PROGRAMME SPECIFICAT ION (UNDERGRADUATE)

Programme BA Music Performance and Industry (BA MPI)

Awarding Institution Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Location of study King Charles Court and additional locations
Mode and duration 3 years full time
UK Credits 360
ECTS 180

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The BA in Music Performance and Industry is a three–year programme of full-time study

designed for students who want to have a career in popular music as performers, producers
and creatives with the talent, skills and knowledge to realise sustainable futures in the music
industry. The programme embraces individual creativity, excellence and originality through
immersion in collaborative music-making and production. Forward-thinking and socially
engaged students explore the possibilities of siting their work within sustainable industry
contexts, leading to a successful career in music.
Whether making electronic or acoustic music, mainstream or underground, the programme
offers rigorous training in the skills, knowledge and critical understanding necessary to
compose, produce and perform with a distinct and individual voice. Students will learn about
specific genres and their social contexts, equipped with the study skills to apply learning to
their creative ideas. A deep connection with specific musical genres expected; however, the
ethos of experimentation encourages students to take an open-minded approach to the
synthesis of styles of music.
Students learn how to connect with audiences through developing real-world business skills
and the experience of marketing and releasing their work. Students will gain experience in
Learning and Participation scenarios as they apply their work to social contexts recognising
the potential of music to enrich the lives of everyone.
Programme aims:

 to develop advanced performance and music creation skills in a range of popular

music genres
 to enable students to develop an individual artistic voice through autonomous and
collaborative learning, and a profound competency in leadership
 to have a curiosity and musical fluency that transcends genre and musical
boundaries with a view to making new work
 to gain a deep understanding of music contexts through cultural, musicological and
aesthetic perspectives and critique
 to have a sophisticated understanding of audiences and the music industry and
society with a range of clear strategies to contribute and shape the cultural
landscape.

The programme is comprised of four core modules that run throughout three years:
1. Performance and Production is a practical module in which students receive individual
tuition, perform in small groups in the Band component and learn. The Tools of
Production strand features studies in studio and laptop music production with projects
ranging creative sound study to re-mix projects. Students are expected to develop
refined skills in self-learning, through reflection, peer support and mentoring. There are
two major band projects each year that feature Club Nights and other public
performances. Students will study expression and stagecraft informed from a theatre and
choreologically informed perspective.
2. Industry Insights involves two components delivered in seminar groups, lectures and
online with a blended approach to learning. The Industry Studies component provides
study of the music industry, its audiences, how to reach them and how to protect
ownership of creative works. The Music and Society component is focused on the
contexts and development of popular music with a research-led focus ensuring the latest
content and argument
3. Craft and Creativity combines and applies skills acquisition with creative learning.
Musicianship focuses on the core musical skills relevant to popular music, while
Songwriting gives students the opportunity to continue to develop songwriting skills,
working both individually and collaboratively.
4. Collaborations incorporates participation in the annual CoLab festival. Students will also
work alongside BMus students in Creative leadership, the Artist as Educator,
Professional Placement and the option to take a BMus elective.
In the first year, students acquire core skills and knowledge in the four core modules of
Performance and Production, Industry Studies, Craft and Creativity and Collaborations. The
second year allows specialisation and the chance to curate and produce performances in
public and to gain experience in social contexts. Equipped with expertise, creative skills and
a grasp of underlying concepts, students progress to the third year in which they are
required to realise their creative projects.
As a part of the Trinity Laban community students are valued for their ability to perform,
create individual work and collaborate with others as equals. The programme emphasises
community, collaboration and a supportive approach to personal learning. All students take
part in CoLab where they participate in projects as a part of the Trinity Laban community of
musicians and dancers.
Upon completion of the programme, there is the opportunity to progress to related Level 7
programmes of study. Examples of postgraduate programmes are TL MMus Composition,
Goldsmiths MA in Popular Music and SOAS MA in ethnomusicology.
Graduates learn a sound working knowledge of music and are expected to gain a familiarity
with music notation. The programme is flexible to embrace music-making in a range of
genres, including those that are not widely notated and that use, for example, chord charts
rather than stave notation. Aural skills and memory will play a crucial part in the learning;
however, all students will study Musicianship. Differentiated learning is a key teaching
strategy across the programme. Staff training will be available to understand the learning
needs of the diversity of the cohort Learning
Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

K1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the processes that inform
the creation and performance of popular music;
K2. Show systematic knowledge and understanding of a broad range of popular music
repertoire and the ability to explore, synthesise and reimagine work;
K3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding the application of technology in the
creation and performance of popular music recording and production;
K4. Show an in-depth understanding of the components of musical language, and their
application in the realisation of imagination and personal expression;
K5. Show a systematic understanding of the music industry and knowledge of strategies
for the commercial potential and realisation of work;
K6. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of a range of evolving concepts and
debates in popular music and the music industry, including its social and cultural
contexts;
K7. Show an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge relating
to music, society and the music industry;
K8. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of creative collaboration and
processes of the implementation and evaluation of inter-disciplinary working;
K9. Show knowledge and understanding of physical and mental well-being and their
implications for maintaining a successful career in the arts.

