BA (Hons)
Professional Music (Performance)
- Duration3 years
- Locationon-site
- Start DateSeptember 2026
- UCAS CodesBrighton W372, Sheffield W378
THE PERFORMANCE DEGREE FOR guitarists, vocalists, bassists and drummers
Are you an independent, self-motivated musician dedicated to your craft and committed to building a sustainable career in music?
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) degree at WaterBear is structured to give you the perfect blend of artistic freedom and technical discipline, alongside practical strategies to forge your own career. You can bring your own music projects and activity into the course, which is underpinned by a strategic, proactive approach to building your network and opportunities. This course aims to motivate you to deliver high-quality music and great live music performance.
Throughout this music performance degree you’ll develop instrumental and vocal technique, stagecraft, repertoire building, improvisation skills, ensemble performance, and performance psychology through small classes (8-12 students) and a structured 1-1 mentoring programme. This course is built around real-world practice, performing live in working venues, recording in professional studios. You’ll receive personalised support that helps you grow as an artist while building the business skills needed for a portfolio career.
All WaterBear degrees are validated by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries. Whether your goal is to become an independent artist, professional musician, entrepreneur, or build a diverse portfolio career, you’ll engage in a comprehensive and flexible learning experience designed to support your strengths, interests and your professional, artistic, and academic development.
Join us September 2026 in Brighton or Sheffield. To find out more, apply today.
Course Modules
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) is a three-year degree, with each year consisting of two 15-week study blocks. Individual study modules cover a wide range of areas designed to develop your instrumental or vocal technique, stagecraft, creative repertoire, and music industry knowledge. The module titles, along with their linked weekly classes, are as follows:
Level 4
Making and performing great music is what this course is all about. This module focusses on creating and performing music that represents you as an individual. Music that tells your story and shows the world who you are. This is me today, and this is where I am going.
Weekly timetabled classes include Technical Development, Pre-Production, Live Performance and Audio Production Tools. This module is assessed via a live performance recording that showcases your best work, with supporting narrative to reflect on the process and result.
This module deals with the music industry, past and present. Exciting case studies of artists that have made an important contribution to music. How did they do it? And how can you employ these insights into your own music projects, right now?
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Navigating the Music Industry. Assessment is a case study of contrasting business models within the music industry.
Building on the Your Music Performance module, this is all about expanding your skills and abilities. Pushing the boundaries of instrumental or vocal technique and producing experimental, original work. The direction you take your music is controlled by you.
Weekly timetabled classes include Technical Development, Creative Pre-Production, Creative Live Performance and Production Skills. This module is assessed via the submission of recordings and evidence to showcase your best contrasting work, with supporting narrative to reflect on the process and result.
Creating your individual career plan, with careful design and thorough testing. You will develop knowledge of current music industry practice to create career plans that are a). realistic and b). achievable.
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Your Strategy. Assessment is via a report to identify a viable, personalised career model.
Level 5
Time to Stop, reflect and consider: Who exactly are you? Competent musicians can play, sing and write well, but a real artist stands for so much more. Lots more in terms of music creation, production and performance in this module.
Weekly timetabled classes include Stylistic Development, Professional Pre-Production, Production Skills and Professional Live Performance. This module is assessed via the submission of studio and live recordings, with supporting case study analysis to illustrate your key influences.
Now’s the time for the rehearsal and practice to stop and for you to show the world what you’re made of. Working to put on shows and events. From live streams and solo shows to a fully-fledged national tour. It’s all fair game.
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Your Events. Assessment is via a live event that you will curate. The scale and scope of the event is up to you.
This module will push you to expand your music performances into new and ground-breaking environments. Different methods of recording, innovative performance, instrumental or vocal techniques, new ways of composing. You’ll use this as inspiration to create a wide range of original and creative cover material.
Weekly timetabled classes include Pre-Production and Performance & Realisation.
There will also be optional advanced Songwriting, Production and technical development classes for those wanting to push their instrumental or vocal technique to the next level. This module is assessed via the submission of studio or live recordings that showcase your innovation, with accompanying programme notes, innovation pitch and a press release.
In this business-focussed module, you’ll bring all your creative faculties to the table to create innovative new business models for the future music industry.
Weekly timetabled classes include Innovation in Project Management and Innovation in Music Business. Assessment is via a business plan submission designed to illustrate an innovative and viable new business idea.
