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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

BMus (Hons)Popular Music Performance

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Starting in2024
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UCAS code: PMP1
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a popular music performance degree at Solent University

Take your passion for playing and performing skills to the next stage - join Solent’s community of creatives and learn from a dedicated team of professional musicians, composers and producers.

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  • Learn from an enthusiastic and dedicated team of professional producers, composers, musicians, sound engineers and DJs with a wealth of international industry experience.
  • 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.
  • A wide range of work experience opportunities with our student society, Radio Sonar and at festivals, and through paid gigs and projects with our in-house creative agency, Solent Creatives.
  • 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.
  • Southampton is a hub for music and arts. 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.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

Throughout the course you’ll be supported to develop a wide range of musical skills alongside academic, research and critical-thinking proficiencies that are relevant to many different careers.

The course features extensive study of the music industries including copyright, contract law and career pathways. You’ll also be encouraged to develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication and project management.

The curriculum is taught by a highly experienced course team, many of whom are active industry experts with professional experience in performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. The team’s industry links also enable a handpicked selection of students to record at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios.

You’ll study in our industry-standard facilities, including rehearsal rooms and recording studios – and will have access to full backline and PA during your rehearsals and classes.

Beyond timetabled seminars and workshops you will be encouraged to engage with Southampton’s thriving music scene. By promoting your own shows, you’ll cultivate your talents and expand your understanding of real-world arrangement, composition and stagecraft. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the annual Anthems event, performing to their peers and members of the public.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Student work

Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.

Course features

  • Professional membership

    You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

Solent’s popular music performance course is suitable for both schooled and self-taught musicians who are interested in building a career as a self-motivated, skilled performer.

Applicants should have performance experience on at least one of the following: keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, or vocals.

You will create music as part of the course but evidence of music theory skills at entry is not compulsory.

What does this course lead to?

Graduates from this course have gone on to work in professional performance, songwriting, artist development, live sound, teaching, and technical support.

Meet the team

The curriculum is delivered by an experienced course team with professional experience of studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. Staff have a substantial record of practice and research in music composition, performance and production.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Solent’s recording studios and rehearsal spaces are state-of-the-art, with Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic digital audio workstations. Instruments and facilities provided include drums by DW and Mapex; a Moog synthesiser; Korg Kronos; Marshall, Orange, Friedman, Fender and Vox valve guitar amplifiers; Ampeg and Eden bass amps; Mackie PA rigs.

Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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