Popular Music Performance

There are no boundaries between performance, production, and composition on this course. Versatile musicians - keen to develop professional delivery and technical skills - flourish at the University. Our students go on to achieve fulfilling and diverse careers in contemporary music.

Performance, production, and composition are integral to this degree course. We recruit musicians to the principal studies of vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and drums, giving performers the confidence to create original music and thrive as working musicians.

This dynamic course develops your musicianship through specialist 1:1 vocal/instrumental tuition, a range of band performances, and learning from diverse visiting musicians covering all styles of music. We boast purpose-built music facilities that simulate the industry, including a 240-seater auditorium, nine sound-proofed live rooms, and recording studios with elite mixing desks.

Our experienced tutors and visiting industry professionals support and stimulate the development of your technical skills. You will be expected to clearly evidence your musical creativity, individuality, and originality through real-world experience and industry networks. Our students benefit from being in Leeds - a city steeped in musical history and host to an array of world-renowned performance venues.

Our vibrant community facilitates working with other creatives such as writers, graphic designers, fine artists, visual communicators, photographers, fashion designers, animators, filmmakers, and creative advertisers. This is a unique opportunity to build crucial networks and an impressive musical portfolio from the outset of your professional life.

Note: We do not accept deferred entry for the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance course.

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We are proud to be academic sponsors of The Ivors Academy, the independent professional body for songwriters and composers in the UK.

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.

• Students completing the Shahadat Al-Thanawiya Al-Amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) will need to take an additional course before applying for an undergraduate degree at Leeds Arts University. This will usually be achieved by completing a recognised foundation course, such as our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, or other comparable qualification.

Graduates will be ready to pursue careers as artists, musical directors, and session, touring and theatrical musicians as well as arrangers, songwriters and producers. Graduates may also continue to postgraduate study.

If you are interested in an undergraduate degree course you need to apply through UCAS. You can simultaneously apply for up to five courses. Our UCAS code is L28.

Please be aware that the university does not accept deferred applications for any of our undergraduate courses.

The closing date for applications is 6pm on 26 January 2022. Applications submitted to UCAS after this date will be forwarded to our University until 30 June but it is at the University’s discretion as to whether we will consider these late applications. Please note that we do not process any applications received after 26 January 2022 until due consideration has been given to all on time applications. This could mean that your application is held until the end of May before it is considered.

For further information and guidance about the UCAS online application process, visit www.ucas.com or telephone 03714 680 468 or +443303 330 230 if you are outside the UK.