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Subject · 172 verified programs

Popular and Contemporary Music: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs covering rock, pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk and related styles, combining performance, writing, studio work and industry knowledge.

Also called: Contemporary Music, Commercial Music, Modern Music, Rock and Pop Music, Popular Music Studies, Popularmusik, Musica pop, Musiques actuelles.

47 BA / BA (Hons) · 39 BM / BMus · 26 Other bachelor’s award · 20 MA · 14 Other master’s award · 11 MM / MMus · 6 BS / BSc · 6 Certificate · 2 BFA · 1 Other practice doctorate · 112 dedicated degree, 16 official concentration, 12 documented pathway, 32 named major

172 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About popular and contemporary music study

Popular and contemporary music degrees study the styles that dominate recorded and live music outside the classical and jazz traditions, such as rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, electronic dance music and singer-songwriter music. Programs often treat these styles as serious subjects of practice and research, with their own techniques, repertoire and histories.

Study usually mixes several strands. Students play in bands and rehearse live sets, learn songwriting and arranging, and use recording technology to make and refine music. Courses on the history and analysis of popular music, the music industry and promotion help place practice in a wider context, and many programs let students tailor their path toward performance, writing, production or business.

This subject is broad and its content differs between schools more than in classical areas. Some programs lean toward live performance and band skills, others toward studio work or cultural study. Titles such as contemporary music, commercial music or modern music are often used for similar programs, so the course description is more informative than the name.

What study typically involves

  • Band performance and live set preparation
  • Principal instrument or voice in contemporary styles
  • Songwriting and arranging
  • Recording, mixing and basic production
  • Music theory and ear training for popular idioms
  • History and analysis of popular music
  • Music industry, promotion and entrepreneurship
  • Improvisation, stagecraft and collaboration

Award titles. Popular music study is commonly recognized through the BA, BMus or BM in popular, commercial or contemporary music, and sometimes a BSc where technology is emphasized. At postgraduate level, the MA, MMus, MM or MSc appear. Doctoral study may be a research PhD, sometimes practice-based. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program appears under Popular and Contemporary Music only when it is a dedicated degree, a named major, an official concentration or a documented pathway in this area. A single rock ensemble or elective course does not count. Specialized areas such as songwriting or production have their own subjects.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Auditions for popular music programs commonly ask for a performance on the principal instrument or voice in a contemporary style, often with a backing track or live accompaniment. Applicants may also play with other musicians in a group setting so staff can see how they listen and respond. Some programs request original work such as songs or productions.

Many courses add an interview, a basic theory or ear test, and sometimes a written reflection. Technology-leaning routes may ask for recorded examples of production or a short portfolio. Because the subject is broad, expectations depend heavily on what the program emphasizes.

Formats differ by institution and country and are not interchangeable with classical or jazz audition norms. Check the official admissions page for requirements and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include audition-based scholarships, tuition waivers, bursaries and, in some countries, public student loans or grants. Industry bodies, record labels, music foundations and local arts councils sometimes support students, often with specific criteria.

Availability and terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include instruments, amplifiers, pedals and strings, a laptop with recording software, studio and rehearsal room rental, travel to gigs, merchandise or release costs, and registration with royalty organizations.