MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Continue your music education
with a music performance related degree.

OVERVIEW

This section features introductory videos on selected degree courses across England organised by region. Courses have been chosen according to relevance and those selected as first choice options by ACC students. This is not a complete listing - please use UCAS to search more fully and in other areas.

Make a note of your top courses and institutions and use these when researching your options.

A BA (Hons) means a Batchelor of Arts degree, while a BSc (Hons) means a Batchelor of Science degree. Science degrees may require science subjects/experience for entry.

ASSOCIATED WITH ACC

Courses from colleges linked to ACC

Confetti (NTU)
London & Nottingham

BA (Hons) Music Performance

Do more than study, Do It For Real at Confetti. Learn in world-class music facilities, access real industry opportunities, and work alongside experts from the music and entertainment industries. Confetti is part of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), so you’ll graduate from the Modern University of the Year 2023.

Develop your technical mastery of instrumental and vocal skills whilst broadening your understanding and experience in songwriting, composition, performance, and music management at Confetti – a specialist in music education.

SOUTH EAST

Courses in the London region

London College of Creative Media (LCCM)

Variety of courses

Ready to launch your music career? Choose LCCM – where music really matters. Choose from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in music, music business, music technology and entrepreneurship.

Whatever your passion, from playing and recording to producing or collaborating, LCCM will give you the creative tools to thrive in your chosen industry.

Institute of Contemporary Music (ICMP)

Variety of courses

ICMP, based in London, has been developing and delivering music education and training to students of contemporary music for over 30 years.

Key to their philosophy is the understanding that every student is unique. They provide tailored and personalised training, giving you the best chance of success in the very competitive and challenging environment of the music industry.

BIMM London & Brighton

Variety of courses

For over 35 years, they have equipped students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of the music business – and graduate feeling industry-ready.

As a BIMM student, you’ll be part of a unique creative community, with access to connections and real-world industry experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to be yourself and study in an environment that works closely with the very industry you’ll find your place in.

ACM London

Variety of courses

The Academy of Contemporary Music has been training artists, producers and business entrepreneurs for careers in the music industry since 1995.

With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty and extensive connections within the music industry, ACM offers music courses that develop you to your highest potential and, most importantly, immerse you in the music industry.

LMA London

BA (Hons) Music Performance & Industry

The BA (Hons) degree in Music Performance and Industry at LMA is delivered by industry professionals and is designed to cultivate and develop you into the artist or performer you want to be! LMA will develop your musicianship and prepare you for work in the music industry across a variety of platforms, whether you want to be part of a band, a solo performer, songwriter, composer, session musician or producer. All of this is underpinned by theory and academic study.

City, University of London

BMus (Hons) Music Performance with Production

The Department of Music at City, University of London gives students a variety of performance opportunities: Ensembles, workshops, concerts, masterclasses and more. The BA in Music Performance with Production is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in the music industry. You will learn from leading music professionals, through multiple creative and performance opportunities, in industry-standard facilities to create and shape the next generation of music.

Goldsmiths 

BMus (Hons) Popular Music

BMus (Hons) Music

Alongside more traditional courses, Goldsmiths offer a BMus/BSc with Computing, courses with Psychology and Theatre, and MA Pathways in CCE and Arts Administration.

We encourage an atmosphere of open-minded debate and a commitment to all types of music from classical to jazz and pop. 

University of Westminster

BA/Bmus (Hons) Music: Production, Performance and Enterprise

Their Music: Production, Performance and Enterprise degree will equip you for a successful career in all areas of the commercial and popular music industries.

Their course will inspire you to develop expertise and experience in the key fields of commercial music: music production, music performance and music business/enterprise. 

University of Surrey

BMus (Hons) Music 

University of Surrey's music course offers training in a huge range of styles from classical and popular, to musical theatre, jazz and contemporary music. You’ll be able to make music on your own and with others, perform in orchestras, choirs and bands, and work with improvisation.

Royal Holloway

BMus (Hons) Music 

BMus Music at Royal Holloway is a flexible degree, allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests and passions.

They have expertise spanning traditional, modern and world music. Through studying musical texts, practices, cultures and institutions you will explore issues in history, sociology, ethnology, and philosophy covering an exceptional geographical and chronological range. You will also be able to gain practical skills in composition, music technology and performance.

University of Hertfordshire

BSc (Hons) Songwriting & Artist Development

The course will develop your songwriting skills to establish your own musical style whilst learning how to record, produce and master your products to ensure they are industry ready for marketing and promotion.

You will collaborate extensively within the School of Creative Arts, connecting with peers in the fields of Composition, Music Production, Audio Engineering, as well as Live Sound and Lighting to reflect industry practice. The course provides many opportunities to collaborate and perform in state-of-the-art performance spaces.

