Popular Music (Foundation Degree)

You will develop musical performance and analysis skills in parallel with an understanding of the music industry.

Why study Popular Music (Foundation Degree)?

This two-year full-time programme is taught at Weston College.  The curriculum covers three broad areas of learning - practical/professional skills development; performance and composition; and core academic skills, incorporating aural awareness, popular musicology and music industry studies. Students will be expected to demonstrate a high level of instrumental proficiency on entry, and are required to perform in some modules.

Course structure

The programme aims to equip students with a broad-based set of skills relating to popular music, including instrumental proficiency, music theory and live performance. These subject-based skills are developed through practical assignments which include studio projects, live band-based gigs (see the 'Music Production' sister programme) and work placements with local music industry employers. You receive instrumental lessons as part of the programme.

Some modules (#) are shared with Music Production; here, students will have opportunities to collaborate with music producers from this course.

Modules

Year 1

• Performance level 1
• Studio Techniques#
• Aural Awareness#
• Performance level 2
• Studio Project#
• Contemporary Popular Music Studies

Year 2

• Performance level 3
• Live Sound Techniques#
• Marketing#
• Performance level 4
• Live Sound Project#
• Music industry Professional Studies#

After successful completion of this course, you may wish to apply to progress to the third year of an associated honours degree course. In the event of insufficient places being available to accommodate all Foundation Degree students who wish to progress, there will be a selection process based on achievement during the Foundation Degree, supplemented by audition and interview as appropriate, and will be subject to satisfactory academic references. 

Course assessment

Live performance, audio/web- based submission, written work and seminar presentation. There are no formal examinations.

Students develop musical performance and analysis skills in parallel with an understanding of the music industry relating to primarily local commercial trends.

Teaching methods

You have access to industry- standard equipment. All the partner colleges provide fully-equipped band rehearsal and instrumental teaching spaces; facilities also include digital recording studios, running Pro Tools HD and Logic Pro on Apple Macs. Live sound modules are supported by large-scale PA systems, which for some projects are provided by local employers and venues.

Application method

Applicants should be performing musicians, and will need to demonstrate a high standard of instrumental or vocal proficiency at interview/audition.

Course enquiries

Please contact Weston College - enquiries@weston.ac.uk

Entry requirements

180-220 UCAS Tariff points, with at least 80 points from a music-related qualification (including BTEC Music Practice / Music Technology / Performing Arts or A-level Popular Music, Music Technology or Music).

Grade VIII Rock school (guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, voice) accepted in lieu of one A level.

Portfolio of music recordings required (assessed via CD demo and audition).

High level of performance skills required, eg voice, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums.

Candidates who do not have the standard qualifications but who are over 21 and have music industry experience will be considered.

Career opportunities

• Music performance
• Instrumental teaching
• Music industry superstructure
• Events management

What students say...

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