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This popular music programme will inspire you as a musician, creative artist and producer to be curious, experimental and collaborative in developing your own personal artistic identity. We provide the rigorous training required for a rewarding career in the music industry. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, hip-hop producer, electronic artist, folk musician, or all the above, we’ll equip you with the vital skills needed to both succeed in and shape the musical landscape.
This course is the first of its kind for a London conservatoire. Situated in the heart of south east London’s creative music scene, Trinity Laban is a future-focussed and socially engaged destination for young artists. The conservatoire’s track record speaks for itself: alumni include Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Head of EMI records Rebecca Allen, and current critically and commercially successful artists Laura Jurd (Dinosaur), Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective) and Nubya Garcia.
The inbuilt flexibility of the new programme means that it can respond to the fast-paced change of the times in which we live. This programme provides a place of learning, stability, refuge and activism with the ability to make a difference and to give students from all backgrounds a voice through the expression of music. At Trinity Laban, you can be a Changemaker.
Programme Details
The BA Music Performance and Industry considers popular music from two perspectives: music for the people, with its dazzling array of genres and sub-genres; and secondly, music of the people, such as traditional music, folk song and global roots music. Students on the programme are not bound by genre and we celebrate musical difference as a strength. The programme recognises that technology and advancements in music production blur the boundaries of genre.
This programme embraces creativity, excellence and originality. We offer an industry facing programme where you will gain core music skills, collaboration techniques and crucial industry and business knowledge.
Each year you’ll undertake four core modules:
Performance and Production
This module will develop your performance skills. This will consist of band projects covering repertoire and original music making. You’ll also learn about stagecraft, studio and digital music production and learn from external professionals in our industry masterclasses. You’ll also receive one-to-one tuition.
Industry Insights
You’ll learn about the role of music in society and the changing landscape of the music industry, enabling you to make the most from your music. Topics range from the business side – such as copyright, publishing, licensing and identifying your audience – to broader discussions on how your music fits in the cultural, societal, commercial and political landscape.
Craft and Creativity
You’ll develop your musicianship through practical group classes in rhythm, harmony, arranging, aural and listening skills. You will apply what you have learned in the song-writing modules and will develop your skills in lyric writing, song construction and musical direction.
Collaborations
This module includes participation in CoLab, our festival of collaborative learning. Students, staff and external mentors from across the Faculties take a break from their studies and work together on new, experimental projects. Additionally, you’ll work alongside BMus students in the Artist as Citizen, the Artist as Educator, Professional Placement and have the option to take a BMus elective.
For further details see the Programme Specification.
Learning and Teaching
How will I learn?
Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on you as the individual, our focus is on your experiences and your self-reflection. You’ll learn through a blend of one-to-one and small group tuition, masterclasses and through meeting external mentors from the industry.
Collaboration is a key part of the Trinity Laban experience; we believe it is at the heart of professional artistic life. Throughout the programme you will work with other students from different programmes and disciplines, whether that’s working side by side or by taking a leadership role.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments range from performances, written essays, reports, recorded submissions, podcasts and presentations.
Hours
Total contact hours: 568.5 hours
Total self-directed study hours: 3081.5 hours
Total learning and teaching hours: 3650 hours
This programme assumes 3650 learning and teaching hours. Contact time is defined as tuition which is delivered by a tutor. It includes performances, individual tuition, larger group tuition, seminars, departmental & academic classes, directed rehearsals, masterclasses and supervised study. Contact and self-study time are itemised in module descriptions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of the cohort? For example, are there particular restrictions around the number of singers you would take?
We are aiming to recruit a maximum of 32 students, and we are looking for a healthy mix of instrumentation. Throughout the programme, students will form a variety of bands and we need to ensure that these are well balanced, while still providing you with a tailored learning experience where you can develop your personal voice.
What are the values of the programme?
The BA in Music Performance and Industry values the individual and aims to nurture each students’ distinct voice. We encourage our students to be collaborative, forward-thinking and imaginative. The music industry is made up of a wide variety of performers, creators and changemakers; we aim to provide a broad view of the industry to communicate that there is a place for everyone.
Who is it for?
Anybody serious about making their mark with music and developing their talent and creative voice. We welcome producers, singers, songwriters and performers of any instrument.
What genre of music are you looking for on the programme?
We are not looking for any specific genre, we are looking for open-mindedness and the willingness to experiment and specialise as you progress. Throughout the programme, you will learn different styles of music and explore how these can be combined, adjusted and developed to create new work. For example, you will explore songwriting, electronic dance music, Afrobeat, Brazilian music and rock, folk and hip-hop.
Where is the BA Music Performance and Industry going to take place?
In the first year we will be based in Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music, situated at King Charles Court at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
How will BA Music Performance and Industry students integrate with students on other programmes?
Students will work alongside BMus students during CoLab and Electives. We anticipate that students from all programmes will socialise together, work together and seek further opportunities for collaboration.
Do you have a recording studio?
Yes, Trinity Laban’s state of the art recording studio is being refurbished. All practice rooms and music writing rooms are linked by our state of the art DANTE studio networking system.
Will there be opportunities to collaborate with dance?
Students on all the music programmes work with the Dance Faculty during CoLab and in extra-curricular activities in the first year. There are further options to work on dance projects throughout the programme.
Will I learn about production?
Yes. This is a core part of the programme and you will develop skills in recording, manipulating and mixing, using Ableton Live and Logic Pro. To get the most out of the programme, it is recommended that you own a laptop with some of these programmes installed. We are developing an award scheme to help students purchase equipment.
Do I need to be able to read music?
