Live Music & Dance Events
Specialisation of the Leisure & Events Management programme.
Why this specialisation?
What does the professional bachelor’s specialisation of Live Music & Dance Events entail and why should you choose it? We tell you more about it.
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Study overview of the specialisation
This two-year specialisation teaches you everything about professionally organising live music and dance events. You will develop skills in concept development, event marketing, stakeholder and production management, from pop venues to large-scale festivals. And all this in a sector that is constantly changing under the influence of trends such as the rise of hybrid and virtual concerts, the shift to daytime and early evening parties, and the growth of boutique festivals.
What will you learn in the programme?
The programme runs from year 2 to year 4 and guides students through clear learning pathways that build up to organising an event.
Laying the foundations.
- Block A – Event Marketing
You will learn how to analyse the behaviour and values of target groups and translate these into relevant brand strategies and creative campaigns within the music and festival industry. - Block B – Productions & Logistics
You will discover how to organise a festival or concert, from permits to safety. You will learn to work with logistical plans, crowd safety, touring, and sustainable production. - Blocks C & D – Placement or exchange
You will do a work placement at a festival, pop venue, or agency, or take part in an international exchange. You will apply your knowledge in practice and build your network.
Deepening & specialisation.
- Blocks E & F – Second placement
You choose your own placement and work on a complex project or shadow someone at an organisation in the industry. Think of booking agencies, festivals or dance concepts. - Block G – Concepting
You will develop a distinctive and meaningful event concept using Imagineering and Design Thinking. You will learn how to translate creative ideas into feasible plans. - Block H – Strategy
You will build a future-proof strategy for a venue or festival. You will learn how to collaborate with stakeholders and how to translate policy and urban ambitions into strong plans..
Your graduation track.
- Block I – Minor
Choose our in-depth minor in Crowd Safety, where you will learn how to safely manage large crowds and optimise their experience. Or opt for another minor within BUas or at a partner institution. - Block J – Graduation
You will work independently on a graduation project for a client or on your own initiative. This will demonstrate that you are ready to enter the world as a Live Music & Dance Events Manager.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I enrol in year 2?
In most cases, you will start this specialisation after your first year at the Leisure & Events programme at BUas. If your previous education is vwo, or you are doing the MHBO programme at de Rooi Pannen or you have an Associate degree diploma in Leisure & Events, Tourism or Hospitality, then there are possibilities to enter the specialisation directly. You can then complete it in 3 years.
- What kinds of clients do students work with?
You will work with festivals, pop venues, booking agencies, marketing agencies, and innovative partners from the music and event industry.
- Where can I do my placement and do I have to find a placement position myself?
You can do a placement anywhere in the world! Think of organisations such as Awakenings, Mysteryland, Lowlands, 013, Paaspop, or international event agencies. Your coach will guide you in your search for a placement and there is a network of BUas companies that you can contact.
- How big are the student project groups?
On average, you will work in groups of four to six students on real-life assignments. Sometimes you will work individually, for example when completing your graduation track.
- Is this specialisation only for people who love dance?
No, if you like other music genres such as hip hop, pop or rock, you can still find your niche here – as long as you have an affinity for live music and events.
- How much theory and practice will I get?
At BUas, you will receive education at higher professional level, so theory is an important foundation. At the same time, this specialisation is all about learning in practice: you will work on assignments from the industry, complete two placements and gain at least 160 hours of practical experience in the music and events world.
Ervaringen van studenten
Bregje went on a fieldtrip to Vrienden van Amstel Live
During the field trip she was given an explanation of how Vrienden van Amstel Live makes sure to put on a unique show every year. Including a tour, both backstage and in the auditorium and on stage!
About this specialisation
From year 2 onwards you can choose to attend the English-taught two-year Live Music and Dance Events specialisation. This is a specialisation for students of the Leisure & Events Management, Tourism Management and Facility Management programmes.
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