Music careers

BRIGHTON INSTITUTE OF MODENR MUSIC
7 Rock Place
Brighton
BN2 1PF
T: 01273 626666
E: info@bimm.co.uk
www.bimm.co.uk

Edexcel Diploma in Sound Engineering and Tour Management
Students learn about studio production, live sound engineering, self-employment within the music industry, tour management and more. It is a hands on course utilising professional PA systems, studios and live musicians. Students can progress onto the Higher Diploma in Modern Music and ultimately on to the BA Honors degree.
Duration: 1 Year, min 12 hours per week
Entry: 5 GCSE’s at C and above (or equivalent) qualifications, and an enthusiasm for music.

BA (Hons) in Professional Musicianship
This course focuses on live performance, technique, songwriting and stylistic development, as well as research and project work in the field. Past students have had chart successes and even appearances as session players on major TV music shows. The emphasis is on contemporary popular music and Music Business classes are given to “show you how you can make a living from doing what you love.”
Duration: 3 Years
Entry: BIMM Higher Diploma at Merit or above or equivalent, or 12 points at A-Level or equivalent, plus Grade 8 instrumental or equivalent practical skills.

Higher Diploma in Songwriting
Sponsored by Sony / BMG Music Entertainment this is for singer-songwriter instrumentalists. The course focuses on writing, theory and arrangement, performance skills and practical project management skills, as well as the business of music. An overriding theme is the development of song ideas into professional, finished pieces.
Duration: 1 Year
Entry: 18 years of age and semi- pro song writing ability. Some studio and gigging experience. Grade 6 equivalent technical skills would be an advantage on an instrument or voice. Most applicants have National Diploma, A-Level or equivalent music qualifications
 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Department of Music
Highfield Road
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Tel: 023 8059 3558
E: musicbox@soton.ac.uk
www.soton.ac.uk
 
BA Music
Southampton state that they offer a “flexible curriculum with a wide range of musical activities: performance, history of western classical music, jazz and popular music, composition and commercial music.” Students study a first-year foundation, which covers a broad range of musical study. This is followed by two years of modular study, where a range of options are available, including Music in a Multicultural World, European Opera 1800 to1850, Music in Popular Culture and more.
Duration: 3 Years
Entry: Southampton state that offers are “based on achievement and potential.”

UNIVERSITY OF KENT AT CANTERBURY
The University of Kent
Canterbury
Kent
CT2 7NZ
T: 01227 764000
E: recruitment@kent.ac.uk
www.kent.ac.uk

BSc (Hons) Music Technology
This course “provides the opportunity to explore musical creativity and sound design within the context of new media applications.” Core modules include Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, Analogue and Digital Audio, Applied Recording Technology, Electronic Music and Synthesis, Midi and Software Sequencing and more. The aim is to produce work of an industry standard. Duration: 3 Years
Entry: A/AS level 280 points (21 units) including CC at A level or equivalent, IB 28 points. You are normally required to attend a music audition. You also need A level Music/Music Technology grade C (GCSE Music or Associated Board Grade V music theory equivalent also considered), and GCSE Mathematics grade C

ACADEMY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Rodboro Buildings, Bridge Street
Guildford
GU1 4SB
T: 01483 500800
E: brendan@acm.ac.uk
www.acm.ac.uk
 
BA (Hons) Contemporary Popular Music
Validated by Middlesex University, the title is self-explanatory, so you can expect a vocational course offering various pathways to suit different careers within the music industry. Performance, Technology and the Music Business form the core modules. The course is sponsored by a variety of instrument manufacturers, including Fender.
Duration: 3 Years
Entry: Entry level requirements and audition details are available from the ACM office

Performance Higher Diploma
Validated by Middlesex University, the focus here is on both focus on both their practical and theoretical musicianship, and also explores the music industry, live and session work. ACM state that this is intended for “artists who have a keen grasp of their instrument and are looking towards a place on the degree programme.”
Duration: 1 Year
Entry: Contact ACM

Performance Diploma
Practical and theoretical musicianship are covered in the programme of study, which is intended for artists who have a proficient understanding of their instrument and who wish to form bands, produce demos and progress to the Higher Diploma.
Duration: 1 Year
Entry: Contact ACM

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Faculty of Music
St Aldgate’s
Oxford OX1 1DB
Tel: 01865 286264
E: sheila.macadam@music.ox.ac.uk
www.music.ox.ac.uk

Music Degree
A thorough course exploring techniques of composition and analysis, keyboard skills, performance studies, historical topics and more. In years 2 and 3, options include History of Western Music I (c.800 - c.1630), Techniques of Composition II, Mahler, Mozart, Film Music, Jazz, Ethnomusicology and many more. Oxford students benefit from the renowned tutorial system, run in their own College by their subject Tutor.
Duration: 3 Years
Entry: AAA in three A-level (or equivalent) subjects

Master of Studies (MSt Musicology)
This is a one-year programme of study, which aims to give a thorough grounding in musicology. Historiography, aesthetics and criticism of music are covered and students must complete a 10,000-word dissertation, coursework essays, as well as a three-hour written exam.
Duration: 1 Year
Entry: High graded degree qualification. Contact Oxford for details.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XH
T: 01483 300 800
E: music@surrey.ac.uk
www.surrey.ac.uk

Music Degree
Performance, composition and the academic study of music have equal emphasis on this course. In terms of music styles explored, Surrey state that “Western music from ancient times to the present day forms the backbone of historical and analytical studies, but modules in popular and non-Western music, music technology, film music and jazz are also available.” Instrumental/vocal tuition is also key.
Duration: 3 Years
Entry: Twelve units of study at full A level depth

Music with Computer Sound Design
This is for creative musicians who want to compose and produce professional standard music for concert halls, film, TV, computer games and more. The aim is to help you leave with a composition and sound-design portfolio that can be used to pitch for professional work. Additionally, this course supports and encourages all forms of music making.
Duration: 3 Years
Entry: Twelve units of study at full A level depth

back to Study music

send this story to a friend