Popular Music Performance Degree | BMus (Hons)

Program Overview

This three-year music performance degree program provides a comprehensive education in performance, music theory, and industry skills. Students develop their individual talents through live performances, recordings, and projects, while also exploring career options in music. The program boasts exceptional teaching, industry-standard facilities, and opportunities for work experience and performance.

Program Outline

Outline:

Year One

• Core Modules:
• Individual Performance 1
• Live Performance 1
• Creative Music Industries
• Recital and Instrumental Skills 1
• Studio Performance 1
• Theory and Listening Skills

Year Two

• Core Modules:
• Individual Performance 2
• Live Performance 2
• Music Portfolio Careers
• Recital and Instrumental Skills 2
• Studio Performance 2
• Optional Modules:
• Introduction to Experimental Music Performance
• Songwriting Techniques

Year Three

• Core Modules:
• Individual Performance 3
• Advanced Music Performance
• Entrepreneurship and Artist Development
• Major Project
• Optional Modules:
• Songwriting Portfolio
• Advanced Experimental Music Performance

Assessment:

• Live performances
• Recordings
• Individual presentations
• Group presentations
• Assignments
• Music theory exercises
• Portfolios
• Video submissions

Teaching:

• Directed learning
• Guided learning
• Collaborative learning

Careers:

• Music performer
• Session musician
• Songwriter
• Arts administrator
• Music technician
• 100% of students feel staff made the subject engaging (NSS 2023)
• Solent is 16th in the UK for student satisfaction in music studies (out of 78 institutions) (Complete University Guide 2025)
• Amazing guests and masterclasses.
Recent visits included John Brough, producer/engineer for U2, Queen, The Rolling Stones. Imogen Heap, singer/songwriter for Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Deadmau5 and Trevor Horn, producer of Robbie Williams.
• Solent is home to industry-standard facilities, including multiple recording studios and a fully accredited Dolby Atmos cinema.
• Access an extensive collection of musical instruments, high end microphones, pro tools and logic digital editing workstations, analogue processing, synthesisers and live sound mixers include Allen and Heath.
• Open mic nights and other performance opportunities on campus.
• Opportunity to record at Abbey Road Studios thanks to the course team's industry links.
Selected students have recorded at the iconic studios. We have excellent links to Southampton’s vibrant local music scene, and work with the city’s best music venues including The Joiners, 1865, The Engine Rooms, O2 Guildhall, Heartbreakers and many more.

• UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
• International full-time fees: £16,125 per year