Music Performance
Music performance is the discipline of bringing musical works to life, developing the technical mastery, interpretive depth, and stage presence needed to communicate music compellingly to an audience. For musicians pursuing a career in the commercial music world, performance cannot be separated from a broader understanding of the technical, production, and professional contexts in which that music is created and shared. This programme at the University of Derby prepares you for exactly that full-spectrum engagement with the music industry.
This three-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year for those who need additional preparation before progressing to degree-level study, a sandwich placement year for extended professional experience, a year abroad to broaden your perspective, and work placement integrated throughout. These structural features make this one of the most practically oriented music performance programmes available, ensuring you graduate with real professional experience and a portfolio of skills across performance, composition, technology, media production, and musicology. You will develop a wide range of disciplines, building your technical performance skills alongside a deep appreciation of the commercial music industry and the increasingly significant economic and professional dimensions of popular music in the digital era.
A typical entry tariff of 88 points reflects an inclusive admissions approach that values musical talent and commitment. Graduates from music performance programmes pursue careers as performing musicians, session artists, music educators, music producers, sound engineers, artist managers, and music content creators. Many develop portfolio careers that combine live performance with teaching, recording, and other professional activities.
The combination of performance skill, technological understanding, and professional awareness the programme develops positions graduates well for the realities of a modern music career, whether as a performer, an educator, or an industry professional.