CertHE Popular Music Performance (Vocals)

​In this practical module, you’ll build your core stylistic and stagecraft skills essential for an industry-standard performance. You will explore a range of popular music genres, including Pop and R&B, while developing your own sound, style and presence. You'll develop a deeper understanding of performance by critically analysing a variety of performances, including your own, and applying this to aid your own development. In addition to performance, stage presence and musical direction, this will be your opportunity to learn about and practice using performance technology such as in-ear monitoring (IEM) and click tracks. By the end of this module, you will have significantly increased your confidence and ability as a performer.

This module will give you the academic knowledge and practical vocal training to arrange, perform and record music across many popular genres and styles. You’ll build strong foundations in music theory and music notation, as you gain key skills in sight-reading to elevate your vocal performance skills. You’ll also be introduced to the essentials of music technology and its application in popular music performance, including the use of keyboards, music notation software and digital audio workstations (DAWs). Learn through a mix of vocal skill sessions, seminars and one-on-one vocal tuition with a vocal tutor who will encourage and support your growth.

Building on the previous module – Theory, Technique and Technology – this module advances your skills in vocal technique, music theory and music technology to a higher level. You’ll develop notation and keyboard skills using industry-standard music technology, such as notation software. You’ll also expand your knowledge of arranging, recording and performing by exploring a range of more challenging styles of popular music. Combining critical analysis, with one-to-one sessions with your keyboard tutor and committed practice, you’ll develop a selection of vocal skills and techniques to be proud of.

In this module, you will dissect the music industry and gain an understanding of how the different sectors impact the creative industries. You will use case studies, peer discussion and seminars to examine industry structures and functions like revenue flow, music copyright and the inter-relationship between the key areas of music. A successful portfolio career is key to longevity in the music industry; you will explore the variety of roles within the industry, as well as ways that you can diversify your income. This module will also provide you with the skills you need to set up, maintain and navigate social media as a DIY artist.

During this module, you'll explore your identity through performance, focusing specifically on current music practices and popular music styles like Pop, R&B and Afrobeats. You'll delve into the essence of performance and have the opportunity to debate concepts including stardom and fandom, identity, stage personas and stage presence. Informed by your own research, group discussion and reasoning, you will be able to present yourself and your artistry before a panel of your peers. By experimenting with different industry-aligned approaches to documenting and sharing practice, such as vlogs, video, audio and blogs, you will expand your critical analysis skills, inquiry skills and academic research. Ultimately, this module will allow you to  come face-to-face with yourselves as musicians, artists and performers and embark on an experience of your individual artistry.