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Music Performance BMus(Hons)

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    Overview

    Our Music Performance BMus(Hons) degree is designed for all types of instrumentalists including pop, musical performance and classical singers who want to benefit from expert individual tuition. You’ll also have the chance to play in groups and ensembles, with up to two thirds of your second and final years being assessed through performance activities.

    This course is for you if you have a passion for solo work, band and ensemble performance. Whatever your style, you'll work on your own original material or a whole range of pop, classical or jazz. You'll also study composition, songwriting, musicology, and technology modules that will enhance and support your development as a performer.

    The course will prepare you for a career as a professional performer, teacher or a musician with a portfolio career.

    Why Study Music Performance BMus(Hons)

    You’ll study in state-of-the-art professional standard facilities, with access to a range of rehearsal spaces, recording studios, two dedicated concert halls, and a large selection of equipment and instruments for you to use.

    You’ll be taught by leading academics, many of whom are also professional performers with active international careers as soloists and ensemble members. Up to 20 hours of individual tuition per year on your main study is provided by our team of expert instrumental and vocal tutors, supplemented by masterclasses and workshops by visiting professionals.

    Working with experienced tutors, internationally recognised researchers, and visiting industry professionals, you’ll also collaborate with our team of instrumental and vocal teachers.

    In terms of awards and accolades:

    • Music is ranked 20th globally and 6th in the UK (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024).
    • We won the Queen's Anniversary Prize for our ‘world-leading work to promote, produce and present contemporary music to an international audience.

    You can explore, and even perform, the latest new music in the annual Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and get up-close and experience cutting edge experimental artists at our Electric Spring Festival. You can also get involved in a huge range of ensembles, choirs and bands, including chamber, orchestra; symphonic wind orchestra; brass band; various classical and pop choirs; big band; funk, soul; and a huge array of original bands and chamber groups. You can also study conducting and have the freedom to develop your own ensembles.

    Entry requirements

    BBB-BCC at A Level .

    120-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work). ​

    Merit in T Level .

    DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

    • Practical and theory music grades 6-8 will be accepted in the total points.
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
    • 120-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    Offers will be subject to an audition, after which you will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day, at which you will have the opportunity to meet staff and current students. Read more about the audition process on our Interviews, auditions and portfolio pages.

    You should have an advanced standard of technical achievement and excellent overall potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 8 practical music making, where applicable).

    Entry is also possible for applicants who don't hold standard UK qualifications.

    International and mature applicants who don't hold standard UK qualifications can provide a portfolio to demonstrate skills relevant to the course. We audition all applicants for this course and ask you to send us video links performing two contrasting pieces. You should have advanced technical ability and excellent potential as a performer (roughly equivalent to the standard of grade 8 practical music making, where applicable).

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Music and Performing Arts Foundation Pathway Degree.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Specialist Performance

    You will work closely with an instrumental/vocal tutor throughout the year to develop your technical skills and musical insight to prepare you for solo and ensemble performance at intermediate and honours level. You will also be introduced to concepts of improvisation.

    Performance Skills 1

    You will gain hands-on experience of a variety of key musical skills: improvisation; aural awareness; ensemble performance; and evaluating your own and others' performances. A wide range of styles and genres will be explored, and you will work with musicians relevant to your specialism as a pop, classical, or jazz performer.

    Music, Culture and Society

    This module will introduce you to a range of approaches to studying music and music technology. You will develop research, source-handling, evaluation, and critical-thinking skills and apply these to repertoires, cultures, and issues appropriate to your degree course. Linked lectures and seminars will increase your knowledge of key themes and concerns in music studies, give you opportunities to debate your ideas with others, and develop your confidence as an increasingly independent researcher.

    Technology for Musicians

    This module takes a hands-on approach to various aspects of using technology as a musician, giving you the skills to feel confident working in today's creative industries. You will learn how to use music notation and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, alongside video and sound recording techniques aimed at content creation.

