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Commercial and Popular Music

The Purcell School is very excited to have launched our Commercial and Popular Music Department in September 2022.

The department delivers a program of essential skills necessary for today’s modern commercial musician, taught by a team of industry professionals.

Our tutors work with internationally renowned pop and rock artists who record for film and television at all of the top London recording studios (Abbey Road, Air Lyndhurst, Angel, BBC Maida Vale), and are chair holders of major West End show productions.

Tutors cover aspects such as stylistic performance, improvisation, ear training, sight reading, composition and ensemble skills, feeding into successful modern music degree courses at the Royal Northern College of Music, Trinity Laban College of Music, LIPA, BIMM, ICMP, ACM – a great foundation for a career in commercial music.

Students will learn in 1-2-1 lessons and ensemble sessions, in our dedicated practice and performance space (including fully equipped recording studio), and have the opportunity to work with visiting guest artists from the commercial music world.

Applications are welcomed from electric guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists and vocalists. The Commercial and Popular Music department is proudly supported by RSL Awards.

Simon Allen Head of Jazz & Head of Commercial and Popular Music

Simon began his career with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra, performing alongside the likes of Jazz Stars Art Themen, Gerard Presencer, Jamie Cullum and Peter King. After being a winner in the Daily Telegraph ‘Young Jazz’ competition,...

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  • Pete Billington (Songwriting)
  • James Clark (Guitar)
  • Daniel Drury (Electric Bass Guitar)
  • Jacqui Hicks (Vocals)
  • Daniel Mullowney (Interim Drums)
  • Lucy Phillips (Pop Music and Musical Theatre Voice)

The Department in the Press

The following article first appeared in the annual Scholarships Guide, from Music Teacher Magazine.

Progression Pathway

The department provides a rare pathway to Modern Music degree courses at conservatories and universities, as well as equipping students with the skills essential for careers in commercial and popular music.

Typical Careers

Performing Artist, Session Musician, Producer, Songwriter, Music Teacher, Music Business (A&R, Music Promoter, Publisher)