Program Overview

Got a passion for music performance and production? Hoping to pursue a music degree here at Solent University? The foundation year in music is structured to equip you with the broad range of production and performance skills you’ll need to progress onto the full BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Production degree.

The foundation year enables students from widely varied backgrounds, and with varying aspirations, to develop their music production and performance skills, while helping to acclimatise to the ethos and expectations associated with higher education study in general, and study at undergraduate level.

Suitable for both schooled and self-taught musicians, Solent's popular music performance and production degree combines creativity and technical learning with in-depth academic and research skills.

The course offers a broad range of creative and technical learning in music and production carefully balanced with the acquisition of academic skills involving research and critical thinking. Students will gain experience both specific to the music industry and relevant to other careers.

The course features extensive study of the music industry including copyright, contract law and career pathways. Students are also expected to develop transferable skills in research, IT, presentation, teamwork, creative thinking, communication and project management.

Student learning is aided by access to our industry standard facilities. These include nine recording studios (networked with Protools HD and Logic Pro), a range of mixing workstations, and a Production Lab with 24 Apple workstations (with Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Sibelius). You’ll also have access to large rehearsal rooms fully equipped with backline and PAs.

The curriculum is delivered by an experienced course team, many of whom are active industry experts with professional experience in performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design and the business and culture of music production. Staff frequently engage with on-going research in music composition, performance and production. The team’s industry links also enable a handpicked selection of students to record at the world renowned Abbey Road Studios.