BA (HONS) MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND INDUSTRY

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 Creative leadership, 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

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.

1. Something new
2. 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:

1. We will invite you for an online interview
2. We will inform you that this on this occasion, your application has not been successful.

Online Submission details

Please upload your two videos here.
If you need help uploading your videos, please read the instructions here.

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.

First Submission Deadline: 6 November 2020

Second Submission Deadline: 4 February 2021

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.