BA (Hons) Music Production & Vocal Performance Degree (3 years)

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Music Production & Vocal Performance Degree is a three-year program designed for aspiring musicians and vocalists. Students will develop their skills in music production, vocal performance, songwriting, and marketing. The program is taught by industry professionals and provides access to state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates will be prepared for various roles in the music industry, including singer/songwriter, music producer, and vocal coach.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Music Production & Vocal Performance Degree is a 3-year program designed for aspiring musicians and vocalists who want to perfect their skills and launch a career in the music industry. This program is developed and taught by industry professionals who've worked with major artists like Pharrell Williams, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, and Rihanna. Graduates will be equipped to pursue various roles, including singer/songwriter, music producer, lyricist, composer, musical director, vocal producer, coach, arranger, and more.

Outline:

Duration:

3 Years

Available start dates:

• 2024
• 2025
• 2026

UCAS code:

VP3Y

Modules:

Year 1

• Term 1
• Module 1: Music Production (Logic) or Music Production (Ableton):
This module focuses on fundamental music production skills using either Logic Pro or Ableton Live. Students will learn recording, editing, pre-production, drum programming, mixing, effects processing, automation, and arrangement techniques. They'll also have the opportunity to develop a production project.
• Module 2: Vocal Performance: This module concentrates on developing vocal talent and technical skills.
Students will learn breathing techniques, vocal range expansion, pitch and intonation, dynamic control, diction, note production, practice routines, repertoire development, posture, phrasing, articulation, and vocal health.
• Term 2
• Module 3: Music Composition:
This module explores the fundamentals of musical composition, including rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, and arrangement. Students will develop compositional techniques using music software and focus on commercial western popular music styles, genres, and aesthetics. Students will learn ear training, notation, transcription, keyboard skills, and analysis of key vocal genres and artists, such as blues, soul, pop, hip hop, EDM, and grime.
• Term 3
• Module 5: Sound Engineering:
This module teaches technical studio recording skills, including signal flow, microphone placement, corrective editing, and more. Students will have access to industry-standard studios and equipment to record, edit, and manipulate audio.

Year 2

• Term 4
• Module 7: Studio Vocal Production:
This module delves into vocal production techniques. Students will learn vocal recording techniques, timing and pitch correction, vocal processing, and studio performance techniques.
• Module 8: Songwriting & Lyrics: This module focuses on developing songwriting skills and lyrics.
Students will workshop song ideas, explore lyric techniques, and learn how to translate lyrics into melodies and arrangements.
• Term 5
• Module 9: Art of Mixing:
This module teaches the art of mixing, covering mixing procedures, critical listening, signal paths, dynamic processing, equalization, timbre, reverberation, delay, and creative mixing techniques.
• Module 10: Electronic Music Performance: This module aims to bridge studio production skills to live performance.
Students will explore performance design, hardware integration, sound manipulation, improvisation, live remixing, and show building.
• Term 6
Students will analyze brands, develop their own brand, and explore marketing theories, strategies, and tactics.
• Module 12: Live Vocal Techniques: This module focuses on live vocal performance.
Students will learn stage presence, setlist building, microphone control, monitor mix, feedback avoidance, and performance safety.

Year 3

• Term 7
• Module 13: Advanced Composition:
This module helps students develop their individual compositional voice through analysis of acclaimed works and exploration of sonic manipulation. Topics include aesthetics, musical forms, rhythm, harmony, extra-musical stimuli, and contemporary composition techniques.
• Module 14: Session Singing & Improvisation: This module prepares students for session singing and improvisation in different genres.
Students will learn genre-specific techniques, improvisation, lead sheets, and collaborative work skills.
• Term 8
• Module 15: Showcase:
This module culminates in a performance showcase where students can present their skills and musical style to an audience. Students will prepare extended sets, develop their visual style, manage stage presence, and create tech riders.
• Module 16: Professional Portfolio (I): This module guides students in developing a professional portfolio.
Students will research, analyze materials, demonstrate technical skills, and create a Final Major Project to support future employment.
• Term 9
• Module 17: Professional Portfolio (II):
This module continues the development of the professional portfolio, focusing on specialized skills, originality, creativity, and presentation of work to professional standards.
• Module 18: Music Entrepreneur: This module encourages entrepreneurial thinking and planning.
Students will create self-directed plans, develop soft and functional skills, and prepare for career opportunities.

Assessment:

Assessment is divided into formative and summative categories.

• Formative assessment (exercise) provides feedback and guidance throughout the course.
• Summative assessment measures the achievement of learning outcomes and determines grades.
Assessment methods include practical work, performance, presentations, written work, discussions, recordings, and timed composition briefs. The assessment breakdown is roughly:
• 35% practical work
• 35% performance
• 15% presentations
• 15% written work

Teaching:

The teaching methods consist of lectures (up to 16 students), workshops, and independent learning opportunities. Students have access to:

• Award-winning Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• State-of-the-art facilities and private practice spaces
• 1-2-1 Tutorials with lecturers
• Studio Lab Time with support staff
• Extra workshops with industry professionals
• Open Mic Nights and Point Blank Choir

Careers:

The program equips graduates for various music industry roles, including:

• Singer/Songwriter
• Music Producer
• Lyricist
• Composer
• Vocal Producer
• Solo Artist/Lead Vocalist
• Vocal Arranger
• Vocal Top Liner
• Audio Engineer
• Singing/Vocal Coach
• Musical Director
• Artist Manager

Other:

• The school's facilities are available 7 days a week during term time, excluding scheduled breaks.
• Point Blank students receive discounts from industry partners like Apple, Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ, etc.
• The course is full-time and requires at least 10 hours of study per module per week.
• International students are welcome to apply.

Fees (UK): £9,250 per year Fees (non-UK): £14,750 per year This will be up to £9,250 per year for courses with standard delivery, or up to £11,100 per year for courses with accelerated delivery. In addition, eligible students may be entitled to a maintenance loan of up to £12,382 per year. The amount of maintenance you can apply for will depend on your circumstances. For students wishing to pay privately, we have a number of payment plans available, including annual and termly instalments.