    Understanding Music

    You will explore the building blocks of music in all its forms, developing an understanding of how music ‘works’ through the use of key theoretical principles such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, timbre, and so on. This will allow you to investigate a number of key works from a wide range of musical styles and histories in detail, engaging with music in ways that will also develop your creativity as a performer or composer.

    Composition 1

    The module is intended to enable you to develop your compositional abilities, through the exploration of a range of compositional techniques, with particular reference to acquiring a better understanding of rhythm, timbre, melody/contour, harmony, texture, form and notation. You will also explore the basics of instrumentation. Your creative aural imagination will be stimulated by studying and employing a variety of expressive musical languages.

    Core modules:

    Solo Performance

    You will work closely with an individual instrumental/vocal tutor to develop your technical skills and musical insight to prepare you for a solo recital and advanced solo performance at honours level.

    Performance Skills 2

    You will choose one practical option from an array of ensembles, bands, and approaches to performance. Options typically range from conducting, music theatre, and improvisation through to groups like orchestra, big band, brass band, classical and pop choirs, and a huge variety of pop, rock, soul, funk, and folk bands. Specialist performance tutors will coach you towards assessed performances that are open to the public.

    Inside the Music Business

    Inside the Music Business will introduce you to a range of issues relevant to the current music industry, from copyright, contracts and economics through to the role of the media in marketing, reviewing, and representing music. You will explore the production, distribution and revenue models of the global music business and develop the critical and analytical skills to understand these working practices and the ways they relate to your own practice as a musician. On completion of the module, you will have created the assets to represent yourself to industry as a musician and have a digital portfolio of activity related to your chosen aspect of the music industry.

    Projects in Musical Cultures (Extended)

    As an increasingly confident and independent musical researcher and creative practitioner, you will add breadth to your expertise by choosing an additional topic to explore from a range on offer. Using research to underpin and inspire both scholarly and artistic activity, you will engage with current debates within musicology, discover new repertoire and methodologies, and investigate music as a cultural text.

    Option modules:

    Choose two from a list which may include:

    Solo Performance (Extended)

    This module permits students who are already taking the Solo Performance module the opportunity to broaden their study and accrue additional credits by doubling the duration of the performance assessments. For further details see description for Solo Performance.

    Performance Skills 2 (extended)

    This module permits students to select an additional group performance activity to broaden their study alongside AIM2412 Performance Skills 2. Please view that module for further details.

    Projects in Musical Cultures

    As an increasingly confident and independent musical researcher and creative practitioner, you will undertake an in-depth exploration of a particular area of music by choosing one specialist topic from a range on offer. Using research to underpin and inspire both scholarly and artistic activity, you will engage with current debates within musicology, discover new repertoire and methodologies, and investigate music as a cultural text.

    Songwriting 2

    This module explores a range of advanced compositional and vocal techniques in contemporary songwriting. You will study vocal styles from different times and traditions, and examine the role of accompaniment in more detail, learning how to write effective backing vocals, string parts, and brass arrangements. You will explore ideas about identity and authenticity in the songwriting world, and gain hands-on experience of collaborative techniques and approaches.

    Arts and Humanities Placement

    The placement year is your chance to gain hands-on experience and build on the skills you’ve developed in your first two years of study. You’ll spend up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks) in a graduate-level role, sharpening your professional skills, exploring career options, and boosting your future job prospects. During your placement, you'll reflect on your performance, develop real-world skills, and learn to approach your role with a critical eye. Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, setting you up for success in your final year and beyond.

    Core modules:

    Advanced Solo Performance

    Supported by individual lessons with one of our professional visiting instrumental and vocal teachers, you will continue to develop your technical skills and musical insight as an advanced solo performer. You will participate in a variety of masterclasses and workshops to increase your understanding of a range of musical performance contexts and issues, and will work towards two assessed solo recitals.

    Performance Skills 3

    You will choose one practical option from an array of ensembles, bands, and approaches to performance. Options typically range from conducting, music theatre, and improvisation through to groups like orchestra, big band, brass band, classical and pop choirs, and a huge variety of pop, rock, soul, funk, and folk bands. Specialist performance tutors will coach you towards assessed performances that are open to the public.

