
• Topics covered may include: the transition between popular musical forms (for example, between Jazz and Rock/Pop) and the historical/cultural the development of a discourse of;
• authenticity in some forms of popular music;
• popular music and ethnicity;
• the reception of popular musical forms;
• the mediation of popular musical forms;
• the influence of new technologies on the development of the field.
• The module will also contain information on the organisation of the music business, both as it relates to the development of various genres, but also as an object of study in its own right.
• Improvisation and Performance (Compulsory)
• In this module students will consider philosophical, theoretical and practical approaches to improvising.
• A range of genres and contexts for Improvisation will be covered in which a variety of approaches and techniques will be introduced, such as; 12-bar blues, modal soloing, soloing over chord changes, II-V-I progressions, extended and altered harmony, call and response, imitation and chromatic approach tones.
• Performance Skills, Listening and Analytical Skills will be developed during the second part of the module with an enhanced focus on improved Communication and Rehearsal Techniques.
• Students will also develop a high degree of stylistic accuracy in their performances as well as developing their interpretative sensibilities.
• Songwriting and Composition (Optional)
• This module will introduce students to a range of compositional techniques associated with a variety of music styles and genres.
Students will analyse different genres and examine composition within its historical context.
• In addition, lectures will challenge mainstream views of what is generally considered to be “popular” music and encourage students to intelligently utilise a wide range of compositional techniques within their own writing.
• Key areas covered include; writing lyrics, musical structures; arranging, as well as other compositional elements.
• Performance Platform 2 (Compulsory)
• Within this module, students' will be guided in their development of a professional regime of practice on their instrument or voice.
• In this module new content and higher level skills will be developed in relation to scales, arpeggios, chords, rudiments, technical exercises, improvisation, vocal harmonisation, grooves, and set repertoire.
• Students' will also be able to choose their own repertoire for solo performance.
There is an additional series of masterclasses that focuses on performance skills and professional practice.
• Advanced Music Technology (Optional)
• Using music technology, whether in a live or recording scenario, needs to be approached in a sensitive and musical way.
This module is designed to not only give students a range of knowledge about equipment, but to ensure that they are able to use this in real situations in a supportive and professional manner.
• Within the module the students will develop skills gained in PA4413 Music Technology.
They will be covering theory and practice needed to be confident when working as both technician and engineer within live and recording music situations.
• Key aspects are:
• Live P.A: Working with digital desks, advanced effects (e.g gates and compressorsetc), advanced mixing techniques, complex set ups including lighting and lighting desks
• Recording: Advanced recording techniques, production and mastering
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning (Optional)
• Pre-placement:
• Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations .
• Writing an effective CV.
Constructing a letter of application.
• Interview skills.
• Induction Programme and Placement:
• The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess.
(Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
• Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
• Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements.
• During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:-
• Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
• Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
• Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
• Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

