Level 3 Music Performance and Production is a very practically based course including a portfolio of performances and theory based assignments. Practical elements include use of audio production facilities, practice booths, Apple Mac & PC software, keyboard lab and gigs in performance venue (both in house and externally) . This course gives the opportunity to perform live gigs and record a demo. The College has strong links with the local Music Community, the Royal & Derngate and the Roadmender. The method of learning is by a mixture of academic and practical sessions.
The Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production have been designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to further study and training in a range of music performance and production disciplines.
The qualification has been designed for students who have an interest in music performance and/or music production who wish to explore and extend this interest via a full-time, immersive learning experience
Prospective students should be aware that employment in the music industry as a performer is extremely demanding and requires a high level of skill and commitment.
** on completion of the course, you will achieve a level 3 UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
- Principles of music performance and production
- Critical Listening and music composition
- Music Industry and professional practice
- Critical and contextual awareness for music performance and production
- Music Production in context
- Music performance in context
- Preparation for specialist study in music performance and production
- Collaborative performance project
Specialist Units:
- Developing Music performance and production skills
- Exploration of specialist study in music performance and production
- Preparing for progression in music performance
- Project proposal for extended project in music performance and production
- Extended project in music performance and production
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
Students who wish to progress to Higher Education including HND Level or employment in a related area of the Music Industry.
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How is the course assessed?
Continual assessment throughout the two years and assignments with certain units externally assessed at the end of year one and two. Assignments range from practical projects such as performances and composition projects to written projects and digital / verbal presentations. There will also be some practical skills testing in the classroom in areas such as recording techniques, keyboard skills and listening skills.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
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The professional music industry, learning fundamental production and performance theories including history and context and The development of music theory
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A range of music-based activities and competences through in-depth study, enabling the development of professionally planning and releasing music
- Subject specific context; for example warrens of equality and diversity in music, health and safety in a variety of professional music spaces, roles, responsibilities, characteristics and attributes needed in music.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
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Explore creative development through practical and research-based study including composing, arranging, performing and producing music in different genres and styles
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Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including critical listening, communicating ideas, enhancing your musicianship, individually and collaboratively
- Understand and utilise music technology and music equipment and problem solving through application of theoretical and technical learning to a range of settings and vocational scenarios.
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Behaviours
What is required?
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Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to music and transferable to a wider range of employability skills; such as time keeping, organisation, respect and communication skills
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Taking responsibility in the management of an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline, utilising independent study skills and collaborative working/learning/study
- Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network; including taking initiative, developing resilience, communicating effectively and taking responsibility for self-motivated organisation.
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General info
Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol.
There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After successful completion of this course you can progress to :
- HNC/HND in Music Performance/Session Musician at Northampton College
- Degree in Music Performance or Music Technology
- Employment
- Further specialist music training (e.g. instrumental performances courses)
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Entry Requirements for new students
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 including English, or a Level 2 qualification plus GCSE English at Grade 3, complete the tasks that you will be sent, attend the onsite or online Taster session. You may be offered a place on another level to your original application.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
