Studying Music, Performance and Production will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to launch your career in the music industry.
Find your individual artistic voice and develop your creative skills in live performance, composition and music production.
Our innovative undergraduate music programmes specifically meet the needs of those pursuing careers in the music industry. They combine rigorous academic study, technical instruction, creative outputs and professional opportunities.
Studying Music Performance and Production, you’ll learn how to write and perform music in a range of styles using industry-standard technology. Your critical skills are enhanced through the study of musical conventions and how these are used in contemporary and commercial forms of music. You also benefit from one-to-one tuition in Stages 1 and 2, with an additional opportunity in Stage 3, dependent on performance.
It is possible to take this degree with a year in industry, to gain experience working in a professional environment. We offer support and advice to help you find a placement either in the music industry or other sectors such as charities and arts organisations. There is also the option to broaden your horizons by studying the degree with a year abroad.
"I've become really multi-skilled because I studied music business, music technology, music performance, music psychology, music journalism – all different kinds of things."
- Caitlin Fox, graduate and Music teacher
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. All applications are assessed on an individual basis but some of our typical requirements are listed below. Students offering qualifications not listed are welcome to contact our Admissions Team for further advice. Please also see our general entry requirements.
BBC including Music or Music Technology at B
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer may require you to obtain a proportion of Level 3 credits in relevant subjects at merit grade or above.
The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances. A typical offer would be to achieve DMM in a music subject.
30 points overall or 15 points at Higher Level, including Music at HL 5 or SL 6.
Pass all components of the University of Kent International Foundation Programme with a 60% overall average. Applicants need to have a background in music, which can be technical or artistic (voice or instrument). Applicants will need to submit a portfolio – a music video or program – to the Music Admissions Officer.
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
All applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio as part of your application. This should contain at least three examples of your musical work. For further information please visit: School of Arts portfolio guidance.
If you are an international student, visit our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country, including details of the International Foundation Programmes. Please note that international fee-paying students who require a Student visa cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.
Please note that meeting the typical offer/minimum requirement does not guarantee that you will receive an offer.
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you do not meet our English language requirements, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with a year abroad/in industry), 6 years part-time
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
The module will focus upon the development of stagecraft skills (practical and artistic), supported by an understanding of psychological strategies which can streamline practice sessions and optimise performance. Students will study the key elements of professionalism in performance, including artistic communication/audience relationship; pace, choreography & stage management; control of technology; adjustment to context/venues. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental lessons and through performance workshops which provide a weekly forum for discussion and feedback. Students will work towards a 5-6 minute final performance assessment and submit a written review that critiques stagecraft issues (practical and artistic) in relation to 2 professional performances they have attended as audience members.
In this module students will be guided to create, produce and perform an original, collaborative musical work which will be presented in the summer term. Group projects between three to five students will be considered. Each student will negotiate their role within the group, aided by a supervising tutor, and students will be required to document their working processes throughout the project. Initial workshops will discuss collaborative methods and provide an analysis of case studies. Later workshops will be used to try out and test ideas, with feedback from both the lecturer and other student groups.
The module explores the current creative industries, particularly focusing on music industry characteristics and structures, music organisations and relevant arts groups. Students will be guided to appreciate a broad range of career opportunities in these areas and they will develop an understanding of the skills and specialisms required for specific areas. This will provide a clear context for their further studies on their chosen degree programme. Students will also develop their critical awareness by examining recent historical trends in music and the creative industries.
This module will provide a broad introduction to important aspects of music history and culture from the twentieth century to the present day. Different approaches to musical language will be considered (tonality/modality, rhythm and timbre in a range of mainstream and experimental styles). The advent of sound recording and the increasing importance of technology in music will also be examined. These key ideas will be connected to research specialisms within the Centre for Music and Audio Technology, encouraging students to appreciate the potential for further study in each of these areas.