Skills

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

S1. Demonstrate an individual musical personality through the application of musical

knowledge,
technique and creative expression;
S2. Show technical excellence and confidence in the use of technology to create music;
S3. Generate and input creative ideas and skills to collaborative projects taking a leadership
and project management role where appropriate;
S4. Apply and communicate ideas and critically evaluate arguments related to the
interpretation
of work to both specialised and non-specialised audiences;
S5. Negotiate within the music business, and identify and realise employment opportunities
within the cultural industries, social and community sectors;
S6. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, and manage personal learning and
development;
S7. Carry out research informed by current practice and scholarship in popular music;

Values and attitudes

On successful completion of this programme, students will:

V1. Be able to take initiative and show responsibility for personal work and in collaboration
with others;
V2. Be confident in decision making in complex situations and shifting environments;
V3. Positively identify opportunity enterprise and social responsibility;
V4. Demonstrate a professional and positive approach to work and performance through
V5. timekeeping, planning, preparation and evaluation;
V6. Care about the contexts of their art and the relationship to where they live and work;
V7. Be able to give and receive criticism whilst maintaining a sense of personal artistic
direction.
GRADUAT E ATT RIBUT ES

In achieving institutional learning and teaching goals, Trinity Laban aims to produce
graduates from our Undergraduate programmes who (variously through their differing
programmes of study):
1. Are highly creative and resourceful and exhibit technical excellence within their field.
2. Have outstanding performance skills.
3. Are familiar with the possibilities offered by and through collaborative forms of working.
4. Have extensive knowledge of the context within which dance/music work is created
and performed.
5. Are confident in the creative use of technologies within their art-form.
6. Have the skills to develop as effective project leaders, able both to devise and manage
their own performance projects, workshops, research, and to participate as team
members in such activities.
7. Have the capacity to recognise the applied potential of their art form to engage with a
variety of contexts such as social, community, performance, business, education.
8. Have the potential to articulate persuasively and encourage and direct the participation
of others in their art form.
9. Are equipped to take advantage of the wide range of employment opportunities
available within the arts industries, and who understand how to generate their own
work and have the skills to manage a sustainable and enriching career.

CURRICULUM
Structure

Module Title Module Module Core/ Compensation Level

Code Credits Elective Y/N
Performance and Production (4) TBC 50 Core N 4
Band
Tools of Production
Industry Insights (4) TBC 30 Core N 4
Music and Society
Industry Studies
Craft and Creativity (4) TBC 30 Core N 4
Musicianship
Songwriting
Collaborations (4) TBC 10 Core Y 4
Creative leadership
CoLab
Performance and Production (5) TBC 50 Core N 5
Band
Tools of Production
 Industry Insights (5) TBC 30 Core N 5
Music and Society
Industry Studies
Craft and Creativity (5) TBC 30 Core N 5
Musicianship
Song writing
Collaborations (5) TBC 10 Core Y 5
Artist as Educator
CoLab
Performance and Production (6) TBC 60 Core N 6
Band
Tools of Production
Industry Insights (6) TBC 30 Core N 6
Music and Society (Personal
Project)
Industry Studies (Business Plan)
Craft and Creativity (6) TBC 20 Core N 6
Musicianship
Collaborations (6) TBC 10 Core Y 6
BMus Elective (61) (Option 1) See
Below.
Professional Placement (option2)
CoLab

Key Progression Points

Students must pass all credits in each year in order to progress and must successfully
complete any resits before fully enrolling in the next year of the programme (provisional
enrolment may be permitted in some circumstances). An Assessment Board meeting will be
held at the end of each academic year to ratify results and make decisions about students’
progression and awards. Notification of the decision will be sent to students in writing
alongside a transcript of results following the end of each year of study.