Waterbear Brighton

BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) 

The course focusses on what’s really important – the creation of high-quality music and great live music performance. It gives you the perfect blend of artistic freedom alongside practical strategies to forge a solid career in music.

For musicians in today’s music industry, it’s all about developing a broad range of skills to build a sustainable and resilient career. You may be a multi-instrumentalist looking to improve in one or more different areas, or you might just want to focus on your primary instrument or voice.

SOUTH WEST

Courses in the Bristol region

BIMM Bristol

Various Courses

For over 35 years, they have equipped students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of the music business – and graduate feeling industry-ready.

As a BIMM student, you’ll be part of a unique creative community, with access to connections and real-world industry experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to be yourself and study in an environment that works closely with the very industry you’ll find your place in.


Bath Spa

Music BA (Hons)

Create music with and for other people, and pursue your unique interests with our Music degree.

Join a community of musicians – you'll work closely with staff, students and distinguished industry guests.

Experience a wealth of contemporary genres – from classical music to jazz, musical theatre, opera and world music.

Gain the skills you'll need to pursue a modern music career in education, community music, performance and more.


WEST MIDLANDS

Courses in the Birmingham region

ACM Birmingham

Various Courses

The Academy of Contemporary Music has been training artists, producers and business entrepreneurs for careers in the music industry since 1995.

With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty and extensive connections within the music industry, ACM offers music courses that develop you to your highest potential and, most importantly, immerse you in the music industry.

University of Birmingham

Various Courses

The Department of Music is one of the most distinguished in the UK, with a history stretching back to 1905 when Edward Elgar was appointed the University's first Professor of Music, and looking forward to the latest cutting-edge developments in the practice and study of music.

BIMM Birmingham

Various Courses

For over 35 years, they have equipped students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of the music business – and graduate feeling industry-ready.

As a BIMM student, you’ll be part of a unique creative community, with access to connections and real-world industry experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to be yourself and study in an environment that works closely with the very industry you’ll find your place in.


Birmingham City University

Music / Instrumental and Vocal Performance / Composition / Music Technology - BMus

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s £57 million teaching and performance facility is the first of its kind in the digital age and is the perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary.

Featuring 9,000 sq m of purpose designed teaching, rehearsal and state of the art performance space, it offers unrivalled opportunities for our students. The audio and video digital infrastructure is designed to enhance and support live performance and to allow students to experiment with new technologies.

Coventry University

BA (Hons) Popular Music and Songwriting 

The first step to becoming a popular musician is to think of yourself as one. Get trained up with their Popular Music Performance and Songwriting BA (Hons) and who knows where you’ll end up!

This is a practice-based, ‘outward-facing’ course that seeks to prepare you to be a versatile, flexible, and adaptable operator within the twenty-first-century music industry and is designed to prepare you to be a creative musical artist and skilled popular music professional.  

EAST ENGLAND

Courses in the Norwich region

Anglia Ruskin University

BA (Hons) Music Performance

The BA (Hons) Music Performance will challenge your creativity. You’ll learn to analyse and deconstruct existing modes of performance, songwriting and composition before finding your own way to create new performances or rework the music of others. Immerse yourself in a creative, collaborative student community, take up opportunities to perform in Cambridge and beyond, and use our facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques.

East Midlands

Courses in the Lincoln region

University of Lincoln

BA (Hons) Music

Music at Lincoln is a contemporary, industry-focused degree for musicians looking to develop their skills as performers, composers, and collaborators within a flexible curriculum that encompasses classical, rock, pop, and non-Western music.

University of Derby

BA (Hons) Popular Music

This dynamic course is for practising musicians keen to explore performance, composition, production and music technology in our industry-standard recording studios and rehearsal spaces.

University of Hull

BA (Hons) Music

Become part of a creative and innovative community of performers, composers, songwriters, producers, music psychologists, and writers about music.

To thrive in today’s fast-moving music culture, you’ll need a wide range of musical and technical skills, and to be able to work confidently with others across a range of professional contexts.

De Montfort University

FDA Music Performance

Develop expertise in music performance, composition, song-writing and production through a range of industry-standard projects and academic work.

You’ll have opportunities to develop your musical skills in your chosen instrument (or vocal) – whether it be pop, rock, jazz or classical. You’ll also be taught how to apply your performance and production skills in commercial environments, such as session musicianship, studio recording, music production and composition for film and TV.

The Grimsby Institute

BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance

BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance programme (validated by the University of Hull) aims to develop students into successful contributing members of the local, national and international popular music industry. This is a fantastic course for anyone wanting to pursue a career in music.

NORTH WEST

Courses in the Manchester region

BIMM Manchester

Various Courses

For over 35 years, they have equipped students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of the music business – and graduate feeling industry-ready.

