BA (Hons) Music Performance and Production Course | Leeds Beckett University (2024)

Develop the high standard of technical, professional, solo and ensemble skills you will need to participate in public solo and/or ensemble performances, as well as function in a studio environment.

An introduction to a range of perspectives, approaches and techniques relevant to computer-based music performance, and associated music production and sound manipulation skills.

This module will enable you to develop the skills and experience you'll need for a career in the music industry. You'll understand how the industries are structured and how they operate. You'll discuss the three primary areas of recording, publishing and live, within the context of the importance of creative works (intellectual property). You'll explore how internet marketing, branding, piracy and new models of consumption and delivery of music bring opportunities and threats to the industry. This module will also enable you to understand how digital content and online environment can be created to give added value to musical works. You'll study contemporary practice in the creation and distribution of digital musical content and develop the creative and technical skills to produce and distribute content of your own.

The first in a series of studio recording modules, this module will introduce you to and develop your fundamental, practical audio production skills. You will also learn about the hardware and software systems used in audio recording and establish good working practices for audio projects.

Develop your composition skills and techniques. All your work will be placed in the context of the wider music industry and you will prepare a portfolio of compositions to demonstrate your ability to produce a range of compositional material to a high standard.

Study contemporary musical genres, histories and associated music subcultures to deepen your understanding of what political, economic, sociological, technological, ethical and legal factors impact upon the music being produced and the industries that support it.

Live performance is central to most musical activities and this module explores the skills, techniques and practices which are required to perform in a public setting. You will develop expressive techniques both individually and as part of a team in order to produce performances which focus on the audience experience.

Build a performance set of 15-20 minutes to be performed at a public venue in Leeds.

Organise and manage a studio project through the stages of production, demonstrating your understanding of recording and production techniques. You will evaluate the project throughout all stages of production.

Engage directly with the way in which the music industries employ intellectual property and creative works to generate value and income for all its relevant stakeholders. Through looking at the way in which record labels and industry bodies exploit copyright, and the legal frameworks that surround them, you'll appraise music industry practices. You'll study a range of areas including recorded works and songwriting, and will understand how stakeholders assign and protect value.

Expand your musical experience and familiarity with diverse musical styles and genres. This module will equip you with a variety of analytical tools with which to analyse music performance and production.

Gain skills and techniques in composing and arranging in the context of film composition. You'll be encouraged to work to professional protocols and develop strong presentation skills.

Investigate the ways in which sound can both influence and underpin the narrative in film and television. You will gain the skills needed to record, manipulate and mix post-production sound for film and television.

Covering a range of genres, you will explore compositional approaches and production techniques to help you build a portfolio of work and develop your skill set in the area of electronic music production.

Study fundamental radio techniques, and develop your skills in recording and broadcasting audio. You'll gain an understanding of writing and programme content creation for radio. This is a practical module and you'll develop your ability to record, manage, edit, and produce audio content for radio or podcast. You'll be introduced to recording, editing and production, as well as developing your own ideas and refining them into audio content. You'll learn about the industry, producing content in a classroom environment and using radio equipment in a dedicated radio room/studio.

Research, develop and prepare a musical performance which reflects your individual abilities as a soloist or as a member of a collaborative ensemble.

Develop a performance showcase to demonstrate your performance abilities. You will be responsible for booking and organising venues, enhancing your entrepreneurial skills.

Undertake a major project of interest to you. You will conceive, plan and carry out your project throughout your final year and evaluate the outcomes.

Study the key concepts of electro-acoustic composition and the application of these concepts both creatively and technically.

Designed to equip you with the skills to produce music for film and television, this module will introduce you to some key composers to examine the historical function of film music and look at the approaches to synchronisation and instrumentation required to produce contemporary film and TV scores.

Improve your songwriting abilities. This intensive, hands-on module will enhance your existing skills and by the end of the module you will have written and recorded a collaborative songwriting portfolio.

A combination of experimentation, critical listening and contextual discourse, this module will help you develop the essential skills and processes used in modern studio productions.

Explore the tools and techniques required in the production of audio within the creative industries. You'll develop the critical and analytical listening skills required by professional mixing engineers.

Examine socially engaged arts practices that operate within different social environments with the purpose of engaging communities of people. You will develop the skills needed to facilitate workshops and performance works that can be used as vehicles for social advocacy and gain an understanding of how to respond to the needs to various community groups.

Learn to identify the technical, social and cultural factors that influence the production and consumption of contemporary music. This module will explore a range of key theoretical frameworks and establish the context within which musical works, or genres, are situated.

Develop your ability to record high-quality location sound in rural and urban environments for potential use in radio, television, music, games, and installations or in other artefacts. You'll analyse a field recording brief, plan and execute field-recordings in locations and prepare recordings for the end-user. You'll then critically evaluate your work, identifying any ethical issues surrounding it.

This practical module will enable you to develop radio techniques including skills in recording and broadcasting audio. You'll gain understanding of writing and programme content creation for radio. This module will be assessed by a portfolio of radio work, plus a report on an aspect of radio production.

Build on your understanding of the functionality of the music industry and develop an ability to identify and analyse new business models, technological development and new revenue streams related to these.

Through experience in a real working environment, you'll develop transferable personal, intellectual and professional skills. This module will enable you to reflect on, and undertake a critical evaluation, of your placement or work-based learning opportunity.