The module will focus upon the development of performance skills, an understanding of approaches to effective regular practice and professional presentational considerations. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental / vocal lessons and weekly performance workshops. Students will develop their musicianship by listening to others and by performing themselves regularly, both as soloists and as part of a group. Some workshops will have a stylistic focus which will provide guidance on idiomatic performance conventions, enabling students to develop the broad skillset needed to tackle the demands of the current professional music industry. Students will work towards an assessed 5-6 minute final public performance, plus a written performance plan/critical reflection.
On this module, students will be introduced to the digital audio workstation and key pieces of software in order to create original pieces of music. Fundamental technical skills in recording, editing, transforming and mixing sound will be developed. Examples from a range of contemporary styles will be examined and their musical characteristics will be analysed in order to provide compositional models for creative work.
The module will explore critical listening and sound within the wider framework of the environment as a whole, helping students to develop a comprehensive understanding of sound relationships, sensitise their hearing and enhance their expert listening skills. Students will learn to recognise structural elements of sound, they will learn new concepts and be introduced into novel areas of sound-making. The module will culminate in the production of a substantial piece of creative work and a detailed evaluation that links theory and contextual issues with practice, strengthening students' critical listening and sound-making skills.
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Students are provided with an introduction to some fundamental principles of music composition, such as rhythm, time, line, texture and form. They are guided to consider how these elements work in key pieces by recent composers in a variety of styles. Practical sessions and group work will provide opportunities for students to explore their own musical ideas, leading to a greater understanding of the relationship between music composition and performance.
This module teaches key academic study skills to first year students. It will cover essay writing and marking criteria, referencing and plagiarism, library research, effective learning and critical thinking, and benefiting from feedback. Topics will be approached in the form of a short mini-lecture, and will subsequently be explored practically in a workshop format. Thus, the module will combine an intellectual understanding of the matters at hand with a hands-on learning-by-doing approach.
This module covers the essential concepts and techniques necessary for recording, editing and mixing in Pro Tools. It will cover virtual instruments and plugins, working with audio files and writing/editing automation. Students will discover how to work with the digital audio workstation, bounce down to a final master and export their audio. Topics will be approached in the form of a short mini-lecture/demonstration, and will subsequently be explored practically in a workshop format. Thus the module will combine an intellectual understanding of the matters at hand with a hands-on learning-by-doing approach.
This module covers the essential concepts and techniques necessary for recording, editing and mixing in Logic Pro. It will cover software instruments, working with audio files and MIDI information, and create mixes and submixes. Students will discover how to work with Logic Pro, bounce down to a final master and export their audio. Topics will be approached in the form of a short mini-lecture/demonstration, and will subsequently be explored practically in a workshop format. Thus the module will combine an intellectual understanding of the matters at hand with a hands-on learning-by-doing approach.
This module covers basic music notation and conventions such as time signatures, rhythm, pitch, chords, scales, cadences and common harmonic patterns. Examples to illustrate standard Western harmonic practice will be drawn from a range of musical eras and styles, including twentieth-century developments in notation. Topics will be approached in the form of a short mini-lecture, and will subsequently be explored practically in a workshop format. Thus the module will combine an intellectual understanding of the matters at hand with a hands-on learning-by-doing approach.
Students will be required to devise a short, original composition for a live performer with technology. A series of lectures will introduce students to various compositional models, contemporary compositional theories will be explored in relation to key works and scholarly texts and workshops will develop the students' technical skills. Work-in-progress will be performed during the module, and students will be encouraged to engage in peer evaluation and criticism. A final performance of all works will take place towards the end of the module.
This module develops your facility and versatility as a performer in the context of small ensembles, band workshops and performances. It provides an opportunity to develop and nurture a comfortable working relationship with peers over an extended period. The focus is on building a solid understanding of key aspects of ensemble performance, including the importance of shaping passages as a group, communicating throughout a performance, maintaining a coherent approach to dynamics and tempo changes. You will consider how to recognise and appreciate the approach of other musicians, absorbing details and articulation that will differ from one performance to the next. You will also be introduced to practical techniques that will streamline your preparation and maximise use of rehearsal time. The practice and rehearsal diary functions as a reflective tool where students evaluate and further explore techniques introduced in the primarily practice-focused group sessions.
