Popular Music Performance

Popular Music Performance is a degree that takes seriously the craft and artistry involved in playing, performing and creating music within the traditions of popular music, from rock and jazz to hip-hop, electronic music and beyond. Performance degrees in this area go beyond technical instrumental or vocal training to develop musicians who understand the contexts their music inhabits, who can record and produce their work, and who are equipped with the practical knowledge needed to build a career in a competitive and constantly changing music industry. The programme recognises that today's musician needs to be a multi-skilled practitioner.

At the University of Chester this three-year full-time degree takes a strongly practical approach, developing your performance skills while also building competencies in recording techniques, live sound engineering, songwriting and arranging. You will engage with popular music both as a performer and as a critical thinker, developing the musical intelligence to understand your own practice within broader historical and cultural contexts. The degree includes a year abroad option, giving you the opportunity to broaden your musical perspective through international study.

Chester's programme aims to develop musicians who are both technically accomplished and intellectually engaged with the music they make.

Graduates from Popular Music Performance degrees pursue careers across the music industry in a wide range of roles. Many work as performing musicians, session musicians, music teachers and bandleaders. Others find positions in music management, artist development, live events, music technology, community music and music education.

The recording and production skills the degree develops also support careers in audio engineering and music production. The programme provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in music performance, composition, music education or music technology for those wishing to develop their practice further.