Level 6
Having thought about what to do for that final project, you’ll now need to prepare for it. This is where that work will be done, and the process documented. You’ll be getting plenty of mentoring and guidance too, so don’t worry.
There will be Digital Presence classes alongside special focus practical development workshops to help you further your project.
There is one weekly timetabled class common to all pathways associated with this module –Project Portfolio Management. There will also be optional Songwriting & Production classes and advanced technical development classes for those wanting to push their instrumental or vocal technique to the next level.
Assessment in this module is via the submission of Preparation Portfolio, including proposals, timeline and rationale.
In creating this specialist report as a dissertation, you’ll be honing your academic chops as you undertake formal research. You’ll also be preparing the ground for your ambitious final project in the Professional Project module.
There is one weekly timetabled class common to all pathways associated with this module entitled Specialist Report. The Specialist Report assessment will take the form of a research project paper focussed on a specific area relevant to today’s music scene.
Your final major project is the springboard into your creative future. You are encouraged to be practical and realistic, but also ambitious and to challenge yourself. There is no limit to where you can take this or what you can do. Anything is possible.
Weekly class time to support this module will take the form of regular group tutorials, to monitor progress against deadline. There will also be optional songwriting, production and advanced technical development classes that continue for those wanting further time developing their instrumental or vocal technique. Assessment in this module is via the submission of a Portfolio of work and project outcomes, contextual presentation of work and next steps career strategy.
*Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. Any changes affecting students’ expected programme delivery are communicated in advance. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Programme Manager.
FAQs
View the most frequently asked questions about the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) course below.
Creating great music and live performance is the lifeblood of this course. Every week you’ll be honing your instrumental or vocal techniques, stylistic knowledge, improvisation and stagecraft, and expanding your creative repertoire in small classes (typically 8-12). You’ll perform live on stage in working music venues with other WaterBear musicians and collaborate regularly. In your business classes, you’ll learn how to navigate today’s music industry as a professional musician. You’ll also benefit from regular networking events, masterclasses, and work experience opportunities to build your industry contacts.
This BA Music Performance degree is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries. There’s also the option to study this course over 4 years with an Integrated Foundation Year.
Apply today or book an open day to find out more.
| Level | Performance Modules | Music Business Modules | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Your Music Performance, Creative Music Performance | Navigating the Music Industry, Your Strategy | Technical development, live performance, audio production, pre-production, creating your sound, understanding industry models, building your career plan |
| Level 5 | Your Sound, Innovation in Music Performance | Your Events, Innovation in the Music Industry | Stylistic development, professional performance, innovation, creative experimentation, curating live events, developing new business models |
| Level 6 | Your Professional Development, Professional Project Portfolio | Specialist Report | Final project preparation, portfolio development, academic research, digital presence, career strategy, ambitious creative output |
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) offers specialist pathways for guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and multi-instrumentalists. You’ll learn in small groups with expert tutors who are active professionals in the music industry. Each pathway provides access to dedicated teaching spaces, professional-grade equipment, and tailored support to help you develop your technical skills, creative repertoire, and stage presence.
| Pathway | Teaching Environment | Facilities | Typical Class Size | Equipment | Specialist Tutors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drums | Dedicated drum rooms in small groups. Performance spaces | Acoustic kits, specialist microphones, isolation spaces | 5 | British Drum Company, Paiste, monitoring systems | Industry-active drummers and session players |
| Guitar | Guitar-specific teaching rooms and performance spaces | Vintage amps, modern modellers, pedalboards, DI setups | 12 | Valve amps, digital amps, cab sims, stomp boxes | Professional guitarists and touring musicians |
| Bass | Bass-specific teaching rooms and performance spaces | Pro rigs, amps, DI options, large live rooms | 12 | Ampeg amps, 4-, 5-, 6-string basses, acoustic bass | Session bassists and industry professionals |
| Vocals | Vocal teaching rooms and performance spaces | Vocal booths, PA systems, performance stages | 12 | Dynamic and condenser microphones, monitoring systems | Experienced vocalists and vocal coaches |
This contemporary performance degree has been specifically designed for vocalists, guitarists, drummers, bassists, and multi-instrumentalists. Whether you’re focused on becoming a session musician, touring artist, or building a portfolio career that spans performance, songwriting, and production, this course provides the support and freedom to develop your own artistic identity. With structured 1-1 mentoring and small class sizes, you’ll work in a supportive environment where you can experiment, create, and develop a tailored career plan aligned with your personal goals.