Where an assessment component is failed, a resit may be permitted by the Assessment

Board (or by the Interim Assessment Panel subject to confirmation by the Assessment
Board). The mark will be capped at the minimum pass mark of 40%. The date and mode of
reassessment will be set by the Interim Assessment Panel or by the Assessment Board
(depending on the timing of the assessment).
Options/Electives

List of Optional BMus Third-Year Electives (FHEQ 6)

Students are encouraged to apply for study on a BMus Elective as an alternative to a
Professional Placement. Electives offered at the advanced level of study (Level 6) will allow
students to pursue topics of particular interest and prepare them for direct entry into the
profession and/or their continuation to postgraduate study.
On completion of the module students will be able to apply sophisticated critical and
analytical understanding, capacity to explore and interrogate the unknown; show an
understanding of the relationship between theory and practice (praxis), and be able to
employ relevant techniques and methods to explain and demonstrate that interrelationship;
and communicate effectively through a variety of media to audiences of various types in
professional contexts or at postgraduate level.
The following is an indicative list of Elective options, which may be subject to change.
Generative
Arranging for Small Ensembles
Collaborative Composition for Performers
Conducting
Digital Musicianship
Improvisation and Interpretation
Traditional Music to Contemporary Folk Music
Academic
Analysis in Performance: Communicating Form
Critical Popular Music
Essential Performing Practice
Introduction to Music Psychology
Teaching
Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

Pre and Co-requisites

Application for the Elective will be run in tandem with the BMus application process. Students
will need to meet the requirements specified at the application stage to take part in the specific
elective with the approval of the Elective Module Leader and The BA MPI Programme Leader.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Total contact hours: 568.5 hours

This programme assumes 3650 learning and teaching hours. Contact time is defined as
tuition which is delivered by a tutor. It includes performances, individual tuition, larger group
tuition, seminars, departmental & academic classes, directed rehearsals, masterclasses and
supervised study. Contact and self-study time are itemised in module descriptions.

Total self-directed study hours: 3081.5 hours

Total learning and teaching hours: 3650 hours

Learning and teaching methods

Trinity Laban has a strong ethos of collaborative working, and as such this programme
places importance on the artist as a creator of music able to develop their musical identity as
a part of a community of learners curious about their art and informed by analysis and
contextual study.
Learning takes place through a blend of formal teaching, group work and individual study.
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, individual lessons,
tutorials and online learning.
All modules use Moodle as the central online environment for programme information,
learning and teaching materials, student forums and as the link to blended learning
resources (Auralia and PebblePad). All students are expected to engage with Auralia and
attain levels agreed with the Craft and Creativity module leader at the start of the year.
All students are expected to engage with technology and to learn how to work in a recording
studio and to be able to use music production software and hardware as a creative tool.
Individual and class teachers are drawn from a wide pool of Trinity Laban staff, many who
are internationally recognised in their field. Teachers are research active and value
research-led teaching as a part of their creative practice. Specialists and performers from the
music industry visit the programme and mentor students and deliver workshops.
Further to teacher-led learning, students are encouraged to use the conservatoire as a
community in which they develop self-led and collaborative approaches to learning through
an understanding of leadership and mentoring models.
Exchanges Programmes

Trinity Laban has a connection with conservatoires across Europe as a part of the Erasmus
programme.

ERASMUS/ and other Accredited Exchange Programmes

A list of ERASMUS partners and other institutions where exchange is possible is published
on the TL website.

https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/student-life/international-students/student-exchange-
programmes

Student mobility will normally take place in the 2 nd year of the programme. Credit will
normally be recognised up to a maximum of the equivalent of 60 UK credits (30 ECTS) in the
academic year where mobility has taken place. The mark awarded for the year will be
calculated using the average mark of the credits awarded at the home institution (TL) for that
year.

Work Based Learning

Gaining experience in “real world” scenarios as a part of your learning is an important for
your development as a professional artist. Learning placements happen in the second year
in community and socially engaged settings and in the third year more widely in the music
industry.
The Placement opportunities are provided for students as a part of the course in the second
and third year. Quality assurance, safeguarding, risk assessment and the overall experience
is the remit of the Programme Leader and the Learning and Participation department. All
placements refer to the QAA Advice and Guidance on work-based learning1 and ASET Good
Practice guidelines.2 Partners and placement providers are carefully vetted and supported

