BIMM London - 1718 - version 3-print

YOUR

MUSIC
CAREER

STARTS
HERE

LONDON EUROPE’S PROSPECTUS
MOST CONNECTED 2017/18
BERLIN MUSIC COLLEGE
DUBLIN ABOUT BIMM 1
BIRMINGHAM
MANCHESTER BIMM.CO.UK
BRISTOL
BRIGHTON

YOUR MUSIC CAREER
STARTS HERE.

2 CONTENTS

DEAR STUDENT,

As College Principal for BIMM London, working with international live agents,
there’s nothing more satisfying than various positions within record labels
attending an end-of-term gig and seeing (Island Records, Universal, Warner Bros.),
all the students’ hard work and talent come as a radio presenter and producer, and in
to fruition right before your eyes – whether media production for the BBC. I’ve always
they’re performers, songwriters, producers enjoyed the more DIY side of the music
or music entrepreneurs. For me, BIMM is all business, and I’m a prime example of just
about the music and all about the students. how varied and exciting a music career
can be if you follow a range of different
This same focus on people and creativity interests that are there for the taking, and
is also the reason why I love the music have the drive to succeed.
industry. Since I began my music career
many years ago, there’s never been a BIMM London is situated right at the heart
dull moment in my journey. From playing of what is probably the world’s biggest
bass in celebrated alternative bands and centre for music, and literally thousands of
touring the world numerous times, to opportunities are on our doorstep, thanks to
performing at summer festivals (Reading, an energetic live music scene and hundreds
All Tomorrow’s Parties, 2000trees, and of industry connections. The city has a rich
more), and completing sessions with MTV musical heritage which has generated some
and BBC Radio 1, my experience of the of the most influential artists responsible
music business has been stimulating, fun for shaping global music. Being so close to
and memorable – largely due to the many this buzz was the reason I came to London
interesting and unique people I’ve met in the first place, and it turned out to be
along the way. the start of a long and rewarding career,
providing unforgettable moments, amazing
As well as being a performer, I’ve been music, and friends for life. Being able to
lucky enough to experience many other indulge a passion, develop your talent and
ultimately launch a successful career in the
roles in the music industry you love is one of the greatest gifts
industry – including of all – and here at BIMM London, we’re
tour management, proud to help students do just that.
artist management,

JULIA RUZICKA
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
– BIMM LONDON

WELCOME 03

10 CONTENTS
16
72 05 ABOUT BIMM

06 LONDON – THE PLACE TO STUDY
08 LIFE AT BIMM

10 MASTERCLASSES
12 CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT

16 STUDENT SUCCESS
20 TUTORS

25 COURSES
58 SUMMER SCHOOLS

59 STUDENT SUPPORT
60 HOW TO APPLY

62 INTERNATIONAL
64 FEES AND FINANCE

66 STUDENT LOANS
67 SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

68 EDUCATION PARTNERS
69 ACCOMMODATION

70 OPEN DAYS AND COLLEGE TOURS
72 CONTACT INFORMATION

“REALLY IMPRESSED WITH
WHAT YOU HAVE HERE,
YOU’RE VERY LUCKY.”

ROGER DALTREY CBE
BIMM PATRON

044 CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

ABOUT

AT BIMM YOU’LL BE PART OF A CREATIVE COMMUNITY THAT GIVES YOU THE BEST
OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TALENT AND WORK IN ONE OF
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST AND MOST CELEBRATED INDUSTRIES.

The global music industry is worth around All of our colleges offer fully accredited
$50bn annually and this figure continues courses and are QAA-assured. Our tutors
to grow each year, providing a multitude of are experts in their field and still tour,
employment opportunities in the UK, Europe play and produce music with some of the
and abroad. For over 15 years, BIMM has been world’s biggest recording artists, such as
producing some of the industry’s brightest Radiohead, Paul Weller, Beyoncé, Madonna
talents, from best-selling artists such as The and Sir Paul McCartney.
Kooks, Tom Odell, Radiohead and George
Ezra to leading songwriters, musicians, agents, WHY LONDON?
producers, journalists, business professionals
and major-label managers. London is at the centre of music and
the arts, both in terms of national and
Location is vital to breaking into the music international reputation. As a culturally
industry, so we’ve based our colleges in diverse city with a large student
London, Berlin, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester population, London offers inspiration
and Dublin – the six European cities where and opportunities to many musicians
music matters most. These locations have and artists. Alongside the major record
thriving music scenes that allow you to labels and iconic music venues, the city
take advantage of our unrivalled industry has a thriving underground music scene
connections and the many collaborative with hundreds of venues and bars for
opportunities that arise. In this creative you to learn your craft.
environment you can network and develop
lifelong contacts while performing and staging
gigs at local venues and festivals, as well as
working with record labels, music producers
and rehearsal studios to get an authentic taste
for what life in the music industry is really like.

ABOUT BIMM 05

LONDON
PTTOLHAESCTEUDY

06 LONDON

LONDON IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S “ WE WERE ALWAYS
GREATEST CENTRES OF MUSIC. ENCOURAGED TO BETTER
IT’S A PERFECT PLAYGROUND OURSELVES AT BIMM, TO
FOR CHECKING OUT NEW BANDS, HAVE ENQUIRING MINDS,
NETWORKING WITH INDUSTRY AND TO CHALLENGE
PROFESSIONALS AND CONNECTING OURSELVES WITH OUR OWN
WITH A WEALTH OF RECORD INDIVIDUAL GOALS. I KNOW
LABELS, PROMOTIONS AGENCIES THAT IT’S MADE A REAL
AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. DIFFERENCE TO MY CAREER
AND HAS HELPED ME TO
Every style of music that’s ever been, and REALISE MY AMBITIONS.”
that ever will be, finds its place in London.
From legendary jazz players calling at CHARLIE MCCLEAN,
Soho’s Ronnie Scott’s, to breakthrough FOUNDATION DEGREE GRADUATE
indie outfits electrifying stages in Camden
Town, to chart-topping pop stars playing
multiple nights at the city’s arenas: there’s
no stopping London’s magnetism, as the
most vibrant variety of music consistently
calls at its countless venues.

And just as its music scene is incredibly
diverse, so too is the culture offered by
London. This is a multinational metropolis;
a city built on global influences. It’s a
melting pot of possibilities, and BIMM
London students can look forward to
exploring a multitude of rewarding pursuits
within its city limits. And should you feel
there’s something missing, where better
than London to kick-start your own
cutting-edge scene?

A GREAT WAY TO START YOUR CAREER
48% of the UK music industry is based
in London.*

*Source: Creative & Cultural Skills (2010).
Creative and Cultural Industry: Impact and
Footprint 2010/11.

LONDON 07

LIFE
AT
BIMM

AT BIMM WE WANT TO HELP YOU BROADEN
AND DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AS A MUSICIAN
OR MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL.

