Are you interested in a career as a performer, songwriter or producer? Would you like to be involved in artist development? The Resonance BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Production combines creativity and technical learning with an in-depth study of the music industry.
The Popular Music Performance and Production programme offers a broad range of skills in music and production, carefully balanced with academic skills involving research and critical thinking. Students will gain experience both specific to the music industry and relevant to other careers.
The course features extensive study of the music industries including copyright, contract law and career pathways. Students will also develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication skills and project management (see the Resonance Professional Certificate).
The curriculum is delivered by an experienced course team, many of whom are active industry experts with professional experience in performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. Tutors frequently engage with ongoing research in music composition, performance and production.
You will be able to tailor this course to your own interests through optional projects and modules in the second and third years. These modules may help to inform future career options and ensure that technical and musical skills are underpinned by a solid understanding of the wider music industry.
This course will involve practical projects designed in partnership with industry
The course will be delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars, masterclasses, tutorials, workshops and guest presentations.
Assessment methods include practical assessments, essays, individual reports, portfolio, individual and group presentations, and final performance.
| Performance Techniques 1 | Core | This unit focuses on the essentials of performance. In order to progress swiftly as a musician, you must practise and rehearse efficiently. Alongside this, you will to develop an understanding of how popular music works in all its forms. |
| Introduction to Studio Recording 1 | Core | A solid understanding of why and how we mix popular music is vital in improving your music production. This unit combines practical mixing and recording with the established and proven theories of how multi-track music is made. |
| Creative Music Industries | Core | The music industry is fiercely competitive; artists and producers need to be committed to their own creativity and innovation in order to be successful. Key aspects of that creativity are discussed to enable you to understand the demands of the music industries. |
| Creative Performance 1 | Core | Building on the knowledge and techniques developed in Performance Techniques 1, this unit continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on instrumental/vocal skills and techniques. |
| Creative Music Production 1 | Core | Having been introduced to fundamental concepts and theory of audio and music production, you now have the opportunity to apply these concepts to creative projects. |
| Theory and Listening Skills | Core | This unit will help you develop the language to communicate musical ideas. In addition to traditional notation you will learn how to describe and analyse songs and musical productions. |
| Performance Techniques 2 | Core | Building on the knowledge and techniques developed at Level 4, this module continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on reflective practice. |
| Advanced Studio Recording 1 | Core | This module is key in your development of understanding the processes and expectations of creating an engaging, contemporary, commercial mix. |
| Music Portfolio Careers | Core | This module provides you with opportunities to research employment options, develop existing skills and learn new skills in order to begin your personal portfolio career. |
| Creative Performance 2 | Core | This module continues the focus on the essentials of performance with a greater emphasis on instrumental/ vocal skills and techniques. |
| Creative Music Production 2 | Core | In alignment with workplace practices, arrangement composition and studio performance are integrated into this module. You will be encouraged to work in collaboration with other disciplines in order to broadening your skills and network. |
| Creative Sound Design | Option | In this module you will expand your musical thinking into the world of film sound design. Whether through music or sound effects, films rely heavily on sound added postproduction; this module gives you the chance to develop skills required for sound in visual media. |
| Songwriting Techniques | Option | This module will help you develop and enhance your skills in songwriting and will allow you to develop your musical identities through a wide range of songwriting tasks. |
| Music Collaboration | Core | You will examine how to approach collaborative projects in a manner that suggests professionalism and inspires those around you. |
| Advanced Music Production | Core | This module allows you the freedom to choose a production technique for an in-depth study, culminating in a demonstration of your advanced skills in a combined audio-visual product. |
| Major Project | Core | In this module you will undertake a major research project in an area of your choosing. It may take a variety of forms (including a written dissertation, business, or practical project). |
| Entrepreneurship and Artist Development | Core | You will study and practise prescribed instrumental or vocal techniques and you will be encouraged to develop skills of your choice. In addition, you will learn how to create a show-reel that demonstrates your artistic and technical skills. |
| Surround Mixing | Option | You will experience recent and emerging technological developments including 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. The issues in mixing music and film sound will be examined and you will learn how to achieve effective mixes in these formats. |
| Experimental Music Performance | Option | You will explore the creative dynamics of existing sound performances and recordings. You will investigate alternative approaches to music making by exploring experimental techniques that draw from creative music practices. |
Applications to Resonance are via UCAS, to apply for the Popular Music Performance and Production BA (Hons) course, simply click APPLY NOW.
This will take you to the Popular Music Performance and Production course page on the UCAS website, where you can complete your application.
Click here for instructions on how to add Popular Music Performance and Production as a UCAS choice.
Ideally, your application should reach UCAS by the 26 January. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. Applications can still be made after the June deadline through the UCAS Clearing system.
If you have any problems, please contact admissions@resonance-edu.org.
If you would like to apply for more than one Resonance course, please add each one as an option on your UCAS application.
The Foundation Year and degree courses provided by Resonance are validated by Solent University which is registered with the Office for Students (OfS).
Fees for the 2024/25 academic year are £9,250 for all UK and Channel Islands students. Additional fees may apply to non-compulsory excursions, tours and extra-curricular activities. Students will be notified of these extra fees in advance.
Resonance offers bursaries and scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition or accommodation, subject to a letter of application. Each bursary or scholarship will be considered by the Board of Trustees.
Additional costs will apply to Quals Plus courses and will vary according to the assessment process.
Other costs – such as accommodation, books, stationery, instruments, accessories, computers, optional summer school, personal expenses, food, and entertainment – are not included.
Costs also apply to the graduation ceremony, i.e. hiring an academic gown (currently £45) and photography (starting at £15). Full details will be provided at the beginning of the third year of full-time study.
Undergraduate students wishing to study at Resonance are officially registered as Solent University students and are entitled to apply to Student Finance England for support.
Full-time students can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans. For further details on how to apply, please visit:
This course will involve practical projects designed in partnership with
