DURATION
1 to 3 Years
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Cert HE programmes: 1 year.
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Undergraduate degrees: 3 years.
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Postgraduate: 1 year full-time, or 2 years part-time (selected).
The School of Music Performance
Learn like a pro.
Graduate as one.
Study performance, songwriting, and creative musicianship with working professionals at the UK's most connected music college. With campuses across the UK, we have one goal: get you ready for a career working in music.
Ofs Registered • 35+ Years • Small Class Sizes • Billions of Alumni Streams
Prefer to talk?
Call us on 020 7328 0222 to speak to us now
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Many of our programmes are also available as a one-year Certificate of Higher Education, a flexible entry point into music at degree level.
Perform at the Highest Level
From your first term you'll be in studios, on stages, and in sessions. You'll build the technical skills, stamina, and confidence to sustain a professional music career.
Write Songs That Work
Our songwriting programmes go far beyond the basics. You'll develop your craft, find your voice as an artist, and leave with a portfolio of work that's ready for the industry.
Taught by People Actually Doing It
Your tutors are active musicians, songwriters, producers, and vocal coaches working in the industry right now. They bring real experience into every session, every week.
our Programmes
1 Year Cert HE Undergraduate Degree Postgraduate
Cert HEBMusMMus
Popular Music Performance
Develop outstanding technical ability on your instrument with regular one-to-one tuition, consistent performance opportunities, and real studio time. Built for musicians who want a sustainable, working career.
Creative Musicianship
For musicians who don't fit a single mould. Explore performance, composition, and music making across disciplines, and build a creative identity that's entirely your own.
Songwriting
Develop your craft from the ground up. Structure, melody, lyric writing, co-writing, and catalogue building, with honest industry-level feedback at every stage. Graduate with songs that are ready for the world.
Commercial Songwriting
If your aim is to be a commercially successful songwriter, producer or artist, this course gives you the music and business tools needed to write and produce hit records across pop, hip-hop and other present-day popular music genres.
Cert HEBA
Songwriting and Artist Development
For songwriters who are also building a career as an artist. Combine the craft of writing with the practical skills of developing an artist identity, from releasing and live performance to audience building and branding.
Songwriting and Production
Write it, record it, release it yourself. Sit at the intersection of songwriting and production, and develop the skills to take a song from idea to finished master without handing it off to anyone else.
Vocal Studies
For vocalists ready to work at the highest level. Develop your technical range, stylistic versatility, and performance practice through intensive study with working vocal coaches and performers.
Don't just take Our word for it
Learn more about life ICMP - we've been delivered music education for over 35 years - you're in great hands!
Here are what some of our students and alumni thought of their time with us:
Guitar Performance
Student Story
Guitarist Peter Napper tells us about his experiences on the BMus Popular Music Performance degree at ICMP.
Creative Musicianship
Student Story
Multi-talented artist Ella Eliza tells us all about her experiences on the BA Creative Musicianship degree at ICMP
Vocal Studies
Student Story
Hear from Oda about her journey to ICMP as an international student and leading to a Eurovision appearance for Germany.
Vocals Performance
Student Story
Sarvesh outlines his journey to ICMP and experience as a vocalist on one of our most popular courses.
Songwriting
Student Story
Songwriter Sha Supangan tells us all about her experiences at ICMP.
Postgraduate
Student Story
Learn about Freya's route to ICMP as a songwriter, and how she grew as a musician and individual through the challenges as a postgraduate student.
Learn from working musicians, songwriters and vocal coaches.
At ICMP, you aren't just taught by academics. You are mentored by active industry professionals.
Our tutors are performing musicians, award-winning songwriters, producers, session players, and vocal specialists who are currently shaping the sound of modern music. They bring the real world into every session, every week.
Whether you're studying performance, songwriting, or creative musicianship, you'll graduate with the skills, the contacts, and the confidence to work at the highest level.
ICMP in Numbers
5
Campuses in 3 cities. We started in London, and we've grown across the UK to Liverpool and Leeds.
35+
Years of delivering world-class music education, with thousands of alumni and success stories.
1B+
Over a billion streams of music released by our staff, students and alumni across major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and many more.
Important Information
Want to take a look around?
Come and see the campus, meet the tutors, and play the studios. Open Days are free - no commitment required.
We host regular events online, and in-person as well as smaller campus tours.
Everything you need to know
Do I need formal qualifications or grades to apply?
Not necessarily. We look for passion, potential, and ability in your chosen discipline. Many of our students come from self-taught or non-traditional backgrounds. An audition or portfolio submission is part of the process and a great opportunity to show us what you can do.
Which campus should I choose: London, Leeds, or Liverpool?
All three campuses deliver the same quality of teaching and facilities. Campus choice usually comes down to where you want to live and build your career. Our admissions team can help you decide. Come along to an Open Day to find out more.
Can I study part-time?
Yes. Our postgraduate Masters programmes can be studied over two years part-time, making them more manageable alongside existing professional commitments. Get in touch to find out what part-time options are available at undergraduate level too.
Can I get student finance?
Yes. UK home students on undergraduate and Cert HE programmes are eligible for the full Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan through Student Finance England.
Postgraduate students may be eligible for a Masters loan, paid directly to you in instalments.
If you're an international student, submit the form on this page and our team will be in touch.
I'm not sure which programme is right for me. Can I get advice?
Absolutely. Fill in the short form at the top of this page and a member of our team will be in touch to talk through your options. No pressure, no hard sell. Just an honest conversation about what's right for you.
I have a different question. Where can I get support?
Please contact us using this link and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
© The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.
All Rights Reserved.
ICMP Management Ltd
Registered office: Kilburn Campus
Registered in England and Wales (04780788)
ICMP Management Ltd
Registered office: Kilburn Campus
Registered in England and Wales (04780788)