BA (Hons)

Professional Music (Performance)

3 YEARS, ON-SITE (BRIGHTON & SHEFFIELD)

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THE PERFORMANCE DEGREE FOR independent, self-motivated artists and musicians

Are you a guitarist, vocalist, bassist, drummer, or multi-instrumentalist 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.

Whether you 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 this September in Brighton or Sheffield. To find out more, apply today.

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Modules

Individual study modules cover a wide range of areas. Module titles and 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 this course below.

Creating great music and music performance is the lifeblood of the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) course. Every week in classes you’ll be honing your instrumental / vocal techniques, stylistic knowledge and authenticity, improvisation and stagecraft, and expanding your creative repertoire. You’ll be performing live on stage in working music venues with other WaterBear musicians and artists. In your business classes, you’ll learn all you need to know about the realities of being a professional musician in today’s music industry. There are also regular networking events, masterclasses, collaboration and work opportunities so you can build your all-important contacts list.

This course is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries.

Integrated Foundation Year option: There is also the option to study this course over 4 years, which includes an integrated foundation year.

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 BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) 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

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.

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. See pages (xx-xx) for more information.

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.

In order to get the most out of the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) course, it is essential that you have regular access to the correct resources. Having your own equipment will provide maximum flexibility to support both your college and personal project work.

Essential basics:

Your instrument (instrumentalists)
Expendables (strings, sticks, picks, leads, etc.)
Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, manuscript paper, etc.) (Purchase cost around £20)
Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.) (Purchase cost around £250-£400)
DAW software (Purchase cost around £50-£100)
USB memory stick (Purchase cost around £10)
Reliable Internet connection

We recommend:

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 (Purchase cost around £600-£800)
Reliable, high speed Internet connection
Professional DAW software (ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, etc.) (Purchase cost around £200-£450)
External hard drive (Purchase cost around £25-£50)
Dynamic microphone(s) (e.g. Shure SM57 / SM58) (Purchase cost around £80-£100)
Audio interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) (Purchase cost around £100-£200)
Headphones (e.g. Sennheiser HD 200, Beyerdynamic DT770) (Purchase cost around £75-£150)

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.

PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS

Drum

Pathway

At WaterBear, drummers thrive with hands-on time behind pro acoustic kits. You’ll study in small groups in dedicated drum rooms with expert tutors, using elite gear from British Drum Company, Paiste, and more. From essential pad work to live gig prep, we combine mentorship with real-world practice, helping you develop precision, creativity, and confidence behind the kit, on stage and in the studio.

Guitar

Pathway

At WaterBear, we take guitar seriously. You’ll learn in groups of no more than 12 with access to a range of vintage and modern valve amps, digital amp and cab sims, and a wide variety of stomp boxes and pedals. With expert guidance, live performance opportunities and peer collaboration, you’ll explore styles, genres, and techniques, to become a creative, confident and versatile guitarist.

Bass

Pathway

Bassists are always in demand and at WaterBear. You’ll learn in small classes, plugged into pro gear such as Ampeg amps, and explore a wide range of styles, theory, and innovative techniques. Bring along a standard 4, 5 or 6-string Bass guitar, an acoustic bass, or any other specialist gear you may want to use. Through hands on teaching led by experts and live performance opportunities, you’ll grow into a versatile, in-demand bass player.

Vocals

Pathway

As a student of vocals at WaterBear you’ll learn in small supportive groups led by industry experts, with a focus on personal growth, vocal technique, and confidence, giving you the space to fully explore your voice. Through live performance opportunities and peer collaboration, you’ll build a versatile repertoire and a strong stage presence, preparing you for a career as a confident, expressive, vocalist.

Locations

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

Brighton

Hanover House

From September 2025, the addition of three new floors will expand Hanover House to include live performance rooms, recording studios, instrumental rooms, rehearsal suites, common rooms, Mac suites, mentoring rooms, and general-purpose teaching spaces. It will also feature a 1,000 sq. ft. recording studio, which will serve as the engine room of Hanover House. This studio will be fully equipped with both analogue and digital gear to support a wide range of recording needs.