This course has been specifically designed for:
- Vocalists
- Guitarists
- Drummers
- Bassists
- Multi-instrumentalists
Every musician at WaterBear has their own story to tell and their own path to follow. We provide a supportive, safe environment for you to experiment and create. You’ll also develop a tailored career plan to support your personal goals and ambitions.
Each academic year of the BA (Hons) 3-year course consists of 2 study blocks of 15 weeks each. The time each week you’ll spend in teaching and learning activities can be broken down as follows:
Timetabled classes:
In each study block, you’ll spend the majority of your structured learning activity in timetabled classes. You’ll also get access to all your module content prior to your timetabled classes via WaterBear’s dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so you can prepare for your classes in advance.
1-1 Mentoring sessions:
Alongside your weekly classes, you’ll get access to WaterBear’s 1-1 mentoring programme, your gateway to bespoke expert advice as and when you need it. Bookable meetings with seasoned pros, experts across a wide range of fields, where you’ll receive tailored support and guidance in three key areas: music industries, musical development and academic achievement. What you focus on is entirely up to you — the mentoring programme is designed to support your own personal journey.
Asynchronous online learning:
As well all the digital content linked to your chosen course, you’ll get access to all other content for every other degree course at WaterBear, via our Canvas VLE. That’s a huge library of information you can dive into to expand your own learning experience and gain knowledge in other areas and subjects that may interest you.
Other activities:
You’ll be able to book free time in professional recording and rehearsal studios, attend additional optional classes in areas like music photography, videography, content creation, music theory, self-development, and music management. There are also social events, clubs and societies, live gigs and performances, virtual meetups, networking opportunities, industry development weeks, industry conferences, record label showcases, songwriting camps and various kinds of other activities to explore.
In summary, regular teaching and learning activities include:
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- One-to-one mentoring
- Student forums
- Assignments, assessments, and feedback sessions
- Live performances and gigs
- Special events and conferences
- Peer collaboration via Canvas VLE
- Free recording time in professional studios
- Free rehearsal time in professional studios
- Masterclasses and clinics
- Work experience
- Networking
The course tuition fee for the 3-yr BA (Hons) is £9,535 for each year of the programme. UK residents may be eligible for undergraduate tuition fee and maintenance loans.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The College may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. For more information on fees and finance, please visit Falmouth’s tuitions fees page here.
Initial applications for the BA (Hons) 3-yr on-site and 2-yr online options can be made via the Apply Now button above.
You can also apply directly via UCAS using the links below.
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) UCAS course codes are as follows:
Brighton
Course code: W372
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Brighton
Campus code: W
UCAS course application page
Sheffield
Course code: W378
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Sheffield
Campus code: L
UCAS course application page
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 applicant session, either in person or by video conference. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements and career goals.
Falmouth University Terms and Conditions can be found at https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/student-regulations.
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 applicant session, either in person or by video call. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements and career goals.
As a guide, we require A Levels (or in combination with AS / EPQ / BTEC / RSL / Cambridge Technical / etc.) equal to a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff Points (BTEC / Cambridge Technical DMM, RSL Extended Diploma at Merit / Distinction), or international equivalent.
After graduating, you will have a number of routes to further study available, including the MA Music Performance, Production & Business, MA Songwriting, MA Music Education and MA Music Business courses at WaterBear, and other postgraduate specialist programmes.
There is also the option to study this course over 4 years, which includes an integrated foundation year.
We offer various scholarships and bursaries, which can be applied for by anyone studying related courses at WaterBear. Our scholarships are reviewed yearly, with applications generally opening 3-6 months prior to the course starting. Scholarship awards generally cover the cost of all course tuition fees.
This course is available to international applicants if they are based in the UK with a settled status (no restrictions on how long you can stay). This course is not available to those located outside of the UK. Alternative options available to international applicants include our range of online 2-year distance learning degree courses. https://waterbear.org.uk/online/
Language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to achieve equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of equivalent approved tests too. Visit the English Language Requirements page of the Falmouth University website for more information. https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements.
