Popular Music Practice

Our MA in Popular Music Practice focuses on the development and execution of a large–scale, individually tailored music–related project. This project will help you to grow within your areas of specialism and become ready to take the next step in your career.



Over a full year of study (two years if you have chosen the part-time option), you will be pushed to expand and develop your personal, musical and industry practices. Focus on the ways that research, collaboration, performance, production and more can be aligned in your project and practice.



The MA Popular Music Practice course structure is designed to cover theoretical, practical and collaborative elements. It culminates in a major project of your choice focusing on one or more specialisms.



Which specialisms will you choose?

For your major project, you’ll focus on one or more of these specialisms in detail. This is a chance to tailor your studies to your passions whilst taking theory, practice and research to an advanced level.



Performance:

Hone your instrumental technique, build on your performance experience and evolve your performance style. If you specialise in performance, you’ll have the chance to develop your musicality and your capabilities to a highly advanced level. Set yourself up as the go-to musician on the national music scene – and beyond.



Production:

Thanks to our fantastic studio facilities and industry-leading lecturers, specialising in production will stretch your skills in recording, mixing, mastering and more. Get involved in extraordinary recording projects and build your portfolio for a sustainable career.



Composition:

Whether you are a singer-songwriter, a sound artist or a composer interested in sync opportunities, this path will deepen your knowledge, understanding and ability to write music for a variety of situations, channels and outputs. Furthermore, it offers you the chance to collaborate with students of different disciplines and will see you embark on exciting projects that span media and genre.



Entrepreneurship:

Specialising in entrepreneurship provides a huge range of opportunities such as starting a business, curating events or collaborating with your MA peers. There is huge scope here for you to grow into a commercially minded, music business professional.



Awarding institution: BIMM University

Final award: MA Popular Music Practice

Modules:

• Popular Music Practice & Research

• You and the Popular Music Industry

• Popular Music & Technology

• Exploring a Collaborative Practice

• Major Project



Please note: module names and structure may be subject to change.

• A good degree (normally 2.2 or above) or significant experience in a relevant field.



• Overseas students where English is not their native language may be required to meet a minimum English language requirement of an Academic IELTS 6.5. We require a minimum of 6.0 to be achieved in each band.



• Exceptions apply. Please contact dublin@bimm.ie for more information.



• All applicants will be subject to interview and a portfolio may also be requested for Recognition of Prior Certified or Experiential Learning (RPCEL).

You can apply directly to BIMM Music Institute Dublin by creating an applicant account and submitting an online application form (see "Application Weblink" above).

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Progression:

You will be qualified to work as an advanced practitioner or educator/researcher within the field of popular music practice and related creative industries.