A comprehensive study of different styles of music and associated practitioners, designed to facilitate stylistic development and awareness in each discipline. This module is closely linked to Techniques and is invaluable for anyone wishing to become a studio or touring musician. Aural Perception skills, as well as associated techniques and historical context, are all focused on here.

Closely linked to Essential Styles, this module is designed to develop technical ability in an applied way, and facilitate enhancement of musical vocabulary. A disciplined approach to regular practice will be essential.

This module is designed to give musicians a comprehensive understanding of the workings of the Music Industry. Topics include music publishing, artist management, recording contracts, music law, synchronisation, music teaching, and business planning. A study skills element is included, designed to develop the academic skills needed for Higher Education study.

Here, musicians will develop an understanding of exactly what it takes to become a professional artist. This module dissects every aspect of live performance at local, national and international levels. Musicians will learn how to make the correct decisions that could give them or their band the edge in one of the world’s most competitive industries.

This module is all about the preparation of songs to professional standards, being made to work in a live setting. Parts, arrangement, tone, feel, and performance will all be broken down and analysed in detail, with aspects such as musical communication, performance ability, and how to sound great through a big PA addressed.

A comprehensive study of the theory behind the music, including practical applications of theoretical concepts. This module will also facilitate the development of sight-reading ability and transcription skills, to better prepare musicians for the range of situations likely to be encountered throughout their careers.

This module helps musicians and project managers understand how to conduct research using a variety of different methods. The research skills and data generated can be used to plan and prepare for your BA Year 3 Professional Project in the following year. The ability to carry out research is an invaluable resource to musicians who wish to develop informed ideas, viable music projects and realistic business plans.

This module studies the comprehensive history of popular music from 1900 to 1970, analysing the social and political conditions that influenced the development of the art form, as well as evaluating key releases from influential artists.

This module aims to provide a comprehensive history of popular music and the music business. It encourages students to analyse the key economic, social and technological developments that shaped the growth and development of the industry, evaluate the impact of key releases from influential artists and labels, then apply this learning to their own creative practice.

This module will develop and improve students’ live performance technique through the detailed study and performance of a wide range of reference material. By studying the work of professional musicians, students will be encouraged to critically analyse their own performance with clarity and objectivity. They’ll be required to deliver a well-constructed live set that communicates effectively with an audience and will be asked to identify the performance elements that ensure their work is technically and musically accomplished.

This module assists musicians with ear training, transcription, and music notation reading skills. Students will create and analyse musical passages, apply advanced chord and scale material to their chosen instrument, and investigate the influence that other genres of music have had on contemporary pop and rock.

This module involves practical analysis and application of studio styles and techniques for guitar, bass, drums and vocals. In addition to lectures, workshops and practical elements, musicians will develop an overview of the basics for studio musicianship and beyond. This learning and experience should support the final practical studio recording assessment and viva.

This module is designed to help studio musicians understand basic engineering principles and take responsibility for the sonic direction of their recordings. This knowledge will help any musician to get a quality sound in even the most basic of studios. The module also covers studio-based arrangement skills.

This module provides a thorough investigation into the music business and will provide students with an understanding of the various agreements they might be expected to enter into during the course of a career in music. Musicians will gain insight into the structure of the industry and will be able to interpret key terms used in management, recording, and publishing contracts.

This module introduces students to the principles and practice of copyright, the business mechanics of music publishing and the roles and structure of the collection societies. The module goes on to examine diverse applications, including music and media, film, television, radio and the internet.

Three years of hard work come together in the realisation of the student's final year project. Theoretical and conceptual material will be delivered on site, but the module provides the student with a unique opportunity to implement these ideas in a practical setting undertaken via self-directed study of a project idea of their choice. Past projects have included musicians taking a band on the road, combining touring with an album release and press campaign, establishing a private tuition business and music events management.

Musicians are encouraged to consider and facilitate their own personal and business development, an essential activity for band members, songwriters and singers alike. The module will take students through the stages of identifying professional development needs, with specific topics covered including effective team working, stress management, time management and goal setting.

Most successful entrepreneurs, musicians and industry professionals are keenly aware of the traditions in which they perform and of current developments in popular culture. Creative artists and entrepreneurs employ such knowledge to produce innovative and potentially impactful material. This module casts a critical eye over contemporary popular culture, giving students indispensable tools to approach their own projects in creative and original ways.

Building on the skills and knowledge acquired in previous live performance modules, students will work together to arrange and perform original compositions and turn them into effective live performances. Musicians map their work against that of professionals and make recommendations for future working practice.

This module deals with the development of a sound set of teaching skills, from one-to-one tuition to small and large group classroom work. Small teaching practice business models are discussed and musicians can investigate full-time teaching as a career option either in mainstream education or as a private practitioner.

A high-level performance module based on the development of solo performance skills for guitarists, bassists, drummers, and vocalists. Musicians perform either on their own or using backing tracks. Work is compared to professional material and students must critically assess their progress and attainment.

This module will explore some of the more advanced musical techniques and features found in rock and popular music and how its musical syntax has evolved. The work in this module will include the analytical study of the various harmonic, melodic and rhythmic procedures that have been used in a variety of rock and pop genres, such as funk, progressive/art rock, metal and jazz rock/fusion. A variety of works are looked at from a practical and musicological perspective and the potential application of a range of musical techniques to original and existing compositions is discussed.

This module is designed to give students a practical knowledge of the working patterns of the online music industry, giving an understanding of the growing relationship between, and interdependence of, the music business and the internet. Topics include researching the interaction between the internet and the music industry; online investment and funding; digital rights management; social media; social networking; and digital distribution.