Whether your weapon of choice is guitar, bass, drums, keyboard or vocals, there’s no doubt that you’ll become a master of your craft by completing a Performance degree. However, did you know that our BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance course offers so much more?
You’ll explore aspects such as technique, performance, theory and technology so that you can walk into the industry and flourish. You’ll also have the chance to tailor your course to your own artistic and career aims through optional modules such as songwriting, composing, arranging, session skills, and many more. Let’s explore some avenues you could take after doing a Performance degree.
Creative Performer
Owning your craft is the dream of many. And as a creative performer, you’ll write, perform and record music – either solo or as part of a band. You’ll most likely face regular rehearsals, in-studio recording sessions, and performances in front of live audiences. And with our degree under your belt, you’ll feel immensely confident as a performer. You’ll learn how to hone your technique and find your niche as a performer, as well as receive regularly guided feedback from our expert lecturers.
Session Musician/Specialist
As a session musician, you’ll also perform with solo artists and bands and often work in studios. However, the major difference between this career and a creative performer is that you often play or sing what others have written.
This is an excellent career choice if you like the sound of being on the road and dipping in and out of groups, tours and recording sessions. Versatility is key in this role as the more able you are to adapt, the more work is available to you. You could end up being a season specialist on a film soundtrack, tv advert, an ident, a demo song, etc. Good thing we teach you all about being versatile in our undergraduate course, then.
Backing Vocalist
If you take our Vocals strand, being a backing vocalist is an exciting career option. With the key in the name, this role provides vocal backing for a lead singer live or in a recording. You might provide harmonies, sing phrases, or provide the build-up to the main vocals – sometimes solo and sometimes with other singers and musicians.
Depending on the job, you might work with a variety of people, such as a producer, engineer, vocal arranger or vocal contractor. We prep you for these kinds of interactions at BIMM so that collaboration comes naturally to you. During your time with us, you’ll regularly collaborate with many people and disciplines thanks to our unique creative community.
Music Teacher
When you become an absolute pro at what you do, there’s nothing better than passing your skills onto the next generation. And that’s a genuine possibility once you have a Performance degree under your belt.
Whether it’s teaching in schools, universities or privately, you’ll have all you need to inspire and make someone fall in love with their instrument or singing ability. Find out what it’s like to become a music teacher here.
Other Potential Performance Career Paths:
- Commercial Band Performer
- Academic
Discover BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
Choose Your Own Path with Popular Music Performance
At BIMM Institute, we don’t believe that ‘one size fits all’. That’s why our Popular Music Performance undergraduate course puts you in control. First, you’ll learn the necessary employability skills. Then you can customise your studies through our range of optional modules.
We designed our optional modules to help you become the multifaceted professional the industry is looking for. You’ll expand your knowledge in other areas as well as refine your course to a particular focus. Ultimately, our courses help you reach your personal and professional goals.
Expand your skill set with optional modules such as:
- Performance Skills
- Digital Music
- Applied Performance
- Creative Technology
Studying Popular Music Performance can take you places you never initially thought. You’ll build your own path to success and launch into a dream career.
Popular Music Performance Success Stories
We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful performers, vocalists and music industry professionals – and turned their passion into their career.
Our Popular Music Performance graduates include:
- Ella Mai (pictured) – Artist
- Isabel Torres – Session Musician (Guitar)
- Harry Herrington – Bassist for Fickle Friends
- Debbie Knox Hewson – Drummer, Session Musician
- Sam Fuller – Composer
Head to our BIMM Institute Alumni page to find out more.
Popular Music Performance on the Blog
Have more questions about Popular Music Performance? Discover some of our helpful blog articles written by students and industry experts:
- Performance Audition Dos and Don’ts
- How to Deal with Performance Anxiety
- Improve your Performance Techniques with Bearpit Karaoke
- Cynthia McCorkindale’s Top Performance Tips
- Kelle Bryan – 3 Tips to Improve Your Performance
Find out more about our BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance course. Alternatively, our friendly Admissions Team is here to answer any questions you may have about our courses or the application process. Find out more here, or contact our Admissions Team on 0344 2 646 666 or through email at [email protected]