The module investigates music for media in both theory and practice. The focus will be on music used in moving image media, including an exploration of musical languages and compositional techniques commonly deployed in relation to moving images. Students also study film music history, gaining insight into critical approaches that have informed the practice.
The module takes a holistic approach to the theory and practice of community music. Students engage with the creation and facilitation of music-based experiences for groups and individuals in a variety of settings within the local community. The core aim is to provide a foundational training for budding or potential educators, therapists, facilitators and researchers. A variety of topics form the subject matter of the course, which is interdisciplinary in scope. The curriculum includes an introduction to the history, development and literature of music and community studies using selected key publications in community music, ethnomusicology, music education, and music, health and wellbeing/therapeutic music studies. Given the high number of publications in these fields the core texts will be chosen for their ability to provide (i) connections and synthesis and/or (ii) disciplinary distinction, especially when highlighting methodological differences. As noted the aim is to provide a relatively unified and holistic introduction to community music in theory and practice.
A highly practical module which will introduce you to the complex formal conventions surrounding professional score presentation, instrumentation and orchestration, harmonising and reharmonising melodies, creating introductions, basslines or countermelodies, layering and textures. You have the opportunity to work across a wide range of styles and will also explore timbre in the context of original arrangements. Following a series of given briefs, you will work towards the production of a portfolio which will contain orchestration, arrangement and harmonisation assignments.
This module will explore a variety of approaches to improvisation including Western idiomatic conventions, music(s) from other cultures, part-composed/part-improvised material, and contemporary and 'free' methodologies. Throughout the weekly workshops, students will improvise in an array of settings and will experiment with different exercises, both as soloists and as part of an ensemble. Students will perform with and/or direct groups of improvisatory musicians throughout, and will be presented with various assessed practical tasks, designed to develop the wide range of skills necessary to perform and improvise in the twenty-first century.
This module focuses on specific skills and techniques essential for performers working as sessions musicians across a varied range of genres, as informed by contemporary music industry practice. The emphasis is on the development of a 'toolbox' of competencies relevant to different professional scenarios. These include the ability to sight-read chord charts and fully notated band parts, pre-prepare material at short notice, spontaneous musical contribution to previously unheard tracks, improvisation, click track accuracy and creativity under pressure. Students will be presented with multiple assessed practical tasks, designed to facilitate engagement in a process of collaboration with other musicians, developing performance skills specific to recording studio and/or live performing environments.
The module introduces students to the field of media sound in both theory and practice. The focus will be on sound production techniques, including postproduction crafts such as Foley (sound effects), ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording) and sound design (special audio effects). Students also study film-sound theory and the history of film sound gaining insight into critical approaches to the analysis of sound and sound design for moving image and its impact of view engagement.
In this module, students will be exposed to a variety of song-writing techniques and will develop and nurture the wide-ranging skill set necessary to succeed in the current music industry. Students will learn to carry out basic harmonic analyses of existing songs and apply theoretical approaches to produce original work, investigate different ways to structure songs, explore creative methods to write and develop lyrics, and learn how to enhance basic song templates with melodic accompaniments (e.g. strings, brass etc.).
The module explores advanced audio design techniques and critical listening skills demonstrated and applied in specific music contexts. Students will develop the ability to discern and analyse sound characteristics, record and sculpt sonic events to create original sound design, and produce advanced creative work that explores the rich potential offered by sound processing and arranging techniques. Students will look into works of significant composers in the field, and will be taught through a series of interactive seminars, studying both the aesthetics and the technology of audio-based composition and sound design.