Sheffield

Gatecrasher

Located right in the heart of the Cultural Industries Quarter, our Sheffield HQ stands on the old site of the famous Sheffield superclub, Gatecrasher. The building currently holds Mac suites, teaching spaces, live performance room, recording suite, and mentoring rooms. Sheffield HQ will be expanding from September 2025 to hold brand new common spaces alongside networking and collaboration rooms. A place to meet and relax is fundamental to every uni campus, and we want our students to feel comfortable and welcomed. Our common rooms are there for you to meet, hang, collaborate, network, and share ideas. And get a great coffee too.

Brighton & Sheffield

Vintage and Modern gear

As a college run by professional musicians, we know everything about equipment and what kind of gear you need access to. Within their own dedicated spaces drummers learn on acoustic kits, guitarists and bassists plug into their own amps, music producers and electronic artists work with the latest tech and equipment. Teaching rooms are fitted out with state-of-the-art digital A/V technology. You’ll also find classic vintage gear alongside modern musical equipment to give you the best of both worlds. You’ll also navigate different Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Ableton and Logic Pro. All WaterBear students take part in audio production classes to expand their technical knowledge and compositional skills and to investigate different methods of recording.

Brighton & Sheffield

Live Music Venues

You’ll have regular opportunities to perform live at fantastic partner venues across Sheffield and Brighton, including two WaterBear-run venues in Brighton, with another coming soon in Sheffield. Students are encouraged to organise gigs, tours, and events, gaining real experience, building networks, and becoming part of the local music scene. Live performance, along with supporting emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to everything we do at WaterBear.

Brighton

WaterBear Venue

This is WaterBear’s very own seafront music and club venue. Located right on the beach, this iconic venue was once one of Brighton’s most famous club venues. Now exclusively operated by WaterBear, it’s a great place for our musicians to socialise, with lots of events happening throughout the week. The Venue can also be booked by students for their own music projects, and there are regular opportunities for work there too.

Brighton

WaterBear Music Bar

Located in Kemptown, this eclectic venue is known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich musical heritage. It has hosted renowned UK artists, including Amy Winehouse, The Kooks, and Chris Difford of Squeeze. Now operated by WaterBear, the music bar hosts a diverse range of gigs and events, featuring a dedicated live music basement and a ground-floor bar with an intimate performance space. WaterBear students benefit from access to the venue for classes, rehearsals, performances, and stagecraft development. There are also opportunities to work at the venue and use it as a space to socialise.

Brighton

Recording and Rehearsing

As a student at WaterBear, you’ll benefit from free, bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities. Our facilities are designed to support every stage of the creative process, from initial songwriting and pre-production to tracking and mixing. Alongside our brand new, 1000 sqft recording studio and live room in Hanover House, we also partner with some exceptional partner studios, such as Brighton Electric, which houses two high-end studios and a live music space which has worked with bands such as The Cure, Royal Blood and Foals, and Small Pond Studios, equipped with Neve console amps and analogue outboard gear, giving you further access to world class equipment and expertise, alongside local networking and work experience opportunities.

Sheffield

Recording and Rehearsing

In Sheffield, you’ll benefit from free bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities and access to different Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro. Whether you want to record and produce music professionally or simply want to make better demos, knowing how to create great-sounding is essential. Within our Gatecrasher building, our recording studio is equipped with state of the art recording facilities including a mixing desk and live room. You’ll also have access to partner studios across the city including Spring Tank Studios, Tecna Studios, where Self Esteem and Reverend and the Makers have recorded, Hybrid3 with custom-built equipment, and MU Studios, which has worked with Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley. These partnerships give you access to world-class equipment and expertise, as well as local networking and work experience opportunities.

Brighton & Sheffield

Live Performance and Songwriting Spaces

Our songwriting and performance spaces have been designed as multi-functional, creative spaces tailor-made to support high-quality musical output. Think masterclasses, performance workshops, and loads of specialist activities for songwriters, vocalists, artists, and bands. You’ll be able to showcase your music while building confidence in these supportive, creative environments. The spaces are great for collaboration and impromptu lunchtime live performances.