08 LIFE AT BIMM

“PROVIDING YOU
WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.”

WHETHER IT’S LEARNING INSIDE THE GIGS
CLASSROOM, IN A STUDIO, ON STAGE Life at BIMM is not all about coursework,
OR AT A FESTIVAL, WE’LL PROVIDE revision and exams – live music is a huge part
YOU WITH ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES of what we’re all about. Throughout your time
YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE YOUR at BIMM, you’ll be heavily involved in London’s
GOALS THROUGH CONNECTING AND live scene, whether it’s gigging, rehearsing or
INTERACTING WITH THE INDUSTRY IN promoting. We also run and put on our own
REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS. end-of-term gigs, showcasing our musicians,
bands and songwriters at a series of events
GUESTS AND MASTERCLASSES across the city.
We believe that to be the best it helps to
connect with the best, so we encourage “I FELT I FINALLY FITTED
you to meet and network with leading IN THERE. YOU COULD DO
music industry professionals. We YOUR OWN THING AND
use our connections to attract A-list THAT’S WHAT WE DID.”
musicians, songwriters, label executives,
A&R reps and booking agents to share LUKE PRITCHARD, THE KOOKS
their knowledge with you in regular BIMM GRADUATES
Masterclasses. Previous guests have
included: Danny O’Donoghue (The Script), LIFE AT BIMM 09
KT Tunstall, Chuck D (Public Enemy),
Imelda May, Graham Coxon (Blur), Keane,
Stephen Street (Producer: Blur, The
Smiths), Michael Eavis (Glastonbury),
Lawson, Ben Thompson (Two Door Cinema
Club) and BIMM patron Roger Daltrey CBE
(The Who).

BIMM ALBUM
Every year we release an album featuring
a host of BIMM musicians. BIMM bands and
artists submit demos for consideration,
and the chosen acts get to record at a
professional studio with engineers and
producers. The album is released to the
public and given to industry professionals
to showcase the very best of BIMM talent.

MASTERCLASSES
“TO BE THE BEST IT HELPS

TO MEET THE BEST.”

PREVIOUS BIMM SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE…

CHUCK D

PUBLIC ENEMY

PAUL WELLER

THE JAM

FRANK TURNER

SINGER-SONGWRITER

10 MASTERCLASSES

GRAHAM COXON

BLUR

GABRIELLE APLIN

SINGER-SONGWRITER

MARKY RAMONE MICHAEL EAVIS KT TUNSTALL
RAMONES GLASTONBURY SINGER-
FESTIVAL SONGWRITER

ROBERT TRUJILLO

METALLICA

MASTERCLASSES 11

BIMM
CONNECT

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

WE KNOW HOW SERIOUS YOU
ARE ABOUT FORGING A CAREER IN
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, AND HERE AT
BIMM, WE’RE JUST AS DETERMINED
TO HELP GET YOU THERE. BY BEING
THE BEST CONNECTED, WE
GUARANTEE TO MAKE YOU BEST
PREPARED FOR THAT CAREER IN
MUSIC.

We do this by connecting you to first-
hand industry experiences where you’ll
learn practical skills that can’t be taught
in the classroom, but are essential in
the real-world of employment. Our
approach works too, because 77% of
BIMM graduates are working within six
months of leaving us, with almost 50%
saying they found their job thanks to
connections made at BIMM. Your
music career starts here.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT HUBS
BIMM has over 50 dedicated Career Advisors
at our on-site Student Creative Career
Development Hubs across all six of our colleges.

12 CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT

INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT
INSIGHT PORTFOLIO

If you want to work in the music We know how competitive the music
business, it helps to know how it runs. industry can be. If you want to stand
As a BIMM student, you’ll learn this in out, you need to be prepared. At
person, via our ongoing programme of BIMM, we’re dedicated to giving you
industry partner events, Masterclasses unparalleled access to resources
and artist development sessions. From designed to expand your portfolio and
networking at Music Week’s industry land you that opportunity. Whether
event RADAR or soundchecking at it’s developing your online profile,
The Great Escape, to an internship growing your social media networks,
with one of the world’s biggest record having professional photography
labels, you’ll get unprecedented access taken, developing an Electronic Press
to our network of contacts – and will Kit (EPK), recording tracks for the
be rubbing shoulders with those who BIMM Album in a professional studio,
make the music industry happen. or filming a BIMM Sessions music
video, you’ll graduate with a series
77% of quality assets for your CV, and the
connections and knowledge required
of graduates are working within to professionally promote yourself.
six months of leaving BIMM*
50%
GET CAREER
READY of graduates found their job thanks
to connections made at BIMM*
At BIMM, our success is your success. From
day one as a student, we want to know * 2015/16 Graduate Survey
your career goals – we’ll log, track and
nurture them, to make sure you accomplish CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT 13
them. We have dedicated Career Advisors
who’ll help you search for suitable jobs,
will assist one-on-one with your CV, and
will find you work experience or a work
placement that directly suits your needs.
Last year, 34% of our students completed
an internship while at BIMM, and we’re
dedicated to seeing this figure increase
year-on-year. We’re committed to helping
you achieve a lifelong sustainable career
in the music industry, and with our advice,
guidance and support, you’ll leave us
knowing exactly how to go out and get it.

LIVE
EXPERIENCE

Performing live in the classroom is one
thing, but nothing is more important than
hitting the stage in front of a real audience
of friends, fans, fellow students and
industry influencers. Whatever your chosen
discipline, you’ll regularly participate in live
events, including not only BIMM-run gigs
and A&R showcases, but also opportunities
with fellow students that come from being
part of the wider BIMM community. You’ll
gain hands-on experience of the inner
workings of the music business, making
you a better, more confident musician.

“IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT EXCLUSIVE
A CAREER IN THE MUSIC FESTIVAL
INDUSTRY AND WANT A PARTNERSHIPS
GREAT EDUCATION IN HOW
THE INDUSTRY WORKS – The European festival and live events
THIS IS THE REAL DEAL.” industry is one of the largest in the world,
with a total of £3.1 billion generated in 2014 in
ROB HARRIS, JAMIROQUAI the UK alone. BIMM partners with a selection
of Europe’s biggest festivals to give you
INDUSTRY exclusive access to the most enviable real-life
EXPERTS work experience around. Throughout 2015,
over 1,100 BIMM students helped to set up,
Our tutors are some of the most influential run and perform at festivals throughout the
and successful people in the music business UK and Europe – taking care of everything
and are still making waves today. Together, including stage and event management, live
they’ve built up an enviable black book of sound, journalism and social media reporting.
contacts, including some of the biggest You’ll be industry-ready… and so will your CV.
names in global music. In 2015, through these
contacts, over 1,200 of our students had the
opportunity to showcase themselves in front
of major record labels, such as Virgin and
EMI. They were also able to participate in
everything from technical Masterclasses, and
talking guitar techniques with Graham Coxon,
to an industry Q&A session with Public
Enemy’s Chuck D. You’ll learn face-to-face
from those who really understand how the
music industry works… and are willing you
to succeed.