Spatial sound is a powerful tool for immersion and is fast becoming a must-have knowledge for many different media and technologies including cinema, theatre, sound installations, exhibitions, live performance and game sound. This module will explore spatial sound, multi-loudspeaker and surround sound formats, including an outline of the developments of spatial sound music and the work of significant composers in this field. Students will study both the aesthetics and technology of multichannel music, including live diffusion techniques, large sound distribution systems and multichannel sound installations. Students will be led to produce creative work that explores the rich potential offered by sound spatialisation techniques, which will culminate in a live performance with the Music and Audio Arts Sound Theatre (MAAST) system.
Spending a period as full-time student at an overseas university, students will follow teaching and tuition in their own subject areas as well as choosing from a range of available courses in the Humanities. The curriculum will vary according to the partner institutions. Additionally, students will usually be offered to take language classes and/or courses on the culture of the host country.
You can extend your studies from three to four years by taking the Year in Industry option (this option is not available if you are studying on a part-time basis). This provides the opportunity to gain relevant workplace experience as part of your programme of study. You can also increase your contacts and network so that you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
The Year in Industry is taken in addition to your standard undergraduate programme and normally falls between your second and final year. You typically work on a placement for the full calendar year, and salary and holiday entitlements vary according to the employer. The year is assessed on a pass/fail basis through employer feedback and a written report that you submit. Students also have the option to take a Term in Industry.
Going abroad as part of your degree is an amazing experience and a chance to develop personally, academically and professionally. You experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability.
All students within the Faculty of Humanities can apply to spend a Term or Year Abroad as part of their degree at one of our partner universities in North America, Asia or Europe. You are expected to adhere to any progression requirements in Stage 1 and Stage 2 to proceed to the Term or Year Abroad.
The Term or Year abroad is assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not count towards your final degree classification. Places and destination are subject to availability, language and degree programme. To find out more, please see Go Abroad.
Music plays an important role in our daily lives and is woven into the fabric of society. We listen to music in a variety of contexts and via different media. The omnipresence of music raises several questions: why do we listen to, play and create music and how does it affect our lives, identity and political views? What is the relation between the society we live in and the role, meaning and value of music within that society? How is music influenced by and how does it influence social norms, the political economy, media industries and technological developments? The module concentrates on post WWII popular music live and mediated through its study in context (of a time and place) and as a multimedia/intertextual phenomenon (involving sound, image and the written word). Students will engage with the ways in which culture and ideology, politics and economy, and notions of race, gender and class continue to shape and influence the production and reception of popular music culture.
The Music Industry contributes over £4.1 billion (ONS) to the U.K economy and supports over 120,000 full time employees, many of them freelance. The opportunities that are available are explored and career pathways are analysed in relation to prospects for long term employment. Partnerships, company start up, taxation, accountancy, VAT, bookkeeping, National Insurance, pensions, time management, cash flow management, investment and hourly charge out rates are all discussed with the view to giving the student a firm grounding in employment or self-employment for the future.
In this module, students bring the expert knowledge they accumulated during their studies in one final project, which takes the form of an individual study in one practical area relating to music or music technology. The project can be (but is not restricted to) a large-scale composition, a songwriting project, sound design and foley, audio-visual work, sound installation, audio programming, sound spatialisation, or performance. Students will choose an area of study in conjunction with a tutor, who will oversee the development of their project. Expertise gained through the undergraduate course will be enhanced and strengthened in this final work.
This highly practical module will build on skills and understanding developed in the prerequisite stage 1 module Individual and Group Performance, challenging you to develop your instrumental (including vocal) skills to an advanced level and employ additional techniques to further optimise practice sessions and hone professional presentation. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental or vocal lessons and weekly performance workshops. You will develop your musicianship by listening to others and by performing regularly, in solo and group contexts. You will also work across a range of musical styles, enabling you to develop the versatile skillset needed to tackle the demands of the current professional music industry.
This module focuses on the consolidation of advanced, professional level stagecraft skills (practical and artistic), supported by an understanding of psychological strategies which can streamline practice sessions and optimise performance. You will study the key elements of professionalism in performance, including artistic communication/audience relationship; pace, choreography & stage management; control of technology; adjustment to context/venues. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental lessons and through performance workshops which provide a weekly forum for discussion and feedback.
