Whether it’s underground or mainstream, DIY or commercial, acoustic or electric, this course is for artists with eclectic styles and open-minded approaches to music making. During your time at Falmouth, you’ll work creatively in both live and studio environments.

As an independent performer, songwriter and self-producer, you’ll learn how to promote and release your own work, creating innovative portfolios based on experimentation, musicianship and a confident understanding of the industry. You'll study the audio-visual elements of pop and develop ways of critically conceiving and creating 'real' and 'virtual' presences. As someone invested in how pop makes meaning, you'll define a practice that's stylistically sophisticated and future facing.

You will:

• Develop songwriting techniques and performance and production skills. 
• Establish innovative approaches to music making, the music business and technology.
• Perform and record in our high-spec AMATA studios. 
• Forge industry links with studios, record labels, promotion companies and venues. 
• Benefit from visiting lecturers like Bellatrix, Darcus Beese (Island Records), David Toop, Ed O'Brien (Radiohead), Mary Hampton, Jo Hamilton, Martha Tilston, Laura Snapes, Glen Roberts and Jerry Dammers (The Specials)

What you'll learn

As part of this Popular Music degree, you’ll develop a sustainable creative and professional practice in live and studio settings. Delving into the industry world of music and production, you’ll learn essential artistic and entrepreneurial approaches to making your career happen.

How you'll learn

You’ll work with staff that specialise in music practice and the academic study of pop in its diverse forms. Our sessions also include talks by visiting speakers to help guide your understanding of music practice; in the past, these have included artists such as Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and music industry experts like Island Records President Darcus Beese. An inspiring combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials mix creative practice with critical thinking to help you to develop your sound, skills and artistic identity.