    Music Industry and Professional Skills

    After an initial lecture and seminar programme covering aspects of professional practice, you will complete a work-related project. Typical work-related projects include: documented placement work (for example, as a classroom assistant in a school; membership, administration or promotion of a non-university music ensemble; assisting in concert management; work as a music copyist and/or editor; music journalism; studio management etc.); researching and building a professional work-related website; releasing music commercially with associated promotion or an industry showcase event . Although there is no requirement for the work-related project to be music-specific, it should provide the student with sufficient opportunity to develop graduate and transferable skills for the workplace and must be agreed with the module leader prior to commencing assessment work.

    Independent Project

    Independent Project is your chance to explore an area of music that is important to you. You will devise your own project, and choose its format assessment method.

    Option modules:

    Choose two from a list which may include:

    Independent Project (Extended)

    This module permits students who are already taking the Independent Project module to produce a double-weighted, more extensive project in terms of size of the finished output. For further details see the description for Independent Project.

    Performance Skills 3 (Extended)

    This module permits students to select an additional group performance activity and to broaden their study alongside the Performance Skills 3 module. Please view that description for further details.

    Advanced Solo Performance (Extended)

    This module permits students who are already taking the Advanced Solo Performance module the opportunity to broaden their study and accrue additional credits by doubling the duration of the performance assessments. For further details see the description for Advanced Solo Performance.

    Advanced Projects in Musical Cultures

    As an advanced and increasingly independent musical researcher and creative practitioner, you will undertake an in-depth exploration of a particular area of music by choosing one specialist topic from a range on offer. Using research to underpin and inspire both scholarly and artistic activity, you will engage with current debates within musicology, discover new repertoire and methodologies, and investigate music as a cultural text.

    Advanced Projects in Musical Cultures (Extended)

    As an advanced and increasingly independent musical researcher and creative practitioner, you will undertake an in-depth exploration of a particular area of music by choosing one specialist topic from a range on offer. Using research to underpin and inspire both scholarly and artistic activity, you will engage with current debates within musicology, discover new repertoire and methodologies, and investigate music as a cultural text.

    This course has modules making up 360 credits over the 3 Years, with each credit being 10 hours of study (3600 hours in total). An average of approximately* 21% (581 hours) of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors face to face or online in lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, practical workshops, composition clinics, masterclasses and rehearsals. The remainder of the time will be spent on independent study. Assessments takes place through a variety of written and oral examinations, dissertations, essays, seminar papers, analyses, practical projects, composition folios, performance recitals, learning journals and peer assessment.

    Subject to mode of study. *Based on current core modules.

    Calculated using data from the academic year 2024/25, as of November 2024.

    Teaching

    The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Students who choose to study a full-time course on a part-time basis will generally attend modules at the same time as our full-time students. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

    Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

    Feedback

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Progression

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    In addition to the short term (8 week) work placement in your final year Work and Professional Practice module, this course offers you the opportunity to take an optional one-year (48 week) work placement after your second year, in the UK or abroad. Previous placement providers have included BBC Music Magazine, Kirklees Music School, AVID, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Buxton Opera House, Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, British Council - Lycee General Technical de L'Europe, Horus Music - Anara Publishing and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

    Placement gave me the experience required to develop my interests in the professional field of music. I was challenged to learn new skills and also offer my experience in music to bring together creative ideas and explore other aspects of the industry, that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. 

    None

    Jamie Watson, Music Performance BMus(Hons), Music Administrator at The People's Orchestra

    Reggae Band performing in Phipps Hall
    St Paul's Hall
    Rehearsal Rooms
    Progressive Rock Band performing in Phipps Hall
    St Paul's Hall
    Symphonic Wind Orchestra in St Paul's Hall
    Folk Band performing in Phipps Hall
    Choir performing in St Paul's Hall

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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