Studying Music at Salford
So you’ve applied to study Music, we've made you an offer, but you’re still deciding or have further questions?
We want to make sure you have all the information you need as you get ready to study at Salford. We hope the information below helps you in your decision making. If you have any further questions, simply get in touch with us at enquiries@salford.ac.uk or at 0161 295 4545.
Why should you study Music at the University of Salford?
Our Popular Music and Recording and Creative Music Technology courses were ranked number one in the North West and number two in the UK in the 2021 Guardian university league tables.
Our campus welcomes industry guest speakers to share their experiences with our students. We've previously welcomed the Buffalo Brothers, Tom Leah, Jostine Loubser and Jason Brown.
You'll have the opportunity to perform in fantastic venues across Greater Manchester including Band on the Wall, Peel Hall and the New Adelphi Theatre.
Our creative community
What's the music scene like in Manchester?
The Greater Manchester music scene is etched on the world map, having produced high-profile artists such as Oasis, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and The Chemical Brothers to Joy Division, New Order and our very own alumni band Everything Everything.
There are so many venues across the city, from independent venues hosting local open mics, to arenas and concert halls for touring global acts. Everything from classical to clubbing, and big band to blues is catered for so whatever your taste and talent, you will find something for you.
Do your courses have a social media channel I can follow?
What is the background of the teaching staff?
Our tutors have current, extensive experience across multiple fields, including performance, arranging, composition and recording and technology. In addition, you will be able to attend regular masterclasses from external speakers, giving you exposure to the experience of those in the industry.
What can I expect my timetable to look like?
Each week you will have about 11 or 12 hours of teaching. There will be lectures in larger groups, seminars in the studios in smaller groups and one-to-one teaching with an instrument tutor. There will also be other timetabled events such as the weekly masterclass series where we invite guest speakers from industry.
In addition to your scheduled classes, you’ll be able to book time in our rehearsal and studio facilities, join one of our ensembles or form a group of your own. With the New Adelphi building at the centre of campus and only a short walk from Manchester’s city centre, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in other activities around your weekly schedule.
Are there any books I can read to prepare for the course?
Eric Taylor's ‘A to B Guide to Music Theory’ is a useful and easy to follow text that will help you brush up on your music theory before starting.
How complex does my knowledge of music theory need to be?
Everyone needs a working knowledge of theory on all our music courses. We teach music theory as part of the core skills in first year along with studio engineering skills. It is important that all music students develop an understanding of these skills to work together.
What Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) will I use as part of the course?
We mainly use Logic Pro for teaching in the studios, but we run teaching on a variety of DAWs including Pro Tools and Ableton. We also run AVID certified Pro Tools courses, which are useful as it's a DAW usually found in industry music studios. These courses run several times a year in addition to timetabled teaching.
What music ensembles are there?
The list includes: the University of Salford Big Band, the University of Salford Brass Band, Adelphi Brass Band (student run), Salford Symphonic Wind Band, Wind Consort Adelphi Contemporary Music Group (experimental music), the University of Salford Choir, Latin Percussion, World Music Group and the ensembles programme for other ensembles (rock, jazz, electronic etc.).
Will there be any opportunities to study abroad?
Yes! We have an incredible opportunity for students to study a semester abroad at another University in either Europe, America or parts of Asia. At the same time we typically have exchange students come and study here for a semester which is a great opportunity for them and us. This typically happens in second year and will either be in semester one in the Autumn or semester two in the Summer.
Are vocal and instrument lessons provided through the University?
If you are doing Performance or Popular Music and Recording, then it is provided throughout. For Creative Music Technology then it is only provided in the first year.
Our facilities
Our facilities are based in the New Adelphi building - you can view some 360s of the spaces below.
The dedicated music facilities include:
- Recording studios
- Voice acting Studio
- Computer suites
- 7.1 Mix
- Rehearsal spaces
- Performance spaces
and we have a range of equipment and instruments available for you to use.