The purpose of this module is to provide opportunity for self-directed group exploration in the creation of a collaboratively developed interdisciplinary practical research project, such as performance projects, audio-visual work and multi-media projects. Although each student will have to negotiate an individual and personal Learning Contract with a supervising tutor, the focus of this module remains interdisciplinary and collaborative. This will be achieved through a system of lectures, workshops, mentoring, negotiation and tutor supervision. Projects are undertaken and evaluated with tutor guidance.
The module presents an opportunity to undertake research on a specific topic in music studies/music technology working largely alone, and to present in a structured form the results of that research. The research may be of an empirical or library based nature, or a combination of each. It will provide students with an opportunity to profit from pursuing studies outside of taught courses; to develop the student's interest in areas of and approaches to music studies, which may not be covered in taught courses if agreed by their tutor. Therein lies the opportunity to be assessed on the basis of skills different from those required for a traditional examination. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate organisational and planning skills together with initiative.
There is a general perception that if successful, an artist can generate a substantial amount of income for all the related stakeholders within the Music Industry. This module provides an in-depth approach to managing income streams, the various percentage splits, maximising income and the responsibilities of the associated stakeholders. Students will study financial management and good business practice along with the associated ethical ramifications.
The module takes a holistic approach to the study of music, arts and health. Firstly, it interprets health research broadly involving health sciences, psychology, wellbeing studies, therapeutic studies, environmental studies and sustainability. Music students will therefore work at the intersection of both the medical and environmental humanities. Secondly, it invites the involvement of dance or drama in its curriculum and project work. The module is concerned with people, place and planet and celebrates the contribution and impact that the arts as a whole make to society. As a wide range of research has shown, the arts help keep us well, aid our recovery and support longer lives better lived. The arts can help meet major challenges facing health and social care: ageing, long-term conditions, loneliness and mental health. The arts can help save money in the health service and social care. Artists and artisans have also engaged with issues of environmental degradation, regeneration and resilience (the health of the planet) and with the use of natural and sustainable natural resources.
The module explores advanced audio design techniques and critical listening skills demonstrated and applied in specific music contexts. Students will develop the ability to discern and analyse sound characteristics, record and sculpt sonic events to create original sound design, and produce advanced creative work that explores the rich potential offered by sound processing and arranging techniques. Students will look into works of significant composers in the field, and will be taught through a series of interactive seminars, studying both the aesthetics and the technology of audio-based composition and sound design.
Spatial sound is a powerful tool for immersion and is fast becoming a must-have knowledge for many different media and technologies including cinema, theatre, sound installations, exhibitions, live performance and game sound. This module will explore spatial sound, multi-loudspeaker and surround sound formats, including an outline of the developments of spatial sound music and the work of significant composers in this field. Students will study both the aesthetics and technology of multichannel music, including live diffusion techniques, large sound distribution systems and multichannel sound installations. Students will be led to produce creative work that explores the rich potential offered by sound spatialisation techniques, which will culminate in a live performance with the Music and Audio Arts Sound Theatre (MAAST) system.
The 2023/24 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,385.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,385.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Search scholarshipsKent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of A*AA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
Our staff bring with them a broad range of experience, from our expert academic staff to our highly qualified technicians and practising professionals. Together they support, develop, challenge and inspire you throughout your studies.
We use a variety of teaching methods including practical and technical workshops, performance platforms, seminars, lectures and group projects.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Music at Kent was ranked 4th for research quality in The Complete University Guide 2023.
Career opportunities for music graduates include many aspects of the creative industries, such as:
It is also possible to pursue careers in areas including:
We are no longer taking applications for the 2023/24 academic year. Please visit the 2024 online prospectus for a list of current undergraduate courses.
Enquire online for full-time study
Enquire online for part-time study
T: +44 (0)1227 768896
T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk
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