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30% of students drop out or transfer from this specific course. Consider asking why on an open day.
BA Folk, Roots and Blues
About this course
Folk, roots, and blues music represent one of the richest and most enduring traditions in popular music, encompassing the acoustic string music of the American south, the British and Irish folk revival, West African-derived blues traditions, and the many hybrid forms, including country, bluegrass, Americana, and roots rock, that have grown from those sources. These genres share an emphasis on storytelling, communal tradition, acoustic and semi-acoustic sound, and a directness of emotional expression that has maintained their vitality across more than a century and continues to shape contemporary popular music. At Leeds Conservatoire, this three-year, full-time programme provides a rigorous professional foundation in folk, roots, and blues performance, combining individual artistic development with the technical and professional skills needed for a sustainable music career. You will receive one-to-one tuition on your principal instrument or voice, participate in workshops and ensemble performance, develop your musicianship through part-writing and harmonic study, and build the confidence and versatility to perform across a range of contexts. The programme encourages self-discovery and artistic individuality within your chosen specialism, helping you develop the distinctive voice that marks out a serious musician from a technically competent one. Leeds Conservatoire's location in one of the UK's most active music cities gives you access to a lively gigging scene and a community of professional musicians. A typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects a competitive admissions process in which artistic ability and musical potential are assessed alongside prior academic achievement. Graduates from this programme pursue careers as performing musicians, session musicians, recording artists, music educators, and festival and event performers. Many develop portfolio careers that combine live performance with teaching, recording, and other professional activities. The strong technical and artistic foundation the programme provides also supports careers in music production, music therapy, and the broader creative industries.
Syllabus & Modules
Typical curriculumStudent Satisfaction
National Student Survey - 230 respondents (72% response rate)
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