Music

The BA (Hons) Music is designed for creative musicians who aspire to write, perform, record, and release their own music while building a sustainable portfolio career in the music industry. With portfolio careers becoming increasingly popular, it is essential for modern musicians to develop a broad and adaptable skill set.

This course provides a well-rounded foundation that blends musicianship, songwriting, production, and industry knowledge, ensuring graduates are equipped to thrive in an evolving industry.

Students will enhance their proficiency on their primary instrument through group instrumental sessions, refining technique and performance abilities. You will also develop songwriting skills, learning to compose music to set briefs and refine arrangements. Additionally, the course covers essential music production techniques, including sequencing and arranging, to support your growth as both a producer and composer.

A strong emphasis is placed on critical listening and contemporary music theory, enabling you to analyse different musical genres, understand harmonic and melodic structures, and apply these concepts to your own creative work.

In the first year, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of performance, songwriting and production. From the second year onwards, you will specialise in one of five pathways:

• Performance

• Songwriting

• Production

• Music Business (Industry)

• Music Business (Live Events)

This structure allows you to tailor your studies to meet your career aspirations while maintaining a diverse and adaptable skill set, preparing for the reality of today’s music industry, ensuring you have the tools, versatility, and expertise to succeed in multiple roles within your career.

Course Modules

Students can expect to study the following core modules:
Year 1

• Core Instrument Skills
• Songwriting Techniques
• Creative Music Programming
• The Creative Industries & You
• Collaboration & Performance
• Digital Arrangement for Songwriters
• Composition Toolkit for Producers

Year 2

• Defining your Practice in Context
• Contextualised Performance
• Music Publishing & Releasing
• Exploring your Practice through Collaboration
• Creative Band Performance
• Digital Composition in Context

Year 3

• Final Project
• Answering a Creative Brief
• Creative Performance with Mixed Media
• Professional Portfolio
• The Art of Mastering

A range of optional modules can be selected in years 2 and 3, subject to availability and student demand. Please visit the course information page on the BIMM Music Institute website for a full break down.