MUSIC PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTION Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
UAL

Overview

Today’s musician needs a broad range of skills. Music performance and production is at the centre of all activity. If you are a performer, you need to understand live sound systems and microphones. As a composer you will use software to notate and create. The music producer, of course, uses a wide range of technology in the realisation of work in the recording studio.

This course is designed to introduce you to all these elements and guide you towards whatever aspect of the music industry you are interested in.

The course will be taught in the state-of-the-art performance and recording studios in the new Armagh Campus. You will delve into software such as Avid Pro Tools, Reason & Ableton Live and use hardware such as Focusrite Rednet, Audient ASP8024 and much more.

The course is awarded through the University of the Arts, London (UAL) and is equivalent to three A-Levels. It will introduce you to a range of skills needed to start your career in the music industry. You will be taken through the creative process of composing, performing and recording music. Emphasis is placed on your development as a music professional through the use of industry relevant projects.

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Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Applicants may be required to undertake an audition and listening test to ensure their suitability for undertaking the technical requirements of the course.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Please note in certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

The course is project based with innovative creative industry projects at its core. The 10 projects over the two years are:

First Year

Studio Skills - Live Recording, Studio Recording, Podcasting, Critical Listening.
Live Skills - Performance, Event Management, Critical Listening.
Composition Skills - Composing for TV & FILM, Sound Design, Foley, Sequenced Music.
Production Skills - Songwriting, Music Production, Music Industry.
Final Major Project - Collaborative student devised project - Live Gig Showcase.

Second Year

In Your Element- Songwriting, Sound Design, Performance, Composition, Professional Practice.
Concept Development - Music Contextualisation, Research.
Pathways - Music Business, Music Industry, Preparing for progression.
Concept Realisation - Extended Student Devised Project.

Assessment is ongoing by coursework.

On successful completion of this course, your career opportunities in the music industry are wide and varied, from music performance, composing, music production, live sound to music publishing.

You can gain employment in the music industry or progress to the Foundation Degree in Music, which is offered at SRC, as well as many other higher education courses including music, music technology/production or music management at other institutions.