Music Performance and Production

The BA (Hons) Music Performance & Production degree is designed for contemporary performers who want to develop as confident artists, creative producers, and versatile musicians. You’ll gain hands-on experience in professional studios and performance environments, building the technical, musical, and professional skills needed to thrive in the modern music industry.

Alongside techniques modules in years one and two, you’ll receive regular one-to-one tuition on your primary instrument*, with tailored support to help you refine your technique, expression, and musical confidence. This is complemented by group sessions that explore performance techniques, stagecraft, theory and musicianship, and creative production. Optional modules in years 2 and 3 allow you to focus on areas that interest you most, including immersive audio, performance technologies, commercial production, and music education.

Why you'll love this course

• Tailored instrumental support - Develop your technique, confidence and artistic identity with your chosen instrument, supported by expert guidance that adapts to your individual goals and style. Tailored, one-to-one tuition is available for many instruments (for the full list, please contact us directly).

• Performance and studio focus - Build confidence across both live and recorded performance contexts where you will learn in professional studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces equipped with industry-standard gear.

• Shape your learning experience - Deepen or diversify your skill set with optional modules in commercial production, performance technologies, immersive audio, composition & arrangement and many more.

*One-to-one tuition is available for many instruments (for the full list, please contact us directly).

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build essential skills in performance, music theory, studio production, and musicianship. You’ll take part in group performance workshops and receive individual instrumental tuition, focusing on technique, timing, expression, and confidence.

You’ll also gain practical experience in recording and mixing, and begin to understand how performance, technology and creative decision-making intersect. This year sets the foundation for your future development as a confident and well-rounded musical performer.

Year 2
In year 2, you’ll expand your performance abilities, deepen your production skills and begin shaping your artistic direction. You’ll continue to receive one-to-one instrumental tuition alongside core modules in performance development and research.

You’ll choose from a range of optional modules that reflect current music practices, including commercial music creation, immersive audio, and performance technologies. You’ll also take part in collaborative projects and work on creative briefs that reflect real-world scenarios. Optional modules are subject to availability and may vary each year.

Year 3
Your final year is about bringing together your skills as both a performer and a producer to define your artistic identity and prepare for professional life. You’ll complete two major self-directed projects: one focused on building an industry-ready portfolio that showcases your creative output, technical ability and professional approach; and another that explores an area of innovative practice. This could involve experimenting with new production techniques, reimagining live performance formats, or developing original work that pushes the boundaries of genre, technology, or collaboration.

You’ll also choose from a range of advanced optional modules that support your goals, whether that’s collaborative practice, leadership, music education, or performance system design. A research-led module in sound cultures encourages deeper reflection on the social, cultural, or political context of your work and its place in the wider music landscape. Optional modules are subject to availability.

Year 1 - Core Modules

• Industry Foundations
• Music Production
• Musicianship Fundamentals
• Mixing
• Creative Performance Techniques
• Studio Craft for Musicians

Year 2 - Core Modules

• Industry Practice
• Creative Technical Development
• Creative Research Practice
• Performance, Persona & Stagecraft

Year 2 - Option Modules

• Advanced Music Production
• Composition & Arrangement
• Hardware Production
• Integrative Performance Technologies
• Commercial Music Creation
• Marketing & Promotion
• Immersive Audio

Year 3 - Core Modules

• Innovation: Exploration
• Industry Portfolio Development
• Innovation: Realisation
• Industry Portfolio Delivery
• Sound Cultures

Year 3 - Option Modules

• Integrative Performance Technologies
• Commercial Music Creation
• Marketing & Promotion
• Immersive Audio
• Music Education & Wellbeing Practice
• Signature System Design
• Management & Leadership in the Music Industry
• Collaborative Creative Practice

Please note. Option modules are subject to availability and may change, depending on factors such as demand, staffing and timetabling. As part of our process of continuous improvement, we routinely review course content to ensure that all our students benefit from a high-quality and rewarding academic experience. As such, there may be some changes made to your course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on our website. Any students affected will be informed of any changes made directly.

Learning is hands-on and experience-led. You’ll spend time in studios, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces, developing your skills through practical workshops, technical sessions, and one-to-one tutorials. Instrumental tuition is central to your experience, giving you personalised support to grow as a musician. This is complemented by group sessions in musicianship, performance techniques, and production, helping you build confidence, creativity and technical fluency.

Assessment Methods:

Assessments are 100% coursework.
Written assignments.
Presentations.
Portfolio development of creative, practical and/or technical work.