14 CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT

BPI
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
SONY MUSIC
WARNER MUSIC
MUSIC WEEK

GET CONNECTED

PRS FOR MUSIC
THREE SIX ZERO

BELIEVE DIGITAL
REEPERBAHN FESTIVAL HAMBURG

THE GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL
INTL LIVE MUSIC CONFERENCE

EAST SIDE MUSIC DAYS BERLIN
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY
PLEDGEMUSIC

DUFF PRESS AT BIMM WE’RE
SOME FRIENDLY PR PROUD OF OUR
CLOSE INDUSTRY
RAK STUDIOS CONTACTS AND
COMMUNION MUSIC ENJOY SUPPORTING
OUR STUDENTS AS
THE AGENCY THEY PROGRESS IN
THEIR CAREERS.

CAREERS - BIMM CONNECT 15

STUDENT SUCCESS

BIMM GRADUATES PROVE THAT TALENT, HARD WORK AND CONNECTIONS ARE
AN IMPRESSIVE MIX, WITH NEARLY 80% OF OUR ALUMNI MAKING A LIVING OUT

OF MUSIC ALONE. HERE WE PROFILE SOME OF OUR SUCCESS STORIES
– WITH MANY MORE TO BE FOUND AT: WWW.BIMM.CO.UK/STORIES

IZZY BIZU

JAMES BAY Izzy studied a Diploma in
Vocals at BIMM London,
The rise of BIMM Brighton singer-songwriter and guitarist graduating in 2012, and
James has been meteoric. In 2015, he won the BRITs ‘Critics’ wasted no time in getting her
Choice Award’ and placed second in the ‘BBC Sound Of’ list. music career up and running.
His single ‘Hold Back The River’ peaked at No. 2, hitting the In 2013 she won the ILUVLIVE
top spot in Ireland, while ‘Let It Go’ charted in the UK Top Open Mic competition in
10. His debut album ‘Chaos and the Calm’ went to No. 1 in the front of a crowd which
UK, and was the fifth biggest artist album of 2015. included Emeli Sandé and
Naughty Boy. Since then she’s
16 STUDENT SUCCESS supported Sam Smith on his
UK tour, opened for Jamie
Cullum at The Roundhouse,
played Glastonbury twice,
signed a worldwide recording
contract with Epic Records,
and performed two tracks on
‘Later… With Jools Holland’.

JENN HANEEF After graduating from BIMM Bristol, where
YAMAHA she was awarded her degree by Glastonbury
Festival founder Michael Eavis, Jenn secured
a career at Yamaha as a drum tutor, teaching
both groups and individual students. She
went on to launch the Waterloo Music School
in Bristol with fellow BIMM alumna Louisa
Baker, teaching drums, keyboards, vocals,
guitar and bass to a variety of ages across
the local community. Both graduates perform
in the all-female band The Baronesques.

BEN THOMPSON THE KOOKS ZARA MCFARLANE
TWO DOOR
CINEMA CLUB Multi-million-selling Since graduating from BIMM

As live drummer for indiepoppers The Kooks began London, jazz singer Zara has
Two Door Cinema Club,
BIMM graduate Ben has as students at BIMM, forming been signed to DJ Gilles
toured the globe several
times, performed at a as a band in Brighton in 2002. Peterson’s Brownswood
multitude of domestic and
international festivals and Their 2006 debut album ‘Inside Recordings, released two
made numerous television
appearances. A musician In/Inside Out’ is certified as albums to rave reviews in the
endorsed by Vic Firth and
Zildjian, Ben’s abilities four-times platinum in the UK, media, and has toured the
are well honed, and he
continues to be a pivotal and its follow-up, 2008’s ‘Konk’, world; including performing
part of Two Door Cinema
Club’s success. went straight into the domestic all over the US and gigging at

chart at No. 1, with album an exciting array of European

number three, ‘Junk Of The summer festivals. She’s also

Heart’ going Top 10 in 2011. The won a plethora of awards and

band is BRIT Award nominated honours, including The Art

and won in the category of Desk’s ‘Album of the Year’,

‘Best UK & Ireland Act’ at the ‘Best Jazz Act’ at the 2014

MTV Europe Awards in 2006. MOBO Awards and ‘Vocalist

of the Year’ at the 2015 Jazz

FM Awards.

STUDENT SUCCESS 17

GEORGE EZRA ADAM PITTS
LAWSON
George joined BIMM Bristol in 2011 to study
Songwriting – and was signed to Columbia BIMM graduate Adam is the drummer for
Records less than a year later. His debut Lawson, a major-label-signed foursome
single ‘Budapest’ reached No. 3 in the with no fewer than six Top 20 singles to
charts, attaining Platinum status. His debut their name and success throughout the
album ‘Wanted On Voyage’ hit No. 1, selling world. Lawson have twice supported pop
over one million copies in the UK alone, heavyweights The Wanted, and have also
and was the UK’s third biggest-selling toured alongside Will Young and Westlife.
album of 2014. The band’s 2012 debut album, ‘Chapman
Square’, was a Top 5 hit on its initial release,
and they had a No. 3 hit with ‘Juliet’ both in
the UK and abroad.

TOM ODELL PHILIP SELWAY
RADIOHEAD
BIMM Brighton Songwriting graduate Tom
signed to Columbia Records and in 2013 Philip is a former student who has well and
was nominated in the ‘BBC Sound Of’ poll. truly taken the music world by storm as
He won the ‘Critics’ Choice Award’ at The drummer for the band Radiohead – to date
BRITs, played Glastonbury Festival and his they’ve sold in excess of 40 million albums
debut album ‘Long Way Down’ went to No. worldwide. Radiohead’s 1997 album ‘OK
1. His rise continued into 2014, with two Computer’ was voted the best album of the
BRIT Award nominations and a win as the past 25 years by readers of Q Magazine, and
Ivor Novello ‘Songwriter of the Year’. in 2008 Philip was named the 26th greatest
drummer of all time by Gigwise.

18 STUDENT SUCCESS

CHARLIE MCCLEAN
BIFFCO SONGWRITING

Biffco is the songwriting team behind hits
for Ellie Goulding, Kylie Minogue, the Spice
Girls, Little Mix and many more – and BIMM
graduate Charlie is an essential part of its
creative processes, working as assistant
producer alongside the company’s founder,
Richard ‘Biff’ Stannard. With considerable
writing and backing vocalist experience
behind her, Charlie is rapidly developing her
talents as an engineer, working with the likes
of One Direction and Susan Boyle.