1
QAA UK Quality Code Advice and Guidance, Work-based Learning, 2018
2
ASET Good Practice Guide for Work-based and Placement Learning in Higher Educaton, 2013
by the programme team to ensure a structured and rewarding learning experience. A guide
for partners and students is provided in addition to meetings, training is provided where
appropriate. Detailed monitoring and evaluation form a crucial part of the offer. Trinity
Laban’s programme team have extensive experience in working with partners in supporting
students with special learning differences in professional environments and actively seek
and champion work placements for people with disabilities.
Second Year Placement (FHEQ Level 5)
In the Artist as Educator component of Collaborations module students will have the
option of performing in a school as a part of the Supersonics programme or to undertake a
Learning and Participation placement in a community setting.
Option 1
Supersonics is Trinity Laban’s school well-established performance programme. Students
attend up to seven rehearsals and perform 3 times in different schools. In addition to
creating a performance, students are encouraged to involve the audiences in participatory
music making. Participation can be in the form of singing, movement, joining in or engaging
in cross-disciplinary work such as drawing or dancing.
Option 2
Students are given the opportunity to take part in a placement. In June of the preceding
year, students are presented with a range of options for a placement. These placements are
run by the Learning and Participation department in association with a number of Trinity
Laban’s partners such as Entelechy arts, Heart and Soul, Streetwise Opera, Inspired not
Tired and Spring Forth. Having indicated their preference for a placement, students are
interviewed by the Module Leader and L&P project coordinator. After mutual agreement
about suitability and appropriateness of the experience, the student completes a code of
conduct contract and is required to undergo a DBS check if necessary. Once signed, the
student has an introductory meeting with the placement provider and a learning agreement
is discussed and noted by the L&P representative and Module leader. The student has a
one-hour induction and support session for the academic lead to discuss learning, reflective
practice and to establish a chain of communication. During the placement, students are
encouraged to stay in touch with their tutor who will provide learning support in
documentation, evaluation and report writing.
The placement programme is evaluated on an individual, project and module level on an
annual basis.
Third Year Placement (FHEQ Level 6)
In the Collaborations, module students have the option of taking the Professional
Placement option. Trinity Laban will find placements that present the genuine opportunity for
experience, learning and networking. Indicative placements will include working behind the
scenes at a venue, festival or for an arts organisation and potentially a placement in a studio
or shadowing an artist. Students can further the socially engaged placements that they took
in the previous year. There is also the opportunity to visit schools and community
organisations as a mentor to young people. It is possible for students to find their own
placement. The decision on the suitability and content of these opportunities rest with the
Programme Leader.
Placements can be taken at any time throughout the academic year but must be carefully
planned not to clash with existing classes or performance.
There is a rigorous process for identifying the placements and establishing an appropriate
learning experience for the student.
The placement procedure
1. Identification of placement provider/ partner
2. Discussion of options with students
3. Module Leader interview with student to find suitable placement
4. Introductory meeting with placement provider to discuss nature of experience and
learning expectations
5. Student signs TL Placement Code of Conduct and Learning agreement
6. Student attends placement – includes reflective journal
7. Placement debrief meeting
8. Tutorial
9. Student completes assignment
10. Placement evaluation
Please refer to the Student and Partners guide for processes relating to expectations,
learning, pointsof contact and conduct and complaints procedures.

ASSESSMENT

Overview

Assessment aims to reflect the world of the professional artist with a range of different
approaches that are carefully mapped against the learning outcomes of the programme.
Feedback is given as a part of the formal process and as formative next steps for learning as
a part of the course.
The word “assessment” derives from the Latin “ad sedere” which means, “to sit down
together”. In the Performance and Production module, students are actively involved in
the critique of their own work and are expected to discuss their artistic decisions in a viva.
The work is assessed against a set of criteria that consider: the performance, the creative
process, technical ability and the viva demonstrates understanding and critical thinking. This
method is designed to for the student to be actively invested in their learning recognises the
diversity of ways that popular music is made.
Industry Studies assess critical thinking and knowledge through oral and written formats,
ranging from creating a podcast to writing a full business plan. The Craft and Creativity
Module has a number of different approaches that include frequent iterative tasks such as
developing aural skills with Auralia whilst the Musicianship component features differentiated
targets as students achieve the baseline levels needed to progress.
The third-year project and the placement options require students to evidence their work and
to evaluate the experience.
What do I have to do to pass?

