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Vocal Performance (BMus)

Apply VIA UCAS - Full Time

The BMus Vocal Performance programme is centred on you, the vocalist, and open to the vast array of contexts in which you might be able to practice in the industry and in your career. Designed specifically for classical and for popular singers, through a combination of optional and autonomous modules, the programme lets you engage in study focused on your specialist area.

Aims of this programme include producing graduates capable of assuming a position in the music profession, developing technical excellence in performance and practice through vocational training and to provide a theoretical basis, including musicianship, stagecraft, and languages.

Students completing this programme will have advanced vocal performance skills alongside an awareness of performance technologies, recording techniques, session musician skills, vocal arrangements and working in collaborative contexts to create work, as well as an ability to work with a director and/or musical director.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the one-to-one principal study tuition currently offered weekly. These create personalised learning opportunities in which you can shape your learning focus around your interests and career aspirations. These also provide valuable, additional opportunities for staff to engage with students on a pastoral level.

UWTSD ranked 1st in Wales for Drama, Dance and Cinematics 
Complete University Guide 2023.

PATHWAY OPTIONS AND HOW TO APPLY

UCAS code: VPE1
Apply via UCAS

All applications to study for a full-time undergraduate degree programme are made through UCAS under the institution code T80

Visit the University's How to Apply section to find out more


Book an Open Day Request Information How to Apply
Contact Name: David Bebbington


Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year

5 reasons to study this course

  1. Specialist industry-focussed programme
  2. Delivered by expert academics and practitioners
  3. Extensive 1-to-1 vocal tuition
  4. Masterclasses and coaching sessions from world-renowned visiting artists
  5. Based within a specialist facility in Cardiff

What you will learn

Course Overview

Building on the continued success of our postgraduate vocal programmes, the BMus (Hons) Vocal Performance is a specialist industry-focussed programme for singers.

The programme is delivered by expert academics and practitioners of national and international repute within a specialist facility in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.

Modules on the programme examine areas such as vocal technique, performance studies, movement, music theory, technologies of performance and performance projects designed to develop a holistic approach to vocal performance. A specific feature of this programme is extensive 1-to-1 vocal tuition and a series of world-renowned visiting artists that work with students at the academy throughout the academic year.

Module Topics

Year One – Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BMus)

  • General Musicianship and Studio Techniques (20 credits; compulsory).
  • Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
  • Performance Class (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Performance Project 1 (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Repertoire and Style 1 (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Vocal Technique 1 (20 credits; compulsory)

Year Two – Level 5 (Dip HE & BMus)

  • Changemakers: Building your Personal Brand for Sustainable Employment (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
  • Ensemble Performance (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Performance Project 2 (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Presenting Performance (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Repertoire and Style 2 (20 credits; optional)
  • Vocal Arrangement (20 credits; optional)
  • Vocal Technique 2 (20 credits; compulsory).

Year Three – Level 6 (BMus)

  • Creative Industries (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Final Performance (Vocal Technique 3) (30 credits; compulsory)
  • Independent Project (40 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
  • Professional Practice for Performance (30 credits; compulsory).
Assessment

Assessment on this programme is by a range of methods offering opportunities to present learning in a variety of different ways throughout the course. A number of the methods include performances, portfolios, technical assessments, recording, electronic testing, arranging, mock auditions, podcasting, essay writing and presentations.

Graduate Attributes Framework

This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.

The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving. 

Key Information

Staff
  • David Bebbington
  • Camilla Roberts
  • Louise Ryan
  • Philip Lloyd Evans
  • Gareth Jones
  • Iwan Teifion Davies
  • Conal Bembridge-Sayers
  • Catherine Roe Williams
  • Ben Davis
  • Sarah Crisp
  • Angharad Lee
  • Tony Jones
  • Richard Ellis
  • Jacqueline Pischorn
  • Pierre-Maurice Barlier
  • Jolanda Pupillo
  • Ester Borin Bonillo
  • Jennifer Mackerras
  • Lorriane Mahoney
  • Amy Guppy
  • Tori Johns
  • Simon Rees
  • Eilir Owen Griffiths
Entry Criteria

120 UCAS points and an audition/interview.

Career Opportunities

It is anticipated that graduates of the Vocal Performance programme will commence careers as performers, creators, teachers, recording artists and within various other related disciplines. The BMus (Hons) Vocal Performance may also lead to further postgraduate study.

Additional Costs

Additional costs of sourcing musical scores, recordings or academic texts could be in the region of £600-£800 over the duration of the programme.