The Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Popular Music Performance is a course unlike any other
music degree.
Designed for keyboard players, guitarists, bass players, drummers and vocalists,, the
course provides a level of training previously only available to orchestral musicians.
The three year programme trains performers in popular music to become professionals
in an industry that demands many skills, from performance through to programming,
arranging and composition.
The BMus (Hons) is validated and awarded by Thames Valley University (TVU). All students
on the course are enrolled with TVU and are taught at our specialist music facilities
Additional facilities at TVU are available to all degree students.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally have:
• 150 points at ‘A’ Level (must include 2 completed ‘A’ Levels), or equivalent (for the
BMus)
• 100 points at ‘A’ Level (must include 1 completed ‘A’ Level), or equivalent (for the DipHE)
or
• The One Year Vocaltech OTC/OCN Diploma in Popular Music Performance
and
• Five GCSEs grades A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent
• Keyboard performance at Grade 8 standard*
• Sight Reading at Grade 6 standard*
• Music Theory at Grade 6 standard*
• Music Aural at Grade 6 standard*
* Please note that a strong audition may qualify the candidate for entry onto the BMus or Dip
HE, who might be short of tariff points.
* These grades are guidelines only - applicants are expected to be at this level, but are not
required to have passed the exams.
Please note that mature students (over 21) will be considered on an individual basis.
Because of the specialised nature of the programmes, it is essential that a high level of
competence and experience in pop music performance is demonstrated at audition.
Applicants with a background in classical music but little experience in pop styles may not be
considered appropriate. We accept applications directly to Guitar-X or prospective students
may also apply through UCAS.
A member of the admissions team will contact you to schedule a practical audition.
Auditions
Applicants are usually required to take a pre-audition assessment, where they are asked to
perform a number of styles on keyboards. This informal hour-long session gives you a
glimpse of how our teachers work and a taste of the Keyboardtech atmosphere. It also allows
us to advise you on the best course of action in order to get to audition standard. You can look
around the college and chat to our administration staff who can advise you on all aspects of
being a Keyboardtech student. If you are unable to travel to us for a pre-audition assessment
you have the option of sending in a demo of your playing. You will need to call us beforehand
to obtain our demo guidelines.
If your assessment or demo is judged to be at the right level, you will be invited to audition.
Auditions take place between January and June for the following October’s intake. However,
we advise you to apply early as places are limited.
The audition is an in-depth look at your stylistic and technical ability on the keyboard, as well
as your sight reading, music theory knowledge and aural awareness of intervals and chord
types. At the audition we expect you to:
• Prepare and perform a short piece for keyboard which you think best showcases your
ability on the instrument
• Improvise 2 choruses or more
• Demonstrate an aural awareness of intervals, chord types and time signatures
• Demonstrate basic comping skills.
• Perform a short fully notated sight reading piece
• Write an essay (applies to applicants who do not have GCSE English or overseas
equivalent)
• Attend an interview
The audition lasts around 2.5 hours. Successful candidates will be offered either a
conditional or an unconditional place in writing. Conditional candidates will be re-assessed
approximately one month prior to the commencement of the course.
Funding
The degree is designated for mandatory funding. You may be eligible for a grant for your
course fees (unless you have received an educational grant before or you are not a EU
citizen) and will be able to apply for a maintenance grant and a student loan. You should
contact your Local Educational Department’s ‘Students Awards Section’ for further details.
If you are not eligible for a mandatory award, you may apply for a Career Development Loan
from the Department of Education and Employment through Barclays, the Co-Operative Bank
or the Bank of Scotland. Another alternative is to look for a grant-making trust which may
contribute towards course fees. Your local library will have details of such charitable
institutions.
EU students can apply through their Local Education Authority for Tuition Fee Loans, Higher
Education Maintenance Grants and Maintenance Loans. International students should
contact the admissions team by email at info@keyboard-tech.co.uk or by telephone on +44
(0) 208 749 3131 for details about course fees.
Full course structure
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