Music Foundation Year

Southampton, Solent University

Take the first steps in your music career at Solent University. Collaborate with other students and develop your performance and production skills before moving on to your music-related degree. The Music Foundation Year is specifically designed to bridge the gap between school or college, or time away from education and a full undergraduate degree in music. Whether your interest lies in production, performance, or composition, the foundation year offers a supportive entry point for students from a wide range of musical and educational backgrounds. You’ll develop essential creative and academic skills while gaining the confidence needed to thrive at degree level.

Throughout the year, you’ll explore the core principles of music production and composition using industry-standard software such as Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Pro Tools, and Native Instruments’ Komplete. Our professional facilities include acoustically treated production studios, music labs, DJ setups, practice rooms, and even a Dolby Atmos cinema, all designed to give you real-world experience in a cutting-edge creative environment.

Our expert teaching team brings a wealth of academic and industry experience and you'll also begin to explore how the wider music industry operates, gaining a contextual understanding that supports your development as a well-rounded creative.

The course also benefits from Solent University’s location in the heart of Southampton, a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. You’ll have opportunities to engage with local venues, events, and music communities as part of your learning. With strong local links and a focus on collaboration, the foundation year sets the stage for further study and future creative work.