JORDAN KATE WALSH NATASHA BENT
WHITMORE SONGWRITER
A graduate of BIMM
Having completed a BA After graduating from the Brighton, Natasha
(Hons) in Professional Songwriting course at BIMM is now a highly
Musicianship at BIMM Brighton, Kate went on to successful booking
in 2010, Jordan became become the first unsigned agent. She is vice
a member of the act to top the iTunes chart president at The
Atlantic Records A&R with her second album Agency Group in
department. The label ‘Tim’s House’, knocking London, personally
is home to high-profile Take That from the top slot representing artists
acts such as Ed Sheeran, and securing distribution including Foals, The
Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, with Mercury Records. Kate Knife, CHVRCHES
Missy Elliott and Plan B. continues to write and and Foster The
Jordan also works for record music on her own People, while The
Brighton-based music label Blueberry Pie, and Agency Group’s
supervision company The is currently a Songwriting wider roster features
Sound Works. tutor at BIMM Brighton. acts including 50
Cent, Bring Me The
Horizon, Paramore
and A$AP Rocky.

For more success
stories, visit
www.bimm.co.uk/stories

STUDENT SUCCESS 19

MEET YOUR TUTORS
“BRITAIN’S BEST CONNECTED.”

OUR BIMM LONDON TUTORS ARE SOME OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL
PEOPLE IN THE MODERN MUSIC BUSINESS.

They really have done it all – from
headlining the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury
with Moby and playing drums in the
soundtrack to the Hollywood movie ‘Nine’,
to performing for The Queen and being a
vocal coach on the Russian version of The
X Factor. And they all remain active in the
industry, meaning you’ll have direct access
to their in-demand insider knowledge!

LISA LAUDAT
HEAD OF VOCALS

Before entering teaching, Lisa enjoyed
a successful career as a session vocalist
known for her versatility across all
genres. Artists she’s worked with include
Lionel Richie, East 17, Simply Red, All
Saints, Ben E. King, Edwin Starr, Emma
Bunton (Spice Girls), Peter Cox (Go
West), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd),
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Paul
Young, Paul Carrack, Chris Rea, Gabrielle
and Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones).
While studying for her MMus in Music
Performance at the London College of
Music, Lisa’s research focused on the
pursuit of excellence in contemporary
vocal learning and teaching.

20 TUTORS

JOHN WHEATCROFT
HEAD OF GUITAR

John leads a busy life as both a performer and
educator. He’s toured the world with both Carl Palmer
(ELP) and John Jorgenson (Elton John, Hellecasters)
and has performed alongside artists as diverse as Mike
Stern (Miles Davis), Frank Gambale (Chick Corea) and
Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple). A writer for publications
including Guitar Techniques and Guitarist, John has also
written the book, ‘Improvising Blues Guitar’ and fronts
his own acoustic quintet.

ANDREW MCKINNEY HEAD OF BASS

Andrew plays bass for Hammond funk/acid jazz band,
the James Taylor Quartet, appearing at gigs and
festivals all over the world. He’s also performed in
the West End and on TV, and writes a regular tuition
column for Bass Guitar Magazine. Live, he’s played
with The Feeling, Beverley Knight, Kid Creole and the
Coconuts, Omar, Tony Christie, Chad Smith, Jamelia,
the Jungle Brothers, Flava Flav, LL Cool J, Engelbert
Humperdinck, plus many more.

ERIK STAMS
HEAD OF DRUMS

Erik has over 20 years of performing
experience. He studied at the Brooklyn
Conservatory of Music and privately
with the legendary Henry Adler and
Jerry Gonzalez. After touring Japan
with Walter Schreifles (Rival Schools),
Erik settled in London performing
and recording with Butch Thomas
(Sting), Jamie Lawson, Jon Langford
(The Mekons, The Three Johns), The
Glyndbourne Touring Opera, Eyes on
Film, Drill Queen, Adrian Portis (New
Model Army) and The Darling Buds. Erik
also contributes monthly tutorial/video
lesson for Rhythm magazine.

TUTORS 21

PAUL LESTER
HEAD OF MUSIC JOURNALISM

Paul has been a freelance journalist for over 25 years
writing for publications including Melody Maker,
Time Out, The Guardian (New band of the day/week
column) Sunday Times, Daily Express, Independent,
MOJO, Record Collector, Classic Rock.

Paul has also published over 20 books on bands/artists
including Blur, Pulp, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Bjork,
Verve, Dizzee Rascal, Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams.

JOHAN ENGLUND
HEAD OF MUSIC PRODUCTION

Johan has spent his working life in studios, gaining
his experience as an in-house producer at one
of Sweden’s most prestigious music production
companies, before moving to the UK. As a house
producer and engineer for EMI Publishing, Johan has
worked with artists ranging from Busted and Lulu
and The Lampshades, to So Solid Crew and Salaam
Remi. He’s written and recorded with members of The
Vaccines, Daughter and the George Ezra band, and
has also worked with Spanish psy-garage rock outfit,
Deers, and electronic artist, Jones.

BECKY JONES
HEAD OF SONGWRITING

Becky is a singer, songwriter and producer currently
performing under the name of Saint Saviour. Having
cut her teeth on electronic music in the early noughties
as part of the East London scene, various dance/
pop collaborations and projects led her to a writing
relationship with Groove Armada which soon developed
into fronting the band live around the world along with
Candi Staton, Neneh Cherry and MC M.A.D. Becky writes
for other artists, as well as performing solo.

22 TUTORS

IAN MACK
HEAD OF MUSIC BUSINESS

Since signing to WEA Records and Warner Publishing,
Ian’s career as seen him work across many areas of the
entertainment industry from record producer to publisher.
Working with a wide range of artists including Jessie J,
MNEK, Take That, Keane, Boyzone, Roger Sanchez, Sir Cliff
Richard and Whitney Houston.

In 2005, as Vice President of Right Bank Music UK, Ian
helped take the companies total record sales over 200
million, with artists such as Leona Lewis, Backstreet Boys,
Nick Lachey, Cher, Enrique Iglesias, Kylie Minogue, LeAnn
Rimes, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Tina Turner, Lionel
Richie and Celine Dion. Ian currently consults for various
companies in the creative industries, providing creative
and business services..

SVETLANA VASSILEVA
HEAD OF LIVE PERFORMANCE

Svetlana is a professional musician and educator.
As a touring bass player for Moby, she’s travelled
around the planet several times; her personal
highlights being Moby’s Glastonbury 2003
Pyramid Stage headline and the iTunes festival
performance in London, which was streamed
live on the iTunes website. She’s performed with
Glenn Tilbrook, John Barrowman and Sharleen
Spiteri, and her first band, the Vegastones,
supported Duran Duran on a UK arena tour.