In order to pass the programme you must achieve the credit for each module in each Part.
You must pass each module with an overall mark of 40. There may also be a requirement for
you to achieve a minimum mark in each assessment. Where this is the case it will be stated
in the module specification.
AWARDS

This programme can lead to one of four awards: on successful completion of all level 4
modules, the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE); on successful completion of all level
4 and 5 module the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE); on successful completion of all
level 4 and 5 modules an 60 credits at level 6 the BA (Ordinary) degree; and on successful
completion of 360 credits at levels 4, 5 and 6, the BA (Hons) degree.

The minimum percentage in the overall aggregate of Level 4 modules for recommendation
for the Cert(HE) award shall normally be:

With Distinction Minimum 70%

With Merit Minimum 60%
Without classification Minimum 40%

Dip(HE) The minimum percentage in the overall aggregate of Level 4 and 5 modules for
recommendation for the Dip(HE) award shall normally be:

With Distinction Minimum 70%

With Merit Minimum 60%
Without classification Minimum 40%

BA (Ordinary) may be awarded to students completing 300 credits (including 60 credits at

level 6). The ordinary degree is awarded without classification.

BA (Hons) The minimum percentage in the overall aggregate for recommendation for BMus
(Hons) shall normally be:

Class 1 (I) Minimum 70%

Class 2 Upper Division (II:i) Minimum 60%
Class 2 Lower Division (II:ii) Minimum 50%
Class 3 (III) Minimum 40%
Level 5 will constitute 20% of the overall aggregate.

Level 6 will constitute 80% of the overall aggregate.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

The main criteria for selection onto the programme are determined through the interview and
workshop process. The previous qualifications are considerations; however, the main decision
is based on the audition and workshop. Entry to the programme is dependent upon selection
at an audition and participation in a 40-minute workshop with other candidates

The 30-minute audition comprises a performance of two contrasting pieces of no more than 7
minutes and an interview:
1) an original work (3 minutes)
 2) a performance of an existing piece of popular, folk or contemporary music (3
minutes)
3) A series of aural and musical skills tests
4) an interview

Workshop
The candidate will take part in a music workshop in which they are required to join in,
develop creative ideas and show how they work in a group. The workshop will consist of
range of devises and show the ability to assimilate ideas and co-operate in music making.
TL welcomes applications from musicians in any genre on any instrument or voice; acoustic
electric or digital. We are primarily looking for students who show talent and originality in
performance and production with the ability to apply technique, show potential with a
capacity and desire to learn.

 Fluency and flair in instrumental or vocal performance or laptop production, and;

 3 GCSEs (including English Language) at Grade C or above, and;
 Two A level passes (of which one should normally be Music) or Equivalent
qualifications and/or relevant prior experience, or;
 BTEC Extended Diploma at levels MMM, or;
 BTEC Level 3 Diploma at D*D*.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language should demonstrate proficiency in
English equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in all elements.
We welcome applicants who do not have access to the standard entry requirements.
Applicants have the opportunity to submit evidence of their experience and previous training
for consideration through the non-standard admissions process.
Non-UK students will be required to provide evidence of their eligibility to study in the UK,
and this programme is eligible visa sponsorship.
Criteria for acceptance onto the programme

 Fluency of technique and the ability to communicate with music in at least one main
discipline;
 Originality and creativity;
 The ability to convey relevant stylistic approaches to genre in performance;
 A capacity for independent, critical and reflective thinking;
 Intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn;
 Organisation of ideas;
 Confidence and clarity in communication.

CAREERS

Graduates of the BA MPI will be prepared to find work as performers and producers in
popular music. The industry skills gained throughout the programme enable the student to
identify audiences and promote their work. Production and workplace experience enable
competency in realising a portfolio of music opportunities. The understanding of rights and
publishing facilitate the monetisation of creative work from the outset.
The relationships developed with peers and as a part of the Trinity Laban community mean
that graduates will have gained expertise in group working and will be a part of a network of
alumni musicians and dancers. All graduates are offered an alumni mentor on the year after
leaving the institution as a means helping the transition to professional life.

Trinity Laban has a reputation for training artists in a wide range of popular music scenarios.
Alumni such as Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Femi Koleoso and Laura Jurd, the Puppini
Sisters are all alumni of the Jazz department.

Further alumni profiles can be found in the Trinity Laban website:

http://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/alumni/alumni-profiles?tag=2089

Placements and specialists throughout the program give students the opportunity to identify
other areas of work such as working as community artists, teachers and music leaders.
There is also the potential to applying transferable skills in the administration and
organisation of production, festivals, venues and labels.
Comprehensive careers support is available for all TL students and recent graduates,
supported by a dedicated Careers Coordinator and our careers website:
www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/student-experience/careers