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You’ll create, record and release your own music, working in professional studios with professional music producers and mix engineers. You’ll be able to gain your master’s in just one year and like all other courses at WaterBear, it's fully approved by one of the UK's leading Higher Education providers for the creative industries, Falmouth University.
This practical taught master’s is all about the creation of high-quality music, with an emphasis on learning by doing. Alongside making records, you will devise and apply release strategies to get your music heard. At the same time, you will develop expertise in audio production, digital marketing, branding, content creation and A&R. You’ll also get access to the WaterBear Venue to put on your own shows, plus numerous opportunities for work placements at The Great Escape, Brighton Music Conference and a host of other music businesses.
1-year full-time starting September.
Ready to apply? Click here
The MA Music Performance, Production and Business* course is a 1-year course. The course is delivered on-site in Brighton. You can also study with a blend of on-site and online activity if you prefer.
The course is constructed to focus on three fundamental elements:
This course is for musicians, artists and producers who want to take their musical output to the next level and boost the commercial and entrepreneurial side of their music activity. You’ll work on the creation of high-quality music and upskill in other areas like digital marketing, social media, branding and A&R. Gaining an MA can also give you more professional choices, more potential income streams and those all-important letters after your name.
The course will take you on a journey of high-level skills development, critical reflection and the development of professional practice, culminating in the completion of a major commercial project. Areas of focus include music creation and audio production, music marketing and branding, A&R, the development of personal skills and the realisation of ideas through submission of a major project.
You will develop autonomy whilst learning to apply critical thinking and research skills to your work. You'll gain academic proficiency and professional credibility. You'll also develop your entrepreneurialism to maximise areas of potential revenue and enterprise.
You’ll spend around 4 hours each week on site in timetabled teaching and learning activities. In addition to this, you’ll be spending time in professional studios in order to record and mix your music. You'll also get access to all your module content prior to your class lectures via WaterBear's dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and be able to participate in tutorials, discussions and meetings using video conferencing.
Online and on-site teaching and learning activities can include:
This course is designed to further develop careers in music and the wider creative industries. These typically include:
Further academic study routes available include Postgraduate Practice & Research (e.g. PhD, Professional Doctorate) and PGCert HE (teaching programme).
* Subject to approval Spring 2022
Module title: Demo to Master
This is where you’ll learn all about what it takes to create a truly high-quality record. You’ll develop a deeper understanding and awareness of your musical references and sonic signature.
Module title: Brand and Marketing
This is where we look at how you can create a strong and authentic connection with your audience. How do you currently present yourself to the world, and what can you improve?
Module title: Raising the Bar
This module is a progression from MCP1 and focuses on how you can take the experiences of what you have learned from the first module in study block one and use them, via pre-production and A&R processes, to drive the quality of your musical output even higher. Time to raise the bar!
Module title: Creating Income
This module focusses on the commercial realities of making and releasing music. You’ll develop a greater understanding and awareness of how to develop and control various income streams relating to your music.
Module title: Major Commercial Project
This is the final double module that concludes the MA. Here we bring all the strands of work, reflection, research and analysis together to deliver a major professional project. This module is the bridge into your future and is designed to position you for a sustainable career in the music industry.
Course structure and modules may change as part of our regular review processes. Any changes affecting students’ expected programme delivery are communicated in advance.
Module titles and assessment details to be approved Spring ’22. Assessment methods typically include written, audio and video based submissions, presentations, evidence portfolios and business plans.
Initial applications for the MA Music Performance, Production and Business course can be made via the 'Apply Now' button below.
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 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. For more information about the 1-1 session, click here.
The MA Music Performance, Production and Business course is not available for students located outside of the UK.
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to achieve equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, with at least 6.0 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.
In order to get the most out of the MA Music Performance, Production and Business course, it's essential to have regular access to the resources below. Having your own equipment will provide maximum flexibility for both your college and professional work.
Applying for a course at WaterBear is simple, whether it’s a BA (Hons) or master’s. Click the link below to find out all about the application process or, if you’re ready now, just hit the Apply Now button and we’ll be right in touch.
At WaterBear, we’re proud to work with some of the industry’s most accomplished music professionals. Tutors and mentors who are all highly experienced at every level of the music industry. Check out their information below. As working professionals, the tutoring team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary.
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 726230
Email: [email protected]
WaterBear Education Ltd, Hanover House,
118 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, UK Map
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