COURSE OPPORTUNITIES

Why Choose WaterBear?

We Are

Keeping Music Live

Independent music venues lie at the heart of grassroots music. This is where many emerging artists and musicians begin their journey to becoming successful, confident performers. In collaboration with the Music Venue Trust, we’ve launched the Keeping Music Live campaign to stand with and support these venues, and to champion their vital role in shaping the future of music. We also run our very own music venues – The WaterBear Venue on Brighton Seafront, The WaterBear Music Bar in Brighton’s Kemptown, with a third venue in Sheffield coming soon.

See how it’s going

We are

Run by musicians for musicians

From our founders and tutors through to our supporting staff, we are a college filled with professional musicians and creatives actively working across many areas of the industry. This not only brings real-world context and experience to the curriculum, but also creates a network of like-minded musicians and creatives, all with lived experiences of a life in music.

Meet the Team

We are

Developing independent artists

WaterBear is all about empowering the independent, DIY artist, who wants to take full control of their music and their life. We foster a culture of self-belief and determination, with a commitment to high-quality musical output, all of which are key to success and fundamental to the WaterBear experience. Our Artist Development team brings extensive industry knowledge and experience, supporting students as they grow into independent, authentic artists.

We are

Creating career opportunities

At WaterBear, the Music Industries team is the engine behind your music industry journey. They’re committed to providing exciting opportunities for hands-on experience across a wide range of music business activities, including live gigs, touring, session work, record labels and publishing, artist management, live sound engineering, studio production, festivals, conferences, education and live events management. There are also regular masterclasses and events designed to grow your network and fast-track your connections to industry.

We provide a unique

1-1 Mentoring programme

Our unique one-to-one mentoring programme is a key part of the WaterBear experience. All students receive allocated 1-1 mentoring time with a diverse group of industry professionals. Your mentoring sessions can really help you focus on those areas where extra support is needed to improve. The WaterBear mentoring programme is structured to provide 1-1 advice, guidance and support in 3 fundamental areas: Musical development, academic achievement, and music industries support, providing personal advice across careers and artist development.

Who We Are

We are

Building World-Class Facilities

WaterBear’s campuses are equipped with cutting edge, professional grade facilities that support every stage of your music journey. From high spec rehearsal spaces and recording studios to media suites and performance venues, every space is built to industry standard. These creative environments give you the freedom to experiment, collaborate and produce your best work from day one.

We are

Partners of Falmouth University

WaterBear is a proud partner and College of Falmouth University, one of the UK’s most prestigious creative arts institutions. Our close relationship with Falmouth ensures consistently high standards of academic quality and student experience are met. All courses delivered at WaterBear are approved and awarded by Falmouth, meaning you’ll graduate with a Falmouth University degree or master’s qualification.

More about Falmouth

We have

Smaller Class Sizes

You won’t find big lecture halls here. Classes are restricted in size to smaller groups, something we believe is vital for high-quality learning. Typical class sizes range from 6 to 15. Tutors can therefore spend more time with each person, focussing on personal strengths development and individual learning styles.

We offer

Flexible Learning

Whatever your course of study, content from every WaterBear course is available 24/7, for everyone. If you’re studying a campus-based course but can’t get to the college for whatever reason – no problem. You can log in remotely to the WaterBear VLE and keep up-to-date with your course, access the huge library of course content, and keep in contact with the WaterBear community. This flexible approach to learning allows you to fit study around your life, not the other way around, which is often so important for today’s musicians

we support

COLLABORATION

At WaterBear, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re forming a band, producing tracks, creating content, or planning live events, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded creatives ready to connect and co-create. Our courses, venues, and digital platforms are designed to encourage teamwork, build networks, and spark new ideas—helping you grow as both an artist and a collaborator.

We offer

Adaptive Learning

WaterBear is a leading player in both digital learning and classroom-based teaching and learning. All live lectures are backed up with rich online content, discussion groups, feedback forums and tutorials. With course content for all subjects on every course being available for everyone, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you want to study and learn.