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Year 3

• Negotiated Study (single) (Optional)
• This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study.
Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.
• After the initial lectures, students decide on the content of their module, and pitch this to staff by way of project proposals.
Students then receive tutorial support throughout the year and agree the form that their assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with others, often across subject areas where this works for the project.
• This exciting project helps to promote the ideas of student independence, project management and professional practice.
• Negotiated Study (double) (Optional)
• This self-directed module allows students to initiate and develop their own major project ideas appropriate to their discipline of study.
Students at this point in their studies are often very focussed on their ultimate work aspirations, and this module helps them to gain 'graduate trajectory' to enable them to better move into their chosen profession as seamlessly as possible when they have finished their studies.
• After the initial lectures, students decide on the content of their module, and pitch this to staff by way of project proposals.
Students then receive tutorial support throughout the year and agree the form that their assessment will take. Students are encouraged to work with others, often across subject areas where this works for the project.
• This exciting project helps to promote the ideas of student independence, project management and professional practice.
• Dissertation (Optional)
• This module gives the student the opportunity to research in depth and write at length about a topic of their own choice.
• Developing Professional Practice (Optional)
• This module creates the opportunity for students to reflect on their existing skillset and hone their professional competencies and skills in readiness for careers in the creative industries.
• Students will consider how best to promote themselves, developing an employability portfolio most appropriate to their career trajectory.
Students will develop an understanding of local, national and international job markets and opportunities for entrepreneurial activity to give students practice in self-promotion, in targeting and networking with relevant employers and understanding the freelance world.
• Students will engage with a range of tasks to develop the content of their portfolio and explore opportunities and career prospects within their chosen industry.
Indicative content will include:
• Producing Electronic Press Kits (EPK),
• Developing websites
• Profile creation and use of social media
• Writing and developing curriculum vitae and cover letters
• Working on grant bids
• Producing audio/-visual content
• So, you want to be a teacher?
(Optional)
• The module focusses on a theoretical exploration of the national curriculum, and pivots around key documents and policy initiatives that students can then use when going on to further study or teacher training such as PGCE or QTS.
It is designed to give students a good level of knowledge with regard to teaching in schools and colleges, with a view to them pursuing teaching as a career.
• The module will examine the impact of key policies on creative subjects, such as the revised primary and secondary curriculum, the introduction of the English Baccalaureate, GCSE reforms, the STEM and STEAM Agenda and Funding for Schools.
It should be noted that the module will engage with new and emerging policies as and when relevant.
• Popular Music as Event: Genres and Contexts.
(Compulsory)
• This module will provide students with a detailed, theoretically informed vocabulary with which to analyse the development of popular music in performance in the time period covered in Popular music: genres and contexts.
• Students are required to consider the nature of the performed musical event; to analyse the evolution of generic performance languages; to assess the role of the audience in shaping the performance event; to examine the development of a musician’s performance persona; to analyse the impact of video technology in the field, and to assess its use by musicians in the creation of generic identities; and to incorporate their understanding in a wider theoretical context, informed both by current theoretical work in the fields of performing arts, cultural studies, and popular music studies.
• Popular Music Portfolio (Optional)
• Students will experience staff and student led seminars exploring compositional practice, reflection and analysis which will feed into their own work.
• This will include discussions on students’ work-in-progress and feedback will be given from staff and peers on this process.
• Tutorial support is offered through the module but most importantly approaching submission of the portfolio and feedback given on compositional drafts.
• Students submit a proposal in the first few weeks of the module outlining the content of their portfolios.
Formative feedback is given on this.
• So You Want To Be A Session Musician?
(Optional)
• This module will concentrate on the skills needed to become a working musician, either in recording or live session work.
Key areas covered will be; live sessions and recording sessions in a simulated real session environment.
• Students will work individually and in groups of varying sizes and combinations of musicians.
A wide range of musical styles will be covered.
• Performance Platform 3 (Compulsory)
• Within this module students be guided in their development of a professional regime of practice on their instrument or voice in a series of masterclasses.
• The lecture series is focussed on the development of an advanced performative and professional self-awareness needed when working in the music industry.

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Assessment:

• You will submit a variety of work for summative assessment, including solo and group performances, presentations, recordings, composition portfolios and written essays.

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Teaching:

• Sessions are delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials in lecture theatres, and performance spaces, which are equipped with professional gear.

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Careers:

• Job Prospects
• Our course develops skills that equip you for a portfolio career as well as other professions; self-discipline; research and analytical skills; organisation and time management; communication skills; drive and motivation; and working independently and collaboratively.
Graduate jobs you may go into include: musician; songwriter, music promotions manager; sound engineer; music teacher; or events organiser.
• Careers service
• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
• Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
• We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability.
We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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Other:

• As part of your studies you may take our Work Based Learning module, where you will be fully supported in securing a work placement.
You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.
• Alternatively, take our Experiential Learning module, where you may have the option of organising, managing, promoting, rehearsing and performing on your own mini tour.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Home Students

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study. The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals. Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

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International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.