Popular Music, Songwriting and Performance

From songwriting to the stage, producing tracks in the studio, to branding and marketing, this comprehensive course covers everything you’ll need to excel as a versatile artist in the modern music industry.

Our brand new Popular Music, Songwriting and Performance course brings together theory and practice, allowing you to explore music creation and production, songwriting and stagecraft, while gaining a solid understanding of how the music business works. You’ll learn the fundamentals of music theory and analysis, exploring various genres, styles and approaches in popular composition and songwriting. You’ll gain hands-on experience with our industry-standard facilities and equipment in our venue and studios, learning current trends and techniques in live performance and music production. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the music industry, helping you develop strategies to promote yourself and your music.

Whether you’re an artist looking to develop your own style, a producer wanting to record songs to a professional standard, or a songwriter looking to work with other artists, this course will equip you with the practical skills, knowledge and creativity to break into the industry.

About Spirit Studios

Spanning over four decades of iconic music history in Manchester, our early days as a commercial recording studio and rehearsal space saw the likes of local legends The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Simply Red and many more passing through our doors. Spirit Studios then became the first music production and sound engineering school in the UK (formerly known as School of Sound Recording), and since then we’ve continued to nurture the next generation of producers, engineers, artists and business owners.

Our purpose-built facilities, expert insight, professionally active tutors and creative partnerships enable us to offer the most up to date and relevant training and provide you with real career opportunities.

Assessment method

We pride ourselves on providing a variety of assessment methods; these are balanced between industry standards and an academic range that is aimed at varied student profiles and abilities. Some modules may include an overall portfolio, others may have several varied assessments that encompass practical and written elements. Students may work on a solo project or also have the opportunity to work collaboratively in class or within external partnerships. All portfolios and written material are submitted electronically via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), practical exams are undertaken within studio or venue settings on a live basis. Feedback is delivered electronically directly to the student in a written and matrix format. There is an opportunity to discuss your feedback in a one-to-one tutorial. We use a variety of the following assessment methods:

● Portfolios
● Practical coursework
● Practical Exams
● Presentations
● Written Tests
● Written Reports
● Written Essays
● Professional Discussions
● Viva Voce

It's more important than ever to consider the cost of your education. At the University of Lancashire, you'll be well-equipped for the road ahead, whatever you study.

All first-year Clearing students are guaranteed a room in halls on campus for all new full-time students at their Preston Campus. Included in university-owned halls of residence are bills, WiFi, on-site laundry, kitchen appliances, bedding, 24/7 security and social spaces.

You will learn from leaders in their field at the University of Lancashire and their academic staff will use their expertise and real-world experience to teach courses, that range from Business to Law, Nursing or Sport, that will allow you to secure your dream job. The University of Lancashire focuses on employability, they have close links with leading employers across the North-west and build work experience into a wide range of courses to ensure you thrive in your chosen field.

If you're interested in applying to the University of Lancashire, call now to find out more information or click to visit their website where you can book on their Open Day on 16 August or a place on a campus tour!