Popular Music Performance

Popular music performance is a discipline that takes seriously the craft, creativity and cultural significance of the genres that have defined the soundtrack of modern life. It encompasses performance, songwriting, creative production, band and ensemble work, and the cultural and critical thinking that allows musicians to understand where their practice comes from and where it is going. Studying it at degree level means developing technical excellence alongside artistic identity and the professional awareness to build a sustainable music career.

At Nottingham Trent University the programme is designed for musicians and artists who want to refine their craft, define their artistic identity, and develop a clear understanding of how the music industry works. You will explore songwriting and composition alongside live performance, with creative production skills woven into your practice from the start. The programme combines hands-on practical work with critical reflection and cultural insight, ensuring that your creative development is grounded in an understanding of the traditions and contexts from which popular music grows and against which it defines itself.

The course runs over three years full time.

Graduates pursue careers as professional performers, songwriters, session musicians, producers and composers across genres from pop and rock to electronic music, soul and beyond. Many build portfolio careers that combine performance with teaching, music production, sound engineering or artist management. The programme's emphasis on artistic identity and industry awareness prepares you to navigate the contemporary music landscape, whether that means building an independent artist profile, working within the recording industry, or developing a career in music education and community music.

Postgraduate study in music, music production or arts management is an option for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.