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) degree prepares you for careers as a session musician, touring artist, live sound engineer, music educator, producer, band member, and creative entrepreneur. Many graduates build portfolio careers combining roles such as performing, recording, teaching, producing, and managing their own artist projects. With structured 1-1 mentoring focused on your musical, academic and career development and our Music Industries team helping secure gigs, support slots, festival opportunities, and internships, you’ll graduate with a professional body of work and industry connections. You’ll learn about live performance technique, stagecraft, collaboration, studio recording, music business fundamentals, and building sustainable creative careers.
This course is designed to develop careers in:
- Music performance and composition
- Studio recording
- Live sound engineering
- Digital content creation
- Technical support
- General music industry work
- Audio / visual production
- Music production and engineering
- Music education
- Tour, artist and events management
- Artist, label and publishing services
To get the most out of your BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance), we recommend having access to some basic equipment and materials. These are not mandatory and are provided only as examples of items students commonly find useful during the course.
Essential for study
These are general resources that help you participate fully in classes and complete coursework. These items are illustrative and not compulsory.
- Your instrument (instrumentalists)
- Expendables (strings, sticks, picks, leads, etc.)
- Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, manuscript paper, etc.)
- Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.)
- DAW software
- USB memory stick
- Reliable Internet connection
Recommended for enhanced learning
Some students choose to invest in additional equipment to support creative projects or independent work. These items are optional examples, not required purchases.
- Computer (laptop / desktop) capable of running DAW, audio interface, plug-ins and A/V processing software (recommended 8-16GB RAM, 7,200 RPM Hard Drive, 8MB buffer, 1TB hard drive
- Reliable, high speed Internet connection
- Professional DAW software (ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, etc.)
- External hard drive
- Dynamic microphone(s) (e.g. Shure SM57 / SM58)
- Audio interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
- Headphones (e.g. Sennheiser HD 200, Beyerdynamic DT770)
If you have any questions about equipment, our course team can help you understand what is genuinely needed and what is simply helpful depending on your goals and musical focus.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES AT WATERBEAR
Performance students access professional recording studios, rehearsal spaces, instrumental teaching rooms, and live performance venues across Brighton and Sheffield campuses. You’ll work with Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro, plus analogue and digital gear suited to recording, rehearsing, and live performance. Partner studios include Brighton Electric, Small Pond Studios (Brighton), and Spring Tank Studios, Tecna Studios, and Hybrid3 (Sheffield).
Why study Music Performance at WaterBear?
TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING
- Structured 1-1 mentoring programme across musical, business, academic, career and artist development
- Small class sizes: typically 8-12 students per class
- Specialist guitar, bass, drums, and vocals pathways taught by music industry professionals
LIVE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
- WaterBear-owned and partner live music venues across Brighton and Sheffield
- Free bookable access to WaterBear and partner rehearsal and recording studios
- Real gigs, festivals, collaboration opportunities and industry networking
DEGREE & CAREER FOCUS
- 2 x 15-week study blocks with timetabled classes and online VLE access
- Falmouth University validated degree recognised across UK music industries
- Develop technique, stagecraft, improvisation, performance psychology and your own projects
Study Music Performance in Brighton & Sheffield
Study the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) at WaterBear Brighton or WaterBear Sheffield, two of the UK’s most inspiring music cities. Both campuses offer free bookable access to professional recording studios and rehearsal spaces, with access to live music venues across each city. You’ll engage with industry events, performance and work experiance opportunities, masterclasses, and collaborative projects in an environment built for real-world music-making, surrounded by active artists and professionals.
Performance COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
You’ll perform regularly at live music venues across Brighton and Sheffield. Students also access masterclasses, A&R panels, work experience placements, networking events, industry development weeks, conferences, showcases, songwriting camps, and collaborative projects. Last year we secured 500 performance and work experience opportunities, attended over 20 festivals and organised over 45 industry masterclasses and industry guest events. These opportunities connect you directly with the local music scene and help you build the industry contacts essential for a sustainable music career.
Life at WaterBear – Student Experience
Life at WaterBear is built around community, collaboration, and creative freedom. You’ll join clubs and societies, attend lunchtime sessions, take part in social events, and connect with other musicians through networking opportunities and guest masterclasses. The supportive, musician-led culture encourages you to experiment, collaborate, and grow as an artist while building lasting friendships and professional connections within a vibrant creative community. Below is a collection of some of the best moments submitted by artists and musicians on and off campus.
MUSIC DEPARTMENTS AT WATERBEAR
As a musician and artist, your environment and community are key to your growth. We provide creative learning spaces, expert teaching, and world-class facilities to help you thrive.
