History of Music and Performance

The History of Music and Performance course is a comprehensive, CPD-accredited programme designed for learners who want a deep, structured, and culturally rich understanding of how music in the British Isles evolved from ancient tradition to modern innovation. If you are passionate about the story of sound, the evolution of performance, or the cultural forces that shaped British music from the Medieval period to contemporary genres, this is the ideal place to begin.

This course blends historical insight, musical analysis, performance study, and cultural context. Whether you are a performer, historian, educator, student, writer, or simply a lifelong learner, the History of Music and Performance course guides you through every era with clarity, academic detail, and practical relevance.

With modules covering origins, Medieval music, Renaissance development, the Baroque and Classical eras, Romantic nationalism, the rise of jazz, popular culture, and the explosion of contemporary sounds, you receive a well-rounded understanding of how music and performance shaped British identity across centuries.

Upon completion, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate, proof of your learning and professional development.

Description

The History of Music and Performance course is a rich, in-depth exploration of how music in the British Isles was formed, shaped, celebrated, challenged, and ultimately transformed through centuries of cultural change. From ancient tribal sounds to Medieval chants, from Renaissance court music to Baroque grandeur, from Classical refinement to Romantic emotionalism, and from early jazz to global pop icons, British music reflects the story of a nation — its people, its values, and its evolution.

This course has been carefully designed to be accessible to beginners while still academically robust for performers, educators, researchers, and industry professionals. Every module in the History of Music and Performance course is crafted to provide historical accuracy, musical analysis, and a deep appreciation of how performance evolved alongside technology, society, and global trends.

You will explore:

• How ancient British tribes used music for ritual, identity, and storytelling

• The profound influence of the Church on Medieval music and vocal performance

• The Renaissance transformation of harmony, instruments, and musical notation

• The Baroque era’s elaborate styles and rise of virtuosity

• The Classical period and the emergence of British orchestral and chamber traditions

• Romantic nationalism and the emotional, political, and cultural shift in British composition

• Music of the World Wars, modernism, and early 20th-century evolution

• The explosion of jazz, popular genres, and the global impact of British pop culture

• Contemporary British music, digital performance, and the influence of globalisation

• The future of performance, technology-driven innovation, and new artistic movements

The History of Music and Performance course also emphasises how music reflects social change — from political movements to industrialisation, immigration, youth culture, feminism, colonial histories, working-class identities, and modern digital transformation.

Why This Course Stands Out

1. CPD Accreditation and Certificate

Learners gain a certificate recognised by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies.

2. High-Quality Curriculum

Each module offers structured learning that is both academic and practical.

3. Flexible, Self-Paced Online Learning

Study anytime from any device. The History of Music and Performance course fits your schedule, not the other way around.

4. Designed for Real-World Use

Whether you’re a teacher, writer, performer, event producer, or simply a curious learner, this course enhances your understanding of how music shapes culture and history.

5. SEO-Optimised Educational Experience

Our content is structured to be easy to search, easy to navigate, and easy to understand — perfect for Eventbrite learners.

Full Curriculum: History of Music and Performance

Module 1 – Origins of Music in the British Isles

Discover the earliest forms of musical expression in the British Isles, including tribal rhythms, storytelling traditions, rituals, and instruments that shaped the foundation of British musical identity.

Module 2 – Medieval Music and Performance

Explore sacred and secular Medieval music, monastic influences, Gregorian chant, early notation systems, and the cultural significance of court and folk performance.

Module 3 – Renaissance Music in the UK

Study polyphony, harmonic development, the rise of composers, the evolution of choral music, and the transformation of performance during the Renaissance period.

Module 4 – Baroque Music and Performance

Learn about ornamentation, the rise of virtuosity, new instruments, and the shift in musical structure that defined the Baroque era in the UK.

Module 5 – Classical Period in Britain

Understand how the Classical period shaped British orchestras, public concerts, refined composition styles, and national musical culture.

Module 6 – Romantic Music and Nationalism

Dive into emotional expression, national identity, political influences, and the growing individuality of the British Romantic composers.

Module 7 – Early 20th Century Music

Examine wartime influences, modernism, experimental composers, the impact of industrial change, and the evolution of performance in rapidly shifting times.

Module 8 – Popular Music and Jazz in the UK

Trace the influence of American jazz, the birth of British pop culture, and the roots of modern genres that transformed global entertainment.

Module 9 – Contemporary British Music

From electronic genres to digital music production, explore how contemporary British artists continue to influence global musical landscapes.

Module 10 – Music Performance Today and the Future

Study the impact of technology, AI, digital streaming, performance innovation, and the future of musical expression in the UK.

Who Is This Course For?

The History of Music and Performance course is perfect for:

1. Music Students & Beginners

Ideal for those starting their musical journey and wanting a strong foundational understanding.

2. Performers and Musicians

Build your performance identity by understanding historical style, context, and evolution.

3. Teachers, Tutors & Educators

Gain a resource-rich curriculum to enhance lessons, classes, and workshops.

4. Writers, Journalists, Bloggers & Researchers

Develop historically accurate content, critiques, and original research.

5. Cultural Enthusiasts & Lifelong Learners

Perfect for anyone passionate about music, history, arts, storytelling, or performance culture.

6. Event Producers & Arts Managers

Understand how performance trends evolved, helping you curate better artistic and cultural events.

7. Students of Humanities, Literature, Sociology & Culture

Gain interdisciplinary insight linking music to society, identity, politics, and culture.

Whether for professional development or personal enrichment, the History of Music and Performance course empowers you with a deep and valuable understanding of British musical heritage.

Requirements

The History of Music and Performance course has no academic prerequisites.
You only need:

• A device (phone, laptop, or tablet)

• Basic internet connection

• A passion for music, culture, or performance

This makes the History of Music and Performance course ideal for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

FAQs – History of Music and Performance

1. Do I need musical experience to join?

No. The History of Music and Performance course is designed for both beginners and experienced learners.

2. Is this course CPD accredited?

Yes, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate upon completion.

3. How long do I have access?

You receive lifetime access, allowing you to revisit modules anytime.

4. Is the course self-paced?

Absolutely. Complete the History of Music and Performance course at your own speed.

5. Are there exams?

There may be short assessments or knowledge checks, but they are beginner-friendly.

6. Can this course support my career?

Yes — especially for those in teaching, performance, writing, cultural studies, event production, and creative industries.

7. Does this course include modern genres?

Yes. You will explore jazz, pop, digital music, contemporary sounds, and the future of performance in the UK.

8. Will I learn about instruments?

Yes, each module highlights the evolution of instruments and how they shaped sound in each era.

9. Does the course cover performance techniques?

Yes, performance evolution is a major theme throughout the History of Music and Performance course.

10. How is my certificate delivered?

Your CPD certificate will be provided through your student dashboard once all modules are complete.

Final Invitation

The History of Music and Performance course is more than a study — it is a journey through the story of sound, culture, identity, and artistry in the British Isles. Whether you want to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your creative identity, enrich your teaching, or simply explore the musical evolution of Britain, this course opens the door to centuries of learning.

Enrol today and gain immediate access to the full curriculum, lifetime course availability, and your CPD-accredited certificate.