Popular Music Performance - Foundation Degree (University of Kent)

Course Code: 3868

Duration : 2 years

The course gives you experience of performing and recording and is broken down as follows:

Year 1

You will investigate classic and modern Progressive Rock, including Mars Volta, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Flaming Lips, King Crimson, Kate Bush, Genesis, David Bowie and many others - and Experimental/Electronic music, such as Roxy Music, Massive Attack, Portishead, Bjork, Radiohead, Leftfield, Aphex Twin, and much more.

In these modules, you will be divided into bands and graded on your performance of a 40-minute set, chosen from a varied repertoire list featuring the work of the above artists and many others. You also compose pieces employing 20th century avant-garde/experimentalist concepts such as minimalism, aleatory principles, musique concrte etc.

Alongside this, the Contextual Studies module requires you to write an essay and give a practical presentation demonstrating knowledge of the political, social and cultural background associated with the above genres, and musical analysis of key works. In the Musicianship module, students produce arrangements (using Sibelius software) of pieces in the above genres, demonstrating familiarity with associated techniques and conventions.

Year 1 students also study for the Grade 8 Popular Music Theory Examination (London College of Music syllabus). The class starts from around Grade 5 level. On the Foundation Degree, instrumental/vocal tuition is offered in small groups as part of the course, by specialist and trained tutors who are successful practitioners in the industry, performing regularly in various high-profile acts and projects.

Year 2

In Year 2, students immerse themselves in the "gumbo" of New Orleans' musical culture.

You will study and perform genres including rare, retro and modern funk - acts like the Meters, Eddie Bo, Galactic, Dumpstaphunk, Trombone Shorty etc, soul and R & B - Irma Thomas, James Booker, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Second Line/ Parade music - Dr John, The Wild Tchoupitoulas, Big Chief Bo Dollis etc. In April, the Year 2 students go to New Orleans for a field trip. Last year during the trip we managed to land a spot performing at the French Quarter Festival, on the United Airlines International Stage with internationally-renowned jazz singer Lillian Boutt, as well as attending lectures at Tulane University, meeting local musicians and participating in music workshops, learning about Mardi Gras Indians, Voodoo, Hurricane Katrina, Zydeco and Cajun music, and finding alligators in the bayous! We also carry out volunteering work through a specialist agency, and through this we planted marsh grasses to regenerate the hurricane-damaged eco-system in the swamps, and led a music workshop for disadvantaged and musically-talented children in a church in the Treme district.

Modules on this course are supported by specialist tutors who have succeeded in the industry within
the relevant areas.

Those who wish to write new music can undertake the Original Project Module. Year 1 - create 3 songs/pieces -Year 2 rising to 5 songs leading to creating an entire original album on the BA (Hons) course! Some of the acts created for the purposes of this Module have been very successful and are still continuing beyond the course and touring/ playing festivals UK-wide - notable examples including Bareface (an "electro-grimepunk" act) and the very successful five-piece 60's-based act Sarah Tonin.
Original artists can employ students taking the Session Musician Module - their job is to contribute musically to the original act. They are musicians who want to really concentrate on their playing, and achieve the highest standards of musicianship, technique and improvisation. Session Musicians also perform a Showcase Recital to demonstrate their skills.
Alternatively, students can choose to start a Covers/ Function/ Tribute Band, on any theme of their choice. In the past these have ranged from a vocal/ piano duo - suitable for performing in restaurants, hotels etc, to a 5-piece party funk band, to a Jazz Trio, to an alt/ rock Girl Band etc. Promotion is integral to the Theme Project Module, and they have to make a website for their act. In Year 1 they perform a 45-minute set, and in Year 2 the requirement rises to 2 x 45 minute sets, and if continuing onto the BA for a third year, 3 x 40 minutes - which is the accepted industry standard.
In the second year, you can also choose the popular Principles of Teaching Module where students are trained as teachers, through placements within our own lower level classes in the Further Education department at K College, teaching 16 year-old beginner musicians. This assists students to develop a private teaching practice, or enter employment as a peripatetic instrumental/ vocal teacher in local schools. Your teaching is observed regularly, and you get useful feedback on how to improve, design exciting teaching resources, and plan your lessons. Also available are Mu

Entry Requirements:

You need to have a relevant Level 3 (A-Levels, BTEC or other) plus three GCSEs including English and maths at C or above to apply.

All candidates will take part in an audition that may include: sight-reading, aural tests, theory and general musicianship, chart-reading, instrumental techniques, improvisation and general knowledge of popular music.

You also need ideally Grade 7 (or equivalent) first instrument, Grade 4 (or equivalent) second instrument and Grade 4 (or equivalent) Music Theory, however if you do not hold these Musical Grades you may be auditioned and considered on an individual basis.

Mature students without formal entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis.

You will also be interviewed. Due to some parts of the course involving work with young people, you will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Career Options:

The course aims for you to enter the music industry, particularly in performance and teaching.
Successful students can also progress onto the third year of the BA (Hons) Degree in Popular Music at the College.
You will need your own musical instruments (first and second study) and regular access to a high specification computer (preferably with Logic and Sibelius). Vocalists will need their
own microphone (Shure SM58 or equivalent).
Please note that instrumental/vocal/music theory examination fees range from 25-90 each, depending on the Grade taken.

Course Starting: Monday 24 Sep 2012 - Full Time - Tonbridge