Music Performance and Production

Music performance and production are increasingly inseparable aspects of a contemporary music career. The era when a musician could specialise solely in live performance, or a producer could work exclusively in the studio, has given way to a landscape in which versatility and creative autonomy are essential. Today's artists perform live, produce their own recordings, collaborate across genres, and need to adapt rapidly to shifting opportunities.

A degree that takes both dimensions seriously equips you for this reality rather than a more narrowly defined professional role.

At Leeds Beckett University, this three-year full-time programme develops your abilities as both a performer and a producer, integrating practical studio work with live performance skills and a critical understanding of the music industry. You will build proficiency in your chosen instrument or voice, develop your ear for arrangement and sound design, and learn to work with digital audio workstations and recording technology in professional contexts. The course encourages you to think creatively about how performance and production inform each other, and to develop your own artistic voice alongside technical competence.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement experience, giving you a rich combination of professional exposure and international study that sets you apart when entering a competitive industry.

Graduates from music performance and production programmes go on to work as performing artists, session musicians, music producers, sound engineers, composers, and music supervisors for film, television, and games. The industry also offers roles in artist management, music publishing, label work, and live events. Many graduates pursue portfolio careers that combine several of these activities.

Further study is available at postgraduate level for those who wish to specialise in composition, music technology, music education, or music business, or who wish to develop their research and practice within a higher degree.