BA (Hons) Music Performance

When & Where

25 September 2024 - 27 June 2027 ( 1440 hours, 90 weeks )
Morning, Afternoon, Wednesday, Thursday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Multiple
Course Code W24MPPN01A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

The BA (Hons) Music Performance offers students holding a Level 3 vocational qualification the opportunity to obtain a full degree in a distinctive and inclusive learning community that has provided adult education in the arts for over 125 years. Walking in the footsteps of Holst, Tippett, Vaughan Williams, Cardew & Oram, students will benefit from a vibrant music culture with a vast array of ensembles, instrumental classes and events to engage with and will be part of a large and well-regarded music department situated right in the heart of London with direct access to the capital’s world-leading music industry. Students will be coming to the course with a range of musical skills and interests, so the aim of the BA (Hons) Music is to expand their technical, theoretical and creative horizons whilst encouraging increasing specialisation in their chosen field, to build a credible career path following graduation. The content reflects these aims, taking in project work, research and critical skills, collaborative work and skills acquisition, whilst developing higher levels of student autonomy, which will facilitate their own self-determined path. Students will gain experience of live briefs and SME operations and have access to existing projects such as The Engine Room sonic arts exhibition and international competition, TERM Records (Morley College’s new record label) and Morley Radio. They will benefit from additional experiences by joining in with our wide range of existing ensembles, performing in London venues or recording concerts as assistants to the work of Morley College Studios. They will be able to work with our resident artist in workshops and to attend symposiums put on by Morley to gain insight from industry professionals. This course is subject to validation by Ravensbourne University London.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Refine your use of technical skills and aesthetic judgement in performance or production practice
Meet industry expectations through the development of practical and digital skills on industry standard equipment
Strengthen the processes of conception, adaption, elaboration and presentation in your work
Effectively identify, plan for and pursue a career in the music industry
Develop transferable skills of self-criticism, entrepreneurship, organisation and collaboration
Use advanced critical thinking skills to develop your contextual knowledge and cultural understanding

Class format and activities

In the first year of the course, students will gain fundamental skills in theory and creativity, develop their performance and consider cultural influences on contemporary music. Their professional development will begin with reflective investigation, application of digital tools and skills, as well as study of the wider industry and their place in it. In the second, students will continue study of cultural and sociological contexts, further develop their essential skills and professional identities while also having the opportunity to select from a number of elective modules, allowing a tailoring of their future brand. Year 3 focuses energy on their major project and an autonomous collaborative working scenario, allowing them to place their professional practice in context while receiving support and feedback. Around these are further creative and academic modules to hone their technical, professional and analytical skills.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from anyone who feels that they are capable of reaching the standards required by the qualification. We appreciate that mature students may have extensive experience, including experience gained through paid or unpaid work or through other types of professional training or sector related opportunities. If you have recently been in education it is likely that one of the following will provide a suitable entry profile: a relevant level 3 qualification, a GCE profile that indicates strong performance in a relevant subject, an Access to Higher Education Certificate Applicants should have knowledge equivalent to Level 3 Music. GCSEs, grade 4/C or above in Maths and English (or equivalent level of qualification) is desirable. For non- native English speakers, proof of an IELTS 5.5 is required.

What you need to know before you enrol

The College has excellent specialist resources to support the delivery of the programme, including professional standard recording and radio studios, a mac lab equipped with the latest software and some fantastic performance and rehearsal spaces. You will also have access to computers, scanners and printers in the College’s library. You will be assessed through graded projects and coursework throughout the year. This will include collaborative or interdisciplinary group work, performance or production portfolio development, case study projects, creative composition or performance, written assignments and reflective journals.

What you need

You will need access to a laptop or PC with appropriate software and your own instrument/s (where relevant) to facilitate development of your own practical and technical work. Textbooks and other learning materials will be required for the course but will be provided in the library where possible. You will need sufficient time to prepare for your coursework and develop your practice on top of course teaching hours. Please refer to the student handbook for further information.

What you can do next

This course will help you launch your career in the modern music industry and related disciplines. Alternatively you could continue your academic studies on a Master’s programme or other postgraduate qualification (e.g. PGCE).