BA Music Performance

About this course

Music performance is the study of what it means to be a musician in the fullest sense: developing as a performer, understanding the technical environment of commercial music, and engaging critically and creatively with the full range of what music production and musicology involves. Contemporary music performance education recognises that today's musicians rarely inhabit a single role, moving instead between performance, composition, production, and the business dimensions of a music career. At the University of Derby, this part-time programme is designed for musicians who want to perform while developing a broad understanding of the technical and commercial contexts in which that performance takes place. You will develop across performance, composition, music technology, media production, and musicology, building both your creative and technical range. The programme also develops your appreciation of the growing economic and professional significance of popular music, equipping you to think practically about a career in music as well as to practise it. A foundation year is included to build the academic and musical preparation needed for the main programme. A sandwich year, year abroad, and work placement opportunities are all available, giving you substantial professional and international experience alongside your studies. Music performance graduates pursue careers as performers, session musicians, music producers, music educators, music technology specialists, and arts administrators. Many develop portfolio careers that combine performing with teaching, producing, or running creative projects. The technical and business understanding the degree develops is increasingly valued as the music industry continues to evolve through digital distribution, streaming, and new forms of live performance. Postgraduate study in music performance, music technology, or arts management is a natural continuation for those wishing to deepen their specialism.

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