For a full list of tutors, visit
www.bimm.co.uk/london

TUTORS 23

24 TUTORS

LONDON
COURSES

26 BA (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP
30 BA (HONS) IN SONGWRITING
34 BA (HONS) IN MUSIC BUSINESS
36 BA (HONS) IN EVENT MANAGEMENT
40 BA (HONS) IN MUSIC JOURNALISM
42 BA (HONS) IN MUSIC PRODUCTION
46 BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE
50 BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE

WITH FOUNDATION YEAR
54 DIPLOMA IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE
56 DIPLOMA IN SONGWRITING
58 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC PRODUCTION
60 SUMMER SCHOOLS

COURSES CONTENTS 25

BA (HONS) IN

PROFESSIONAL
MUSICIANSHIP

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS
AND VOCALS

UCAS CODE: W313
3 YEARS FULL-TIME

26 BA (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP

“TURN YOUR PASSION
FOR MUSIC INTO A CAREER.”

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS AND VOCALS
UCAS CODE: W313

If you’re a musician who loves performing live Life at BIMM will stretch you as a musician,
or recording in the studio, then the BA (Hons) composer and performer, but will inspire you as
in Professional Musicianship will help turn your a fan too, as you attend unique Masterclasses
passion for music into a career. by some of the best musicians in the world.

At BIMM London, we understand that live So to make your way as a musician, connect
performance is the key to you becoming a with us, and we’ll connect you to a life in music.
great musician, so you’ll spend a lot of time on
stage to help you develop and find your niche PROGRESSION ROUTE
as a performer. Graduates can progress directly to
employment in the music industry in roles
You’ll also further hone your skills by receiving such as solo performer, band member, session
tuition in technique, music theory and styles musician, backing vocalist or songwriter, or
across a wide range of genres from pop and can continue their study with a Postgraduate
punk to folk and funk. Certificate in Learning and Teaching at BIMM
Brighton.
The degree is both academically and musically
challenging, providing the perfect balance ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
between practical and technical skills, and Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade E or above (32
theory and analysis. UCAS Points), OR BTEC Level 3 equivalent,
and five GCSE qualifications with minimum
You’ll explore and develop your potential grade of C/4, including English Language.
career pathways through research and Applications by experienced musicians without
professional projects, and will learn the formal qualifications may also be considered
essential business skills required to work through APEL.
successfully in the music industry.
Plus you’ll get to plug into one-of-a-kind Validated by the University of Sussex (Subject
networking opportunities and collaborate with to approval).
likeminded fellow musicians during your time
on the course.

Through a range of optional modules,
including Solo Performance, Music Business
Studies, Music Teaching Practice and Online
Music, you can tailor the degree to fit your
own personal goals.

BA (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP 27

“ WE WERE ALWAYS
ENCOURAGED TO BETTER
OURSELVES AT BIMM, TO HAVE
ENQUIRING MINDS, AND TO
CHALLENGE OURSELVES WITH
OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL GOALS. I
KNOW THAT IT’S MADE A REAL
DIFFERENCE TO MY CAREER
AND HAS HELPED ME TO
REALISE MY AMBITIONS.”

CHARLIE MCCLEAN
FOUNDATION DEGREE GRADUATE

BA (Hons) in Professional Musicianship

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

All students take the All students take the All students take the following
following core modules in following core modules in core modules in their third
their first year of study: their second year of study: year of study:

• Essential Styles • Research Methods • Professional Project
• Techniques • Professional Musicianship • Professional Development
• Applied Music Business • Cultural Perspectives • Analytical Perspectives
• Artist Development • Performance in Context • Ensemble Performance
• Applied Music Theory
and Entrepreneurship Students will select one
• Live Performance and Critical Listening option from the following
optional modules:
Workshop Students will select one
• Music Theory and option from the following • Music Teaching Practice
optional modules: • Solo Performance
Notation • Music Theory and Analysis
• Online Music
• Studio Musicianship
• Studio Recording
• Applied Music Business
• Music Publishing

For module descriptions and more
information, visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

28 BA (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP

For entry to Year 2, students must complete Year 1 with
120 credits achieved. External applications to Year 2 are
accepted – for details, please contact [email protected]

BA (HONS) IN PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANSHIP 29

BA (HONS) IN
SONGWRITING

UCAS CODE: 3C46

If you’re a songwriter with a creative flair You’ll get to attend unique and inspiring
for composition and lyric writing, then the Masterclasses by some of the best
BA (Hons) in Songwriting will help turn your musicians in the world which will stretch
passion for music into a career. you as a songwriter.

At BIMM London, we have a strong focus Your course will culminate in a
on writing technique, analysis and personal Professional Project designed to give
stylistic development, and you’ll be you the opportunity to develop a live
encouraged from day one to explore your industry project of your choice, and to
creativity as an artist in a range of disciplines, give you a head start into the workplace
from solo and group performance to when you graduate.
commercial songwriting and music production
for film, television and online channels. So, to make your way as a songwriter,
connect with us, and we’ll connect you to
The degree is both academically and musically a life in music.
challenging, providing the perfect balance
between practical and technical skills, and PROGRESSION ROUTE
theory and analysis. Graduates can progress directly to
employment in the music industry
To succeed as a great songwriter, a detailed in roles such as songwriter, singer-
understanding of the music business is songwriter, solo performer and band
essential. We’ll share our knowledge of member, or can continue their study
music publishing, contracts and recording with a Postgraduate Certificate in
technology, and will deliver our teaching in Learning and Teaching at BIMM
line with the latest trends and directions in the Brighton.
evolving music industry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You’ll be part of a creative community of Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade E or
gifted writers, performers and music industry above (32 UCAS Points), OR BTEC
professionals who you can collaborate and Level 3 equivalent, and five GCSE
network with to help bring your talent to life. qualifications with minimum grade
of C/4, including English Language.
Through a range of optional modules, Applications by experienced musicians
including Performance in Context, Music without formal qualifications may also
Business Studies, Music Teaching Practice and be considered through APEL.
Online Music, you can tailor the degree to fit
your own personal goals. Validated by the University of Sussex
(Subject to approval).

30 BA (HONS) IN SONGWRITING

3 YEARS FULLL--TTIIMMEE

BA (Hons) in Songwriting

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

All students take the All students take the All students take the following
following core modules in following core modules in core modules in their third
their first year of study: their second year of study: year of study:

• Music Business • Research Methods • Professional Project
• Artist Development and • Cultural Perspectives • Professional Development
• Writing for Digital Media • Analytical Perspectives
Entrepreneurship • Music Publishing • Commercial Songwriting
• Songwriting Techniques • Creative Processes
• Songwriting Styles Students will select one
Students will select one option from the following
and Genres option from the following optional modules:
• Live Performance optional modules:
• Music Teaching Practice
Workshop (SW) • Performance in Context • Ensemble Performance
• Music Theory in Practice • Studio Musicianship • Music Theory and Analysis
• Studio Recording • Online Music
• Applied Music Theory

and Critical Listening

For module descriptions and more information,
visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

BA (HONS) IN SONGWRITING 31

32 BA (HONS) IN SONGWRITING

“SUCCESS DOESN’T
ALWAYS COME EASILY.
IT TAKES THE RIGHT
COMBINATION OF
TALENT, HARD WORK
AND VALUABLE
CONNECTIONS TO
MAKE YOUR WAY IN
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.”

