The Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Popular Music Performance is a course unlike any other
music degree.

Designed for guitarists, bass players, drummers, vocalists and keyboard players, the
course provides a level of training previously only available to orchestral musicians.

The three year programme trains performers in popular music to become professionals in
an industry that demands many skills, from performance through to programming,
arranging and composition.

The BMus (Hons) is validated and awarded by Thames Valley University (TVU). All students
on the course are enrolled with TVU and are taught at our specialist music facilities.
Additional facilities at TVU are available to all degree students.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally have:

•        150 points at ‘A’ Level (must include 2 completed ‘A’ Levels), or equivalent (for the
          BMus)
•        100 points at ‘A’ Level (must include 1 completed ‘A’ Level), or equivalent (for the DipHE)

or
•        The One Year Vocaltech OTC/OCN Diploma in Popular Music Performance

and
•        Five GCSEs grades A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent
•        Guitar performance at Grade 8 standard*
•        Sight Reading at Grade 6 standard*
•        Music Theory at Grade 6 standard*
•        Music Aural at Grade 6 standard*

* Please note that a strong audition may qualify the candidate for entry onto the BMus or Dip
HE, who might be short of tariff points.

* These grades are guidelines only - applicants are expected to be at this level, but are not
required to have passed the exams.

Please note that mature students (over 21) will be considered on an individual basis. Because
of the specialised nature of the programmes, it is essential that a high level of competence
and experience in pop music performance is demonstrated at audition. Applicants with a
background in classical music but little experience in pop styles may not be considered
appropriate. We accept applications directly to Guitar-X or prospective students may also apply
through UCAS.

A member of the admissions team will contact you to schedule a practical audition.

Auditions

Applicants are usually required to take a pre-audition assessment, where they are asked to
perform a number of styles on guitar. This informal hour-long session gives you a glimpse of
how our teachers work and a taste of the Guitar-X atmosphere. It also allows us to advise you
on the best course of action in order to get to audition standard. You can look around the
college and chat to our administration staff who can advise you on all aspects of being a
Guitar-X student. If you are unable to travel to us for a pre-audition assessment you have the
option of sending in a demo of your playing. You will need to call us beforehand to obtain our
demo guidelines.

If your assessment or demo is judged to be at the right level, you will be invited to audition.
Auditions take place between January and June for the following October’s intake. However,
we advise you to apply early as places are limited.

The audition is an in-depth look at your stylistic and technical ability on the guitar, as well as
your sight reading, music theory knowledge and aural awareness of intervals and chord types.
At the audition we expect you to:

•    Perform a song of your choice (you must prepare a song in advance and bring the chord
     chart or backing CD with you to the audition) and perform a set piece which will be given
     on application.
·    Interpret and perform a chart over an audio track
·    Complete both a stylistical and technical test on guitar
·    Write an essay (applies to applicants who do not have GCSE English or overseas      equivalent)
·    Demonstrate an aural awareness of intervals and chord types
·    Complete a music theory test
·    Attend an interview

The audition lasts around 2.5 hours. Successful candidates will be offered either a conditional
or an unconditional place in writing. Conditional candidates will be re-assessed approximately
one month prior to the commencement of the course.

Funding

The degree is designated for mandatory funding. You may be eligible for a grant for your
course fees (unless you have received an educational grant before or you are not a EU citizen)
and will be able to apply for a maintenance grant and a student loan. You should contact your
Local Educational Department’s ‘Students Awards Section’ for further details.

If you are not eligible for a mandatory award, you may apply for a Career Development Loan
from the Department of Education and Employment through Barclays, the Co-Operative Bank
or the Bank of Scotland. Another alternative is to look for a grant-making trust which may
contribute towards course fees. Your local library will have details of such charitable
institutions.

EU 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 by email at info@guitar-x.co.uk or by telephone on +44 (0) 208 749 3131
for details about course fees.

Full course structure