The Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Popular Music Performance is a music degree unlike
any other. It trains bass players, guitarists, drummers and vocalists to become
professionals in an industry that demands many skills, from performance through to
composition, programming and arranging. We deliver strong, versatile, employable
musicians.

The course is validated by Thames Valley University (TVU). All students are enrolled with
TVU and taught at our specialist facilities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally have:
● 120 points at A Level, or equivalent OR the Guitar-X OTC/OCN One Year Diploma in
Popular Music Performance
● Five GCSEs at grades A-C, including Maths and English, or equivalent
● Bass performance at grade 8 standard *
● Sight reading at grade 6 standard *
● Music theory at grade 6 standard *

* These are guidelines only. Applicants are expected to be at this standard not expected to
have passed the exams.

Prospective students should apply through the UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk. A member
of the admissions team will contact you to schedule a practical audition.

The audition is an in-depth look at your stylistic and technical performance, as well as
your sight reading, music theory knowledge and aural awareness of intervals and chord
types.

FUNDING
Home students can apply through their Local Education Authority for Tuition Fee Loans,
Higher Education Maintenance Grants and Maintenance Loans. International students
should contact the admissions team on +44 (0) 208 749 3131 for details about course fees.

YEAR 1
SEMESTER 1
Core Curriculum A develops your understanding of essential musical concepts and builds
the foundations of excellence in your playing.
● Bass Techniques
● Bass Concepts
● Sight Reading
● Music Theory
● Aural
● Keyboard Skills

20th Century Popular Music History charts the rise of pop music from its earliest roots to
the corporate phenomenon it is today, adding a broader dimension to students’ own
performance and composition.

Rhythm and Blues Performance is a detailed study of this major genre of popular music.
Through live performance and analysis students are able to reproduce the authentic sound,
feel and dynamics of this style.

SEMESTER 2

Core Curriculum B further develops your musicianship.

Rhythm Studies examines the role of rhythm in popular music styles. This will add
originality and musicality to your playing and composing.

Applied Rock Studies is a focused study of progressive rock and the major artists
involved. Through analysis and performance you will gain an understanding and mastery
of this demanding style, which has influenced so many of today’s bands.

YEAR 2
SEMESTER 1

Jazz Studies charts the development of Jazz from the 1940s. Weekly live performance
workshops allow you to develop your own authentic jazz sound and develop a repertoire
of classic ‘standards’ which will inevitably reappear throughout your playing career.

Arranging and Programming for Small Groups draws on your knowledge of theory
developed in Year 1 to develop your arranging skills for bands containing drums, guitar,
bass, keyboards and vocals.

Music in Industry gives an insight into the nature of today’s music business structures and
identifies key employment opportunities in this area.

SEMESTER 2

Miscellaneous Playing Styles increases your versatility by broadening the range of
styles you can play. You study reggae, blues, funk, Latin and country.

Specialised Playing Styles gives you the opportunity to hone your knowledge of a
particular style – jazz, rock or fusion.

Popular Music Composition Techniques requires you to create original compositions
for small bands and explores the use of processing and sequencing technology.