BA (HONS) IN SONGWRITING 33

BA (HONS) IN
MUSIC BUSINESS

UCAS CODE: N826

The BA (Hons) in Music Business at London’s best gigs, musicians and venues will
BIMM London is a specialist vocational be right on your doorstep to help enhance your
programme designed for those wishing understanding of what the music business is
to pursue a career in a range of music all about. You’ll also be a part of our thriving
industry roles, such as A&R, management BIMM community mixing with gifted writers,
or promotion. performers, alumni and music industry
professionals. And you never know – with all
This course aims to nurture your creative this talent, you could discover the next big
flair while developing core skills as a music thing right here!
business entrepreneur across a wide range of
subject areas. You’ll be offered opportunities So, what are you waiting for? To make your
to build your knowledge of the industry while way in the music business, connect with us, and
developing innovative ideas in the context of we’ll connect you to a life in music.
our city’s uniquely pro-active and inspiring
music business culture. PROGRESSION ROUTE
Graduates can progress directly to employment
Our well-connected tutors will guide in the music industry in entrepreneurial areas
and support you through the teaching such as artist management, A&R, events,
of professional development, project- marketing, media law, merchandising, music
management and business skills across areas publishing, journalism and tour management.
such as artist management, marketing, music Alternatively, they can continue their study with
publishing, copyright legislation, the internet a BIMM Postgraduate Certificate in Learning
and social media, the live industry, music and Teaching.
recording and distribution.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You’ll also have the opportunity to access Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade C or above (64
to work experience opportunities that will UCAS Points), OR BTEC Level 3 equivalent,
develop your ‘hands-on’ industry knowledge and five GCSE qualifications with minimum
through placements and internships with a grade of C/4, including English Language.
wide range of music-focused employers, or Applications by experienced musicians without
be supported in entrepreneurial ventures of formal qualifications may also be considered
your own design. through APEL.

Validated by the University of Sussex (Subject
to approval).

34 BA (HONS) IN MUSIC BUSINESS

3 YEARS FULL-TIME

BA (Hons) in Music Business

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

All students take the All students take the All students take the
following mandatory following mandatory following mandatory modules
modules in their first year modules in their second in their third year of study:
of study: year of study:
• Professional Project
• Concert / Event • Research Methods • Professional Development
Promotion & Tour • Studio Recording • Analytical Perspectives
Management • Cultural Perspectives • Advanced Online Music
• Engaging With Industry • Music Event Management
• Live Sound Technology
• Administration & (Work-Based Learning)
• Marketing & Media
Entrepreneurship • Music Publishing
• Introduction To

Digital Music
• Artist Development

And Management
• Music Business

For module descriptions and more
information, visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

BA (HONS) IN MUSIC BUSINESS 35

BA (HONS) IN

EVENT
MANAGEMENT

UCAS CODE: N820
3 YEARS FULL-TIME

36 BA (HONS) IN EVENT MANAGEMENT

“MIX WITH BRITAIN’S
MOST TALENTED ARTISTS.”

EVENT MANAGEMENT
UCAS CODE: N820

With festivals and tours becoming an collaborations and gigs at the numerous local
increasingly important source of revenues venues around London. It’s our direct access to
for bands and artists, as well as such a vital artists, festivals and venues that really sets the
tool for building a fan base, promoters in BA (Hons) in Event Management degree apart
the live music industry have never been in from others available, and is one of the many
such demand. features which will equip you for a long and
successful career in the events industry.
If you see yourself as a future event promoter,
then the BA (Hons) in Event Management So, what are you waiting for? To make your
will not only teach you all you need for a way as a live events promoter, connect with us,
successful career in the live music and creative and we’ll connect you to a life in music.
industries, but will also ensure that you
connect with the best people in the business PROGRESSION ROUTE
to turn that career ambition into a reality. Graduates can progress directly to
employment in the music events industry in
The course covers the complex and detailed areas such as live music, event promotion,
structure of the contemporary events industry, and the organisation of sporting and
and will equip you with a comprehensive set corporate events, music and cultural
of business and management skills across a festivals, and weddings. Alternatively,
diverse range of potential career paths. Your they can continue their study with a BIMM
day-to-day learning will be unique, relevant Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and
and cutting-edge, and delivered by well- Teaching.
connected tutors still active in the modern
events industry. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade C or above (64
At BIMM London, you’ll have countless UCAS Points), OR BTEC Level 3 equivalent,
opportunities to use skills learned on the and five GCSE qualifications with minimum
course to put on events, festivals, club grade of C/4, including English Language.
nights and more. You’ll be part of our Applications by experienced musicians without
thriving BIMM community, mixing with formal qualifications may also be considered
gifted performers, writers, alumni and music through APEL.
industry professionals, and will be encouraged
to express your entrepreneurial spirit via Validated by the University of Sussex (Subject
to approval).

BA (HONS) IN EVENT MANAGEMENT 37

“WORKING AT SONY WAS AN
AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I LEARNED
SO MUCH AND WAS ABLE TO MEET
FRONTLINE ARTISTS. I CAME TO
APPRECIATE FIRST HAND HOW
THE MODULES I AM STUDYING AT
BIMM ARE TRULY RELEVANT AND
APPLICABLE IN THE REAL WORLD
OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.”

TOM BECK,
FOUNDATION DEGREE GRADUATE

BA (Hons) in Event Management

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

All students take the All students take the All students take the
following core modules in following modules in their following modules in their
their first year of study: second year of study: third year of study:

• Concert/Event • Research Methods • Professional Project
Promotion & Tour • Events & the Audience • Professional Development
Management • Event Concept & Design • Financial Management
• Engaging With Industry
• Live Sound Technology and Funding
• Administration & (Work-Based Learning) • Event Promotion and
• Marketing & Media
Entrepreneurship • Event Logistics & Services Digital Media
• Event Concept & Design • Events and the
• Introducing Event
Environment
Management
• Music Business

For module descriptions and more
information, visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

38 BA (HONS) IN EVENT MANAGEMENT

BA (HONS) IN EVENT MANAGEMENT 39

BA (HONS) IN

MUSIC
JOURNALIS

UCAS CODE: P500

If you’re looking to pursue a career in journalism, You’ll be regularly encouraged to network,
but would like to specialise in the discipline of connect and collaborate with fellow BIMM
music from the very start, then the BA (Hons) in students as part of the course, giving you
Music Journalism at BIMM London will give you unique access to a huge talent pool of
the competitive edge you need to become a performers, songwriters, producers and
successful music journalist. music business entrepreneurs to write
about, interview and promote.
This highly vocational course will help you
develop dedicated skills in journalism and PROGRESSION ROUTE
public relations, all within the specific context Graduates can progress directly to a career
of the music industry. as either a freelance or staff music journalist,
working on newspapers, magazines, radio, TV
You’ll develop a solid base of wider journalistic or online, or they can continue their study with
skills, including the study of topics such a BIMM Postgraduate Certificate in Learning
as law and ethics, writing and academic and Teaching.
skills, and research techniques, but will also
undertake modules distinctly relevant to the ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
music industry, such as the nature of music Minimum of 96 UCAS points to include
journalism and PR, music history, digital 2 A-levels at grade C or above, OR BTEC
literacy, the structure and working practice of Level 3 equivalent at MMM, and five GCSE
the music business, music entrepreneurship, qualifications with minimum grade of C/4,
and artist promotion and marketing. including English Language. Applications
by experienced musicians without formal
The course is designed to act as a direct qualifications may also be considered through
springboard into employment and you’ll APEL.
have access to a whole range of unique
opportunities allowing you to engage directly Validated by the University of Sussex (Subject
with the music industry in the form of work to approval).
placements and professional projects.

