The BA (Honours) in Commercial Music is designed for creative students wishing to develop their performance and/or music technology skills to a high level. Students have the opportunity to specialise in Performance or Sound Production at Levels 2 and 3.
The programme mainly focuses on popular music styles, with particular emphasis on the composition, performance and production of music for commercial application. This enables students to develop their individual abilities alongside composition and arranging.
The programme aims to motivate students to study the social significance of music as a cultural practice, and to gain an understanding of the breadth of activity encompassed within the music industry.
The course is delivered at Broadstairs Campus which has performance and practice facilities, recording studios and a computer music suite. There will be many opportunities for practical involvement with Commercial Music, whether as a performer, composer or sound producer, with all students able to contribute to the operation of the in-house record label, C3U Records, at the second level of study.
Content and Structure
The programme begins with a broadly-based first year course. At Levels 2 and 3 students specialise in Performance or Sound production while selecting from a range of option modules.
LEVEL 1
The Level 1 programme includes the following modules:
Commercial Music in Context
Performance 1
Sound Production 1
Music Business Fundamentals
Notation in Practice
Songwriting 1
LEVEL 2
Successful Level 1 students pursue their specialist options in Performance or Sound Production, as well as continuing their studies in musical analysis.
All Level 2 students study the following courses:
Performance 2 or Sound Production 2
Popular Music Analysis
+ three of the following option modules:
Melodic Improvisation in Theory and Practice
Record Label Management
Music in the Media
Live Sound
Songwriting 2
Electronic Music
Music and the Internet
LEVEL 3
Level 3 of the programme once again provides the opportunity to specialise in Performance or Sound Production and to continue to study the subjects selected from the option modules in Level 2. Further specialisation and refinement of expertise is offered through the range of Level 3 option modules which include:
Jazz Performance, Arrangement and Composition
Sound Art
Songwriting
Film Music
Digital Music Management
Digital Culture
All students also have the opportunity to undertake an independent study on an area of special interest.
All students at each level of study are presented with the opportunity to perform as members of bands and ensembles and to have their songs and compositions performed and recorded.
Applications for this programme are made through UCAS, see the UCAS codes page of CCC Website. The University’s entry requirements can be found on the entry requirements page. All applications will be considered on an individual basis according to qualifications, background and experience. Particular importance is placed upon instrumental/vocal ability, songwriting skills and/or sound production experience for entry to the programme.
Refer to www.canterbury.ac.uk For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.