Music

Close-up on cellist

The aim of the Music Department is to enable you to become a versatile and practical musician, able to write about and discuss aspects of music and be confident in using relevant ideas, theories and methodologies.

At the University of Wolverhampton, you are in the best place to start your musical career.

The West Midlands has given birth to some household names from across the musical spectrum - Robert Plant, jazz musician Clare Teal (an alumni), Beverly Knight, Jamelia and Goldie.

The Civic and Wulfrun Halls are two of the  top music venues in the area, with regular star appearances, and with Birmingham a short train ride away, you're sure to catch up-and-coming acts and the biggest stars of the day.

The Midlands has a vibrant music scene – by studying music at the University of Wolverhampton you'll be at the heart of it all.

Our students have gone on to make national songwriting competitions and play at Birmingham's renowned Jamhouse.

Students have performance opportunities in the Arena Theatre and other local venues, as well as our Christmas concert.

Also, we recently hosted a music industry Masterclass by Karl Brazil, who is a drummer for James Blunt.

Courses

We have a range of courses on offer:

Find out more about the brand new BA (Hons) Music Technology.

Facilities

We have computer suites equipped with iMacs running Protools, Logic, Cubase and Sibelius software.

There are two recording studios with analogue and digital recording facilities and computers offering audio hard disk recording technology.

Students also benefit with five ensemble rooms with full PA and a full range of ethnic and percussion instruments.

Work has just been completed on a brand new recording studio which has been developed in conjunction with our Industry Partners Major Key Studios.

Facilities in the studio include a state-of-the-art KRK Monitor System, Neumann U87 mics, and a TLA Mixing desk which uses valve technology.

Staff expertise

The Music Department’s staff of active performers, composers and musicologists offer a wealth of experience in contemporary music education, research and technology:

  • Steve Cooper and Nigel Beer's  playing credits cover a diverse range of artists in the world of jazz and popular music, such as Robert Plant and Lionel Ritchie

  • Head of the Music Department, Kevin Stannard, is writer and composer for the Voiceworks series and Sing Up

  • John Pymm is a writer of assessment guides in Performance Studies and expert on Steve Reich

  • Steve Cooper and Steve Spencer's research into the use of Podcasting in Higher Education was recently published in the British Journal of Music Education

  • Rebecca Summers  has conducted research into video feedback and women in technology

  • Amanda Bayley is the author of the Cambridge Companion to Bartok and is currently conducting research into the latest technologies to record performance technique in string playing

  • Anne-Marie Beaumont, is a researcher in early music and Irish folk music.

In additon, our team of talented technicians are a valuable resource as experts in their field, dedicated to the smooth running of performances and assisting you with your studies. 

View our staff directory for more details on the acheivements of our Performing Arts staff.

How you'll study

You will have the opportunity to perform both individually and with others, and gain familiarity with music technology.

You can explore individual composition and your own musicological interests, and spend time on a work experience module.

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