Level 3 Study Programme: Music Performance

The Music Performance course focuses on developing a range of relevant industry skills needed to work as a contemporary musician and as part of the music industry. Some of the skills included are:

• Working as a musician as part of a band to rehearse and prepare for a performance.
• Working as a session musician to record in recording studios.
• Arranging, marketing, and running music events.
• Writing original music to suit a brief.
• Recording and producing compositions/covers using industry standard software (Logic Pro X) and equipment.
• Developing transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, and teamwork.
• Gaining knowledge of the wider music industry, how it functions, and the various roles available to pursue a career in.

As the course progresses you will learn to have autonomy over your learning to personalise subjects to suit your interest, how to present yourself as a professional via creating a digital portfolio, and how to market your skills.

There are also a wider range of opportunities provided to hear talks from industry professionals through trips and guest speakers, as well as a chance to participate in local competitions and performance events.

This is an internally assessed course which does not have any formal exams. Assessments are carried out by submitting a digital portfolio of coursework and internally assessed performances.

The final grades you can achieve by the end of the two years is, Pass, High Pass, Merit, High Merit, and Distinction.

For more information about the exam board or specification of the course content please visit the below link:

https://www.arts.ac.uk/partnerships/ual-awarding-body/qualifications/music/level-3-diploma-and-extended-diploma-in-music-performance-and-production

To join this programme you will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and English. (Equivalent Level - 2 qualifications will be considered)

A successful audition demonstrating your skills using your main instrument to perform a piece of your choosing.

A formal music qualification or grades in your instrument is not needed to join the course. However, during your audition you must demonstrate that you can prepare a piece to perform from start to finish, to a high standard, and that you would be able to function as part of a band.

Once the course has been completed, many students continue on to study music at University and/or begin their careers within the music industry as musicians.

Advice and guidance on steps after college is provided throughout the duration of the course.

This course is ideal for any instrumentalist and vocalist who have an interest in genres ranging from Indie/Rock to Popular music. We pride ourselves in being open to all genres and finding ways to learn various skills not only from the genres themselves but from each others interests.

Each student is responsible for bringing in their own instruments unless you are a pianist, vocalist, or drummer (keys, microphones, drum kits, and amps will be provided by the college).

There are no material costs for this course, however we recommend investing in the following:

• Spares for your instrument i.e. drum sticks, guitar strings, plectrums, capo etc.
• Wired headphones for when working in our state of the art Mac Suites.
• External Hard Drive.

A list of recommended headphones and external hard drives will be provided during enrollment.

As part of the study programme with us, you will be required to complete work experience on your day off, preferably linked to the music industry.