MA

Music Performance, Production & Business

1 YEAR, ON-SITE (BRIGHTON & SHEFFIELD)

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A revolutionary master’s for solo artists, bands, musicians and producers 

The MA Music Performance, Production & Business course at WaterBear is a revolutionary master’s programme designed for artists, bands, session musicians 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 create, record and release your own music, working in professional studios with professional music producers and mix engineers.   

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.  

Taught by experienced music industry professionals, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of creatives and benefit from a flexible, hands-on learning experience. You’ll also have access to areas such as artist and career development, one-to-one mentoring, academic sessions, live performance, and industry networking and events, all designed to support your development professionally, artistically and academically.

Join us this September in Brighton or Sheffield. Apply now to find out more. 

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Select the links below for individual module study on this course.

Modules

LEVEL 7

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.

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?

This module 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!

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.

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.

*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.

You’ll focus on developing commercially viable music, developing an authentic artist brand, and building meaningful connections with your audiences. You’ll sharpen your creative process, manage income streams, and deliver a major project that prepares you for a sustainable career in the music industry. Alongside making records, you’ll plan and execute release strategies to get your music heard. You’ll also develop your skills in audio production, digital marketing, branding, and content creation. 

  The course is constructed to focus on three fundamental elements: 

  • Your music: 

You will create and craft your music to record and mix in professional studios. 

  • Your business: 

You will understand your brand, product and market, to sharpen your commercial edge. 

  • Your career: 

You will gain the confidence and knowhow to become a professional in the creative sector. 

 

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

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. Whatever your reasons, gaining the MA will give you more professional choices, more potential income streams and those all-important letters after your name.  

The MA is focused on your own work and experience. That means you don’t necessarily need an undergraduate degree to study this MA if you already have the right amount of professional experience. 

 

The 1-year MA Music Performance, Production and Business course consists of 3 study blocks, each of 12 weeks. Your timetable of structured activity is made up of seminars, lectures, 1-1 mentoring and support sessions, throughout the duration of the course. You’ll get access to all content and materials via WaterBear’s dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and you’ll also be able to participate in tutorials, discussions and meetings remotely, or in person. 

You’ll get the chance to engage with lots of additional activity going on at WaterBear throughout the duration of your course too.  How much you want to get involved with up to you. The Music Industries teams are there to help you with work and career development opportunities, live performance slots, festivals, conferences and industry showcases. There are also social events, clubs and societies, virtual meetups, networking opportunities, development weeks, songwriting camps, masterclasses and various kinds of other activities to explore.  

  

The MA Music Performance, Production and Business course also includes free time in professional recording studios, working with producers and engineers to make a record. 

In summary, regular teaching and learning activities include:  

  • Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops 
  • One-to-one mentoring 
  • Assignments, assessments and feedback sessions 
  • Masterclasses 
  • Special events and conferences 
  • Performances and gigs 
  • Peer collaboration 
  • Networking and social events 

This course is designed to further develop careers in music and the wider creative industries. These typically include: 

  • Music performance and production (e.g. touring, studio, digital, etc.)
  • Music business and management
  • Publishing and record label services
  • Music education
  • Music research and development
  • Music journalism and PR
  • Digital marketing
  • Digital content creation
  • Event management 

Initial applications for the MA Music Performance, Production & Business course can be made via the Apply Now button above. 

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 interests, achievements and career goals. 

Falmouth University Terms and Conditions can be found at https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/student-regulations.

The MA Music Performance, Production & Business 1-year master’s course tuition fee is £11,250. UK residents may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan. 

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. 

Typically, you’ll have an undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject area and a clear interest in your subject. If you don’t have an honours degree, you may be able to satisfy entry requirements through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. This provides an entry route for those who have a significant amount of music industry-relevant experience but may not have a degree. 

Further academic study routes available include higher level doctoral qualifications (e.g. PhD, EdD, etc.). 

The MA Music Performance, Production & Business 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 for students located outside of the UK. Alternative options available to international applicants include the 2-year part time online version of the MA Music Business course, or the 1-year online only versions of the MA Songwriting and MA Music Education courses at WaterBear. 

 Language requirements 

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to achieve an equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking. 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 MA Music Performance, Production & 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. 

Essential: 

  • Your instrument (instrumentalists) 
  • Expendables (strings, sticks, picks, leads, etc.) 
  • Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, manuscript paper, etc.) (Purchase cost around £20) 
  • 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. 

 

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.

Locations

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.

COURSE OPPORTUNITIES

Life at WaterBear

A collection of some of the best moments submitted by artists and musicians on and off campus. 

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Eona

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Charlie King

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

HEIGHTS

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BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY
“I’ve got a very busy schedule and to be able to fit in a master’s degree around that, is gold. What changed for me is my attitude towards myself and what I bring to the table, my confidence levels have gone up.”

Lisa McKeown

MA Alumni, Music Manager
“MY MA at WaterBear helped me grow my business. My Pluggin Baby radio show is now broadcast all over the world. The effect the course had on me has been nothing short of life changing.”

Emma Scott

MA ALUMNI, Radio Presenter
“This experience is life changing. I didn’t realise how much I fell into victim mode around perceived intelligence. These results are giving me a whole new level of perspective on myself and how I view the world. Mind blown.”

Mark Richarson

MA Alumni, Skunk Anansie
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