Music Performance and Production – Level 3 Diploma

More about the course

As a musician a live gig can be seen as the most exciting part however, it is important to understand the suitability of venues and the roles required to put on a live event. In this highly practical course, you will gain creative and transferrable skills as you explore local venues to gain a better understanding of the music scene in Cumbria and learn about licensing and safety regulations.

You will rehearse a selection of songs to perform in our college theatre in front of a live audience.

You will learn basic multi-track recording techniques to record songs as well as perform at our ‘Later…. with Carlisle College’ live show, which is streamed live in front of an audience, in collaboration with the media course.

Using knowledge of roles required for a live performance you will plan a live gig, with support from the events team. As a group, you will choose a decade to focus on and rehearse a collection of contrasting songs as a band and / or as a soloist. You will also choose a production role to support the organisation and delivery of the gig at a local venue.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including English and maths

or

Level 2 Diploma in Music at Merit level
A GCSE in music is desirable but not essential
You will be required to submit a recorded music audition, demonstrating your musicianship skills either as a vocalist and / or instrumentalist.

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a:

Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production (1 year with a maximum of 86 UCAS points, equivalent to 3 AS Levels)
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production (2 years with a maximum of 168 UCAS points, equivalent to 3 A Levels)

What will I learn?

Year 1

Job roles for a live music event or studio recording
Explore the playing styles of different musical genres in a band OR create a multi-track recording in our recording studio.
Perform or be part of the sound/lighting production team for our annual 'Later... with Carlisle College' hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria's Darren Milby.
Analyse music using specialist vocabulary and music theory knowledge in a journalistic style.
Study the music of a particular decade and learn about the historical influences. Rehearse and perform these songs OR create a remix of a song from that decade. Learn about event planning and perform in a band/as a soloist OR take on a live sound/lighting role at The Brickyard music venue.
Academic referencing
Specialist study - choose a topic to explore and individually perform/create a track
Collaborate on a final project of your choice

Year 2

Take on a lead role (stage manager/live sound engineer/lighting engineer/creative team/finance/marketing & promotion/project manager/performer/Health & Safety/ticketing/finance) to plan and stage our annual 'Later... with Carlisle College'
Perform in your own music video
Study current songwriters and composers and use your findings to create your own songs or tracks for the moving image
Explore the legalities of music licensing, copyright, and distribution
Study progression opportunities in either higher education (UCAS applications) or employment as well as working patterns in the industry
Learn the skills required of a session musician by playing in the pit band for the college musical theatre production OR take on a live sound/lighting technician/stagehand production role
Manage a final project of your own choice

How is the course taught?

Practical workshops
Lectures
Discussion groups

How am I assessed?

Practical performances
Recordings
Essays
Podcasts
Reports
Presentations
Reviews
Evaluations

Work experience opportunities

Having Music, Performing Arts, Media and Art & Design students all under one roof means there are ample opportunities for exciting collaborations. The music department also has creative partnerships with local employers, venues, and organisations. This gives students the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience in an area of their choice. We also have guest speakers from the industry as well as visits to the UCAS conference, theatre shows and universities.

English and Maths

Even though this is a highly practical course, English and Maths is a constant thread through all assessments. We stretch and challenge students academically and develop essay and report writing with research skills and referencing for academic integrity. Students will use their Maths knowledge by exploring incoming and expenditure, using financial spreadsheets for music event planning and importantly personal finances, such as PAYE, tax, National Insurance, budgeting at university and student loans.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress onto 2nd year - top up your qualification to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance.

Alternatively, you could progress onto a higher education qualification, either in music/production/events/song writing/composition/journalism/music therapy/music for film or some non-music related degrees. Join a band for paid gig work, or youth programmes/initiatives.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.