Popular Music Performance, BMus (Hons), with industry placement

This course seamlessly integrates performance, production, and composition, empowering versatile musicians to enhance their professional delivery and technical skills. Students at the university develop through specialised one-on-one vocal or instrumental tuition, diverse band performances, and interactions with visiting musicians across genres. Supported by industry-standard facilities like a 220-seater auditorium and a recording studio with an SSL mixing desk, learners build creativity and originality via real-world experiences in Leeds, a hub of musical history. Collaboration with peers in fields such as music production and graphic design fosters essential networks and portfolios.The program spans three years: Year one introduces fundamental concepts through practical workshops, stage performances, and songwriting. Year two focuses on building portfolios via briefs, exploring artist development and historical contexts. Year three culminates in a personalised project, honing professional identity, audience analysis, and decision-making skills, with an optional four-year path including a placement year for enhanced employability.

Year one – Fundamental concepts of popular music performance, production, and composition are introduced through practical music-making. Delivery is key, so you will participate in Ensemble Performance Workshops, perform on stage, in the recording studio, and as an individual, whilst receiving expert 1:1 guidance from experienced staff. The first year also integrates song-writing, arranging, stagecraft, music production, and entrepreneurial activity. Year two – Alongside 1:1 vocal/instrumental tuition, you will respond to briefs that contribute to a portfolio of song writing, performances, recordings, and visual material. You will explore professional artist development, contracts, rights, finances, planning, professional presentation, and networking. Music is also explored in context, looking at popular music through history and ground-breaking events. Year three* – You will undertake a music-focused project which embodies your specialism and further develops your professional identity. Recognising your audience is critical as you implement analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many types of employment. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with skills for decision-making in complex professional, musical, and creative environments. *If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three.