Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Music Performance

The BA (Hons) Music Performance course at Derby is tailored for musicians who aim to enhance their performance skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of the commercial music industry. Students will cultivate a diverse skill set, spanning performance, composition, technology, media production, and musicology, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the increasing importance of popular music in both economic and professional contexts.

As a key element of the creative industries sector, the music industry significantly contributes to the global economy. With the rise of digital distribution models and the growing popularity of live music events, the industry has evolved rapidly, offering fresh and exciting avenues for music creation and delivery. This course prepares students to be multi-skilled, adaptable, and ready to collaborate across various disciplines, including film, television, computer games, and advertising, within the music industry. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with peers from other courses, such as BA (Hons) Film and High-End Television Production and BA (Hons) Animation, helping them develop advanced digital skills for creating album artwork, music promos, and brand development, while also honing essential networking and entrepreneurial skills to succeed in the industry.

The course focuses on popular music performance, composition, and production, integrated with music technology. Students will develop their creative and entrepreneurial abilities to respond to the technological and artistic innovations that shape the music industry. They will further refine their skills on their chosen instrument through group-based learning activities, as well as deepen their expertise in composition and songwriting. Additionally, students will gain insights into the social and business context of commercial music, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Regular public performance opportunities are built into the course, and students are encouraged to engage with the local music scene through collaborations with venues like Dubrek Recording Studio and Derby Theatre, which is owned by the University of Derby. The course is taught by experienced lecturers with active careers in the music industry, many of whom have international research portfolios and are involved in freelance production and performance work.

Students will also develop a strong understanding of the commercial environment of music performance, helping them cultivate management skills and professional protocols essential for a career in the industry. The university’s state-of-the-art recording studios and rehearsal facilities provide students with the opportunity to create high-quality recordings of their performances.

Through its established connections with the music industry, the course offers students the chance to participate in the annual Music Production Show, where industry professionals such as Avid, Yamaha, Focusrite, Ableton, and the Musicians Union share their insights. Additionally, students can gain valuable professional experience through collaborations with visiting performers and industry representatives, including partnerships with Derby Jazz and ViVA Orchestra. As a registered training centre for Apple and Avid, the University of Derby provides opportunities for accredited training on popular production software, along with significant discounts on associated products, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving music industry.