UAL Extended Diploma Music Performance & Production Level 3
The Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production is the equivalent to three A Levels and is a practical route into a career in music. The course provides opportunities to develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to work within the music industry or continue studying at a Higher Education level.
Whilst studying on this programme, you will develop music performance skills through rehearsal sessions and explore music composition using industry-standard software to produce audio content for a variety of purposes. Music theory knowledge is developed alongside critical listening skills through production analysis, composition interrogation and rehearsal room communication. There are opportunities to explore the use of modern digital equipment as well as traditional analogue hardware. You will learn about areas of the wider music and entertainment industry such as events management and music marketing as well as a multitude of other roles and careers that are available in this vibrant sector.
This course offers you a broad range of study if you are hoping to pursue a career in music or similarly, fully prepares you for Higher Education and has a strong record of progression onto degree level programmes in music and other related subject areas.
Choose this course if you live and breathe music and have a strong motivation for studying music at higher education level or entering the music industry.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths.
Students will be required to demonstrate instrumental playing or singing skills and musical knowledge sufficient to undertake a Level 3 Music course. In addition, a relevant Level 2 Diploma will also be considered as part of the entry requirement.
What will I study?
On this course, you will study and learn to:
- Rehearse and develop live music performances
- Create original music developing song writing and composition skills
- Create recordings involving music production, recording and sequencing skills
- Learn about the wider music industry and the opportunities it offers
- Develop specialist skills such as music theory, advance performance / production skills, live sound craft, sound design, etc
- Work on large collaborative projects with others to launch yourself publicly or others as artists, bands or producers, etc
- Prepare to progress into industry or Higher Education
- Develop a large ambitious music project of your choice and perform at local live music venues from our strong links with music industry professionals
- Have access to our professional-standard equipment and facilities
- Collaborate with other departments within the college to develop branding and marketing ideas related to a live music project
- Plan, research, develop and execute a large-scale music project of your choice to support you in your next steps after College.
Method of delivery
You will typically be in College 3/3.5 days per week which will also include any GCSE English and/or maths resits you may need to undertake. In-College delivery is supported by online resources and potentially trips and visits to support primary research within project work.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is coursework based and a combination of completing practical activities and written work. This might include the creation of an EP of original material, putting on a showcase performance, creating a blog to analyse music development or evaluate projects, etc. All assessment is tied into larger scale projects and made as industry relevant as possible. All units are assessed and an overall grade (Pass, Merit or Distinction) for the course will be awarded.
Good course combinations
This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes. You would only undertake GCSE English or Maths alongside this (if applicable).
Your next steps
Completion of the Extended Diploma in Music could lead to further study in Music, Music Production, Musical Theatre, both at university or a conservatoire, or could lead straight out in to industry as a performer or working in music production and live sound.
“I chose this course as I wanted to build on my knowledge and carry on studying Music. I tried sixth form but decided that the environment wasn’t for me and I wanted something new, so decided to study Music at York College. My tutors are really supportive and are always willing to help me with my work, and I can tell that they really want me to achieve my goals.”
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