As a BIMM student, you’ll be part of a unique creative community, with access to connections and real-world industry experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to be yourself and study in an environment that works closely with the very industry you’ll find your place in.


Spirit Studios Manchester

BA (Hons) Popular Music, Songwriting & Performance

This course brings together theory and practice, allowing you to explore music creation and production, songwriting and stagecraft, while gaining a solid understanding of how the music business works. You’ll learn the fundamentals of music theory and analysis, exploring various genres, styles and approaches in popular composition and songwriting. You’ll gain hands-on experience with our industry-standard facilities and equipment in our venue and studios.

Royal Northern College of Music

BMus (Hons) Popular Music

Inspired by Manchester’s enviable music scene, both past and present, our unique programme prepares students to be artists fit for the future, catering specifically to those who want to work in the popular music industry. Through a blend of intense individual and group tuition, ensemble performance classes and professional engagements, the course actively encourages and supports you in establishing a professional career alongside your studies, ensuring you’re industry-ready at the time of graduation.

LIPA Liverpool

BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting & Performance)

This practice-based, industry-focused course equips you with the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a sustained career as a songwriter or performer, or a combination or both.

Through continuous support and feedback from professionally experienced tutors you develop your skills across performance, songwriting and production of song demos along with essential business knowledge and practical experience. Underpinned by a thorough understanding of music theory; you leave as a highly skilled and educated songwriter and performer able to make decisions to take control of your career. 

LMA Liverpool

Various Courses

Surround yourself with energetic and like-minded people in an environment where hard work brings great rewards. It’s all there when you become a part of LMA. The very best tutors and technical equipment to realise your talents – plus great people who will remain your friends for life.

Liverpool Hope University

Music BA (Hons)

The study of music is a creative, technical and theoretical exploration of one of the most mysterious art forms. Studying it at Liverpool Hope, will give you the opportunity to investigate the many facets of performing, composing and producing beautiful and challenging music.  You will also be exposed to aspects of the music business and industry, as well as its many historical and theoretical concepts. 

University of Chester

BA (Hons) Popular Music

Popular Music Performance is not just about playing music; it is about being a versatile performer. Any musician needs an understanding of performance, as well as an understanding of musical forms and styles; both the ability to play in front of an audience and the ability to play with other musicians responsively and sympathetically are crucially important parts of the musician's repertoire.

University of Huddersfield

Various Courses

The University of Huddersfield offers a diverse and vibrant student environment, located on one central town centre campus site. Students talk about their experiences here at the University: what they like about their courses and what they enjoy most outside of the curriculum.

University of Central Lancashire

BA (Hons) Music Production and Performance

Explore the world of professional music, with a course that balances vocation and vision – offering both career-ready technical skills and the freedom to explore your own creativity.

NORTH EAST

Leeds Arts University

BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance

On this course there are no boundaries between performance, production and composition. Leeds Arts University look for creative and versatile musicians who wish to develop their performance, production and technical skills to a professional level in order to prepare for a career in the contemporary music industries.

Leeds Conservatoire

BA (Hons) Music 

In 2005, they became the first UK conservatoire to deliver a specialist course in Popular Music. They champion original material and encourage you to take creative risks. As well as focusing on your performance skills, you’ll develop composition skills and enrich your commercial expertise with practical guidance.

University of Sheffield

Various Courses

University of Sheffield are proud to offer one of the most diverse music degree programmes in the UK. They offer academic and practical study in a variety of music genres, including classical, pop, jazz, folk and world music.

Waterbear Sheffield

BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) 

The course focusses on what’s really important – the creation of high-quality music and great live music performance. It gives you the perfect blend of artistic freedom alongside practical strategies to forge a solid career in music.

For musicians in today’s music industry, it’s all about developing a broad range of skills to build a sustainable and resilient career. You may be a multi-instrumentalist looking to improve in one or more different areas, or you might just want to focus on your primary instrument or voice.

SOUTH

Courses in south coast region.

Plymouth University

BMus (Hons) Music

Showcase and develop your musical talents with links to local venues and performers and benefit from well-equipped practice rooms, recording studios, and award-winning theatre. Master your instrument with specialist 1:1 tutors. 

University of Southampton

BA (Hons) Music 

They are among the largest and liveliest music departments in the UK. Their eclectic curriculum and research culture create a flourishing environment for studies in performance, composition and musical scholarship of all kinds.

Solent University

BMus Popular Music Performance

Throughout the course you’ll be supported to develop a wide range of musical skills alongside academic, research and critical-thinking proficiencies that are relevant to many different careers.

The course features extensive study of the music industries including copyright, contract law and career pathways. You’ll also be encouraged to develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication and project management.