There are many ways in which musicians communicate, including standard music notation, chord charts and tab. As a part of the programme, you will develop your skills in writing and reading all of these forms. As a guide to the skill-level required, we expect you to be begin the programme around Grade 5 music theory standard.
Can I join the programme as a producer?
Absolutely! You will have to show skills and knowledge in production with the ability to manipulate sound and show the potential for highly competent listening and creativity.
Do I need to have a grade exam in my specialism?
No, but your level of performance standard will be assessed as part of the audition process.
Are there any instruments you would not consider?
No, but you must be able to play your instrument to a good level. We tailor the year-group to encourage playing together. A balance of band instruments, singers, songwriters and producers is desirable.
Are there any scholarships available?
You will be automatically considered for a financial award following your audition. Awards are allocated:
- for outstanding performance ability, demonstrated at audition;
I don’t know if the programme is right for me. Is there anyone I can speak to before applying?
We are happy to put you in contact with a member of the team to discuss any element of the programme. Please email admissions@trinitylaban.ac.uk Alternatively; you may wish to consider a consultation lesson with one of our teachers.
Audition requirements
Auditions will take place either in November or late January.
All auditions will take place online. You are required to submit videos of two contrasting works.
- Something new
- An existing work
As a guide, we recommend that each piece is around 3 minutes, but no longer than 5 minutes. We listen to everything.
If you are applying as a producer; please submit two contrasting pieces (these can be audio files, but if possible screen recordings from your DAW would be preferred).
Your work will be assessed and scored by a panel against a set of criteria (see further guidance).
Following the assessment, there are two possible outcomes:
- We will invite you for an online interview
- We will inform you that on this occasion, your application has not been successful.
Online Submission details
First Submission Deadline: 6 November 2021
Second Submission Deadline: 11 February 2022
Please upload your two recordings here.
If you need help uploading your videos, please read the instructions.
Interview
The interview will take place online and will be an opportunity for you to discuss the course with the programme team. We will ask you about your interests, aspirations and areas of your creative practice you would like to develop. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the programme.
As part of the interview, there will be a short musicianship assessment designed to establish your understanding of musical language. This assessment will encompass elements of rhythm, harmony and listening skills and might include interval and chord recognition, rhythmic exercises and a discussion in response to a piece of music.
Producers – as part of the interview we will discuss your creative and technical processes.
Further Guidance
What do we mean by ‘something new’?
We would like to hear an original work that you have created. This could be a song or an instrumental piece you have written. You can perform this work solo or with others and you can also use a backing track if you prefer. Please submit this as a video file and make sure you are clearly in shot, you can clearly be heard and that the sound quality is acceptable. Please note, we are not looking for professionally produced video content – we are interested in seeing you do your thing.
What do we mean by ‘an existing work’?
We would like to hear you perform a work which has inspired or influenced you in some way. This can be anything in any genre and we would encourage you to choose a work that best demonstrates your abilities. You can perform this work solo or with others and you can also use a backing track if you prefer. Please note, we are not looking for professionally produced video content – we are interested in seeing you do your thing.
Producers
Please provide a portfolio of two contrasting pieces (these can be audio files, but if possible screen recordings from your DAW would be preferred). You might also wish to provide some text to describe the materials.
Interview & Application Criteria
- Originality and creativity;
- Ability to communicate
- Technique;
- Ability to collaborate, listen, support others and lead where appropriate;
- Independent, critical and reflective thinking;
- Curiosity and a desire to learn.
After you graduate
Eyes on the Future
Right from the start of your studies, you’ll be connecting with the industry, acquiring the skills needed to thrive in your art form and developing professional work experience. Our aim is that you graduate with the skills and mindset to form a meaningful career in a wide variety of roles.
What does a prospective student need to understand about the industry? How does the music of the past influence the music of today? …and what does the future look like for music graduates? Leading industry professionals, Moses Boyd, Sahra Gure, Kevin Le Gendre and Eric Karsenty sat down with Tessa Gillett to discuss their perspectives on the industry landscape of today. Watch the video above.
BA Music Performance and Industry Programme Leader, Joe Townsend, sat down with two industry leaders, songwriter-producer Oli Rockberger and singer-songwriter Tara, to discuss their inspiration, process, challenges and insights into songwriting professionally.
Listen to some changemaker music handpicked by the team. This playlist is packed with songs that are genre defining, spark change & challenge expectations.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from musicians of any genre and on any instrument or voice. We are looking for students who show talent and originality in performance and production with the ability to apply technique, display potential and a desire to learn.
We welcome applications from those who have not experienced the traditional route into higher education but display exceptional fluency and flair in creative music performance or production.
Applicants are normally expected to have one of the following options below:
- Two A-level passes (of which one should normally be Music) or equivalent qualifications;
- BTEC Extended Diploma at levels MMM or BTEC Level 3 Diploma at D*D*; or
- Relevant prior experience may also be considered.
English language Requirements:
IELTS (General or Academic Training) minimum 5.5 in all four areas or Trinity College London – Integrated Skills in English level II or above. Information can be found on our website.
If you require a Tier 4 (General) Student visa to study in the UK you may require a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Fees and Finance
Undergraduate Fees
It is not possible to confirm fees for future academic years, as fee changes are linked to inflation and changes in government policy. Fees may increase by up to 5% each year.
Accommodation and Living Costs
This information can be found on our accommodation and costs of living pages.
Financial Support
Read about financial awards and external funding opportunities in the fees and finance section.
Key Facts
| UCAS | 315F |
|---|---|
| Location | King Charles Court |
| Duration | 3 years (full time) |
| Start Date | September 2022 |