40 BA (HONS) IN MUSIC JOURNALISM

3 YEARS FULL-TIME

BA (Hons) in Music Journalism

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

All students take the All students take the All students take the
following mandatory following mandatory following mandatory
modules in their first year modules in their second modules in their third year
of study: year of study: of study:

• Introduction to • Research Methods • Global Communication
Music Journalism • Cultural Perspectives • Creative Entrepreneurship
• Engaging With Industry • Professional Project
• M usic Journalism • A rtist Development • Professional Development
Techniques • Analytical Perspectives
and PR
• Music Business • Music Journalism:
• Journalism in Context
• W riting for the Principles Ethics and Law
• Digital Media Production
Music Industry
• Music and Digital Media

For module descriptions and more
information, visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

BA (HONS) IN MUSIC JOURNALISM 41

BA (HONS) IN
MUSIC PRODUCTION

UCAS CODE: W373

THE WAY IN WHICH MUSIC IS RECORDED, MIXED AND MASTERED
IS AS INTEGRAL TO THE CREATIVE PROCESS AS COMPOSITION AND
PERFORMANCE. THE BEST PRODUCERS CAN ADD AN ELUSIVE MAGIC
TO A RECORDING THAT’S OFTEN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE

SUCCESS AND FAILURE OF A PROJECT.

The BA (Hons) in Music Production at So, what are you waiting for? To make your
BIMM London is a specialist vocational way in music production, connect with us,
course designed for those wishing to and we’ll connect you to a life in music.
pursue a career in a range of music
industry roles, such as producer, sound PROGRESSION ROUTE
engineer, film and television composer and Graduates can progress directly to
computer music designer. employment in the music industry in roles
such as producer, DJ, sound engineer, film
The aim of the course is to nurture your and television composer and computer
creative flair while you develop your music designer, or can continue their study
skills as a producer across a wide range with a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning
of contexts, including traditional studio and Teaching at BIMM Brighton.
and live recording, plus music for film,
television and multimedia. You’ll study ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
the context of contemporary music and Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade C or
the industry that supports it, as well as above (64 UCAS Points), OR BTEC Level
learning personal, project-management 3 equivalent, and five GCSE qualifications
and business skills. with minimum grade of C/4, including
English Language. Applications by
You’ll undertake hands-on learning in our experienced musicians without formal
high-tech facilities, where you’ll have direct qualifications may also be considered
access to cutting-edge equipment and through APEL.
software, and will be directed in its use by
first-rate industry tutors who really know Validated by the University of Sussex
the ins and outs of the kit. (Subject to approval).

42 BA (HONS) IN MUSIC PRODUCTION

3 YEARS FULL-TIME

BA (Hons) in Music Production

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3

All students take the All students take the All students take the
following modules in their following modules in their following modules in their
first year of study: second year of study, 5 third year of study - 3
mandatory and 1 optional: mandatory and 2 optional
• Audio Theory and (1 from Group A and 1 from
Acoustics • Music Production Group B):

• Computer Music in Context • Audio Post Production
Production 1 • Music & Sound for the • Production Project
• Professional Development
• Creative Sound Studies Moving Image
• Studio Engineering • Sound Studio Production Optional - Computer Music
• Mixing & Arrangement • Computer Music Design (A)
• Music Business
Production 2 Optional - Sound and Music
• Music Production Industry for Games (A)
Optional - Immersive
Optional - Computer Music
Performance Environments (B)
Optional - Video &
Optional - Live Sound Multimedia
Production Production (B)

For module descriptions and
more information, visit:
www.bimm.co.uk/london

BA (HONS) IN MUSIC PRODUCTION 4433

BMUS (HONS)

POPULAR
MUSIC
PERFORMANCE

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS AND VOCALS

UCAS CODE: W315
3 YEARS FULL-TIME

44 BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE

“LIFE AT BIMM IS
INCREDIBLE.”

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS AND VOCALS
UCAS CODE: W315

If you’re a musician who wishes to develop Above all, the BMUS (Hons) in Popular
your technical, performance and musicianship Music Performance offers flexibility and
skills to a professional level, then the BMUS an unparalleled breadth of education. As
(Hons) in Popular Music Performance will help a graduate you’ll have developed into a
turn your passion for music into a career. well-rounded, versatile musician capable of
performing a variety of musical styles, and
The programme combines high-level comfortable in wearing a number of different
instrumental study with the opportunity to musical hats. You’ll be ready to pursue a range
engage with music technology, songwriting of different career options, including session
skills, and a wide range of modern music styles. musician, touring artist, theatrical musician,
musical director and arranger/composer.
At BIMM London, we understand that live
performance is the key to you becoming a So, what are you waiting for? To make your
great musician, so you’ll spend a lot of time on way as a musician, connect with us, and we’ll
stage to help you develop and find your niche connect you to a life in music.
as a performer. You’ll participate in weekly Live
Performance Workshops (LPWs) in all three PROGRESSION
years, performing with your fellow students Graduates can progress directly to
while receiving expert guidance from highly employment in the music industry in roles
skilled BIMM tutors. such as solo performer, band member, session
musician, backing vocalist or songwriter, or
You’ll study techniques each year, enabling you can continue their study with a Postgraduate
to develop to a high professional standard and Certificate in Further and Higher Education at
achieve a level of fluency that will meet the BIMM Brighton.
demands of any musical situation. Plus you’ll
explore and develop your potential career MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
pathways through research and professional Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade C or above (64
projects, learning the essential skills required UCAS Points), OR BTEC Level 3 equivalent,
to work successfully in the music industry. and five GCSE qualifications with minimum
grade of C/4, including English Language.
Through a range of optional modules, Applications by experienced musicians without
including Composing and Arranging, Music formal qualifications may also be considered
Technology, and Music Pedagogy in Practice, through APEL.
you can tailor the degree to fit your own
personal goals. Validated by the University of Sussex
(Subject to validation).

BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE 45

BMUS (Hons) in Popular Music Performance

COURSE MODULES

YEAR 1 (FHEQ LEVEL 4) YEAR 2 (FHEQ LEVEL 5) YEAR 3 (FHEQ LEVEL 6)

In Year 1, students address Year 2 requires students Year 3 has increased
the essential music skills to apply their skills to optionality, with students
that will underpin not only increasingly ‘real-world’ able to choose the suite of
the rest of their studies but scenarios while studying modules that will enable
also their future career. This the cultural heritage of them to make the transition
includes investigating and popular music. Students from student to professional.
performing a wide range also have the chance to Third-year projects include
of music and developing select optional modules that the self-directed final
an understanding of music allow them to specialise in Performance Project, where
theory, sight reading, music either music technology or students deliver a 30-minute
technology and the music composing and arranging. show of their own project.
business. Students take six Students take five modules Students take five modules
modules (120 credits). All (120 credits). There are four (120 credits). There are
modules are mandatory mandatory modules and four mandatory modules
and run throughout the students select one out of and students select one of
academic year (30 weeks). two optional modules. All three optional modules. All
modules run throughout the modules run throughout the
• Performance Studies 1 academic year (30 weeks). academic year (30 weeks).
• Essential Styles
• Techniques 1 • Performance Studies 2 • Performance Project
• Musicianship • Techniques 2 • Performance Studies 3
• Music Technology 1 • Ensemble Skills • Techniques 3
• Popular Music Studies • The Music Industry • Personal and Business

Optional – Composing and Development
Arranging 1
Optional – Music
Optional – M usic Technology 2 Technology 3

Optional – Composing and
Arranging 2

Optional – Music Pedagogy
in Practice

Please note: module names and structure may be subject to change.
For module descriptions and more information, visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

46 BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE

BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE 47

BMUS (HONS)

POPULAR MUSIC
PERFORMANCE

WITH FOUNDATION YEAR

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS
AND VOCALS

UCAS CODE: W31M
4 YEARS FULL-TIME

48 BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE WITH FOUNDATION YEAR

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS AND VOCALS
UCAS CODE: W31M

If you’re a musician who wishes to develop Technology, and Music Pedagogy in Practice,
your technical, performance and musicianship you can tailor the degree to fit your own
skills to a professional level, but requires a little personal goals.
further preparation for study at Bachelor’s
Degree level, then the BMUS (Hons) in Popular Above all, the BMus (Hons) in Popular Music
Music Performance with Foundation Year will Performance with Foundation Year offers
help turn your passion for music into a career. flexibility and an unparalleled breadth
of education. As a graduate you’ll have
In the Foundation Year of this programme, developed into a well-rounded, versatile
you’ll gain a solid grounding in technique and musician capable of performing a variety of
styles, and live performance, plus will cover musical styles, and comfortable in wearing
music theory, sight reading, study skills and a number of different musical hats. You’ll be
musicianship. At the end of the first year, you’ll ready to pursue a range of different career
have developed a strong foundation of musical options, including session musician, touring
knowledge which will stand you in good stead artist, theatrical musician, musical director and
to complete the remainder of the degree, arranger/composer.
which combines high-level instrumental study
with the opportunity to engage with music So, what are you waiting for? To make your
technology, songwriting skills, and a wide way as a musician, connect with us, and we’ll
range of modern music styles. connect you to a life in music.

At BIMM London, we understand that live PROGRESSION
performance is the key to you becoming a Graduates can progress directly to
great musician, so you’ll spend a lot of time on employment in the music industry in roles
stage to help you develop and find your niche such as solo performer, band member, session
as a performer. You’ll participate in weekly Live musician, backing vocalist or songwriter, or
Performance Workshops (LPWs) in all three can continue their study with a Postgraduate
years, performing with your fellow students Certificate in Learning & Teaching at BIMM
while receiving expert guidance from highly Brighton.
skilled BIMM tutors.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
You’ll study techniques each year, enabling you Minimum of 2 A-levels at grade E or
to develop to a high professional standard and above (32 UCAS Points), OR BTEC Level 3
achieve a level of fluency that will meet the equivalent, and five GCSE qualifications with
demands of any musical situation. Plus you’ll minimum grade of C/4, including English
explore and develop your potential career Language. Applications by experienced
pathways through research and professional musicians without formal qualifications may
projects, learning the essential skills required also be considered through APEL.
to work successfully in the music industry.
Validated by the University of Sussex
Through a range of optional modules, (Subject to validation).
including Composing and Arranging, Music

BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE WITH FOUNDATION YEAR 49

BMUS (Hons) in Popular Music Performance with Foundation Year

COURSE MODULES

FOUNDATION YEAR YEAR 2 (FHEQ LEVEL 5)

The Foundation Year provides students with Year 2 requires students to apply their skills
the opportunity to gain a solid grounding to increasingly ‘real-world’ scenarios while
in live performance, instrumental/vocal studying the cultural heritage of popular
techniques and styles, as well as study skills, music. Students also have the chance to
sight reading and musicianship. They’ll select optional modules that allow them
consolidate their existing knowledge and to specialise in either music technology or
skills, while discovering new areas to pursue. composing and arranging. Students take
five modules (120 credits). There are four
Following the completion of the Foundation mandatory modules and students select
Year, the rest of the course progresses as one out of two optional modules.
per Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 of the BMUS
(Hons) in Popular Music Performance. • Performance Studies 2
Students take six modules (120 credits). • Techniques 2
• Ensemble Skills
• Performance Studies • The Music Industry
• Instrument Techniques
• Music Styles Optional – Composing and Arranging 1
• Foundations of Music Optional – Music Technology 2
• Sight Reading
• Academic Studies and Learning Development YEAR 3 (FHEQ LEVEL 6)

YEAR 1 (FHEQ LEVEL 4) Year 3 has increased optionality, with students
able to choose the suite of modules that
In Year 1, students address the essential music will enable them to make the transition from
skills that will underpin not only the rest of student to professional. Third-year projects
their studies but also their future career. include the self-directed final Performance
This includes investigating and performing Project, where students deliver a 30-minute
a wide range of music and developing an show of their own project. Students take
understanding of music theory, sight reading, five modules (120 credits). There are four
music technology and the music business. mandatory modules and students select one
Students take six modules (120 credits). of three optional modules.

• Performance Studies 1 • Performance Project
• Essential Styles • Performance Studies 3
• Techniques 1 • Techniques 3
• Musicianship • P ersonal and Business Development
• Music Technology 1
• Popular Music Studies Optional – Music Technology 3
Optional – Composing and Arranging 2
All modules run throughout the academic Optional – Music Pedagogy in Practice
year (30 weeks).

Please note: module names and structure For module descriptions and more
may be subject to change. information, visit www.bimm.co.uk/london

50 BMUS (HONS) IN POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE WITH FOUNDATION YEAR