Extended Diploma in Music

Designed for aspiring musicians aiming to develop their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the music industry. This course provides students with practical experience in live performances, music production, and collaborative projects, while also honing their technical abilities on their chosen instrument or voice. With a strong emphasis on creativity, professional development and industry knowledge, the diploma prepares students for a wide range of careers in music, including performance, composition, and production.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music is designed for students aiming to pursue a career in the music industry or progress to Higher Education, this course provides an in-depth, practical, and theoretical understanding of the music sector.Through support from our Industry based staff, you will be encouraged to demonstrate a high level of creativity and technical ability. You will develop your knowledge of music history, music theory, aural skills, composing, songwriting and music production �empowering you to be adaptable within the Music Industry.The course is designed around a number of music projects, such as live performance projects showcasing your work in-house and within the local community, composition or song writing tasks, events organisation and management and research assignments.Staff will support you to develop independent resilience and career strategy as a creative practitioner, enhancing your lectures, practical sessions and workshops with bespoke masterclasses from industry professionals. Past guests have included international recording engineers, commercial songwriters, award winning recording artists in addition to insights from the Musicians Union and the Performing Rights Society.

The course is internally assessed through practical projects and supporting documentation. Tasks vary and include hands on coursework accompanied by online content (such as vlogs, podcasts, blogs), reports and presentations. Our curriculum is designed so that you continually revisit your approaches to making and understanding music, refining your skills, adding complexity and exploring new contexts in order to produce a portfolio of work that mirrors the current demands of the Music Industry.

You will need a minimum of four or more high grades at GCSE in subjects relevant to the course you�d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. Alternatively, you�ll need a Level 2 Diploma with overall Merit in a relevant subject and maths and English at appropriate levels. You will be invited to interview/audition where you will have the opportunity to meet the department and be shown the outstanding facilities at the Performing Arts Centre.�You will be asked questions about your interests, and where applicable your compositions and allow you the opportunity to tell us all about your passion for the subject. Maths and English:�Alongside your course you will study Maths and/or English to improve your skills in these vital subjects by attending structured weekly sessions as part of your timetable. Maths and English development is also integrated in practical assignments.

This nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to 3 A-Levels) is ideal for those wishing to progress to university studies in a related subject or to employment in a wide range of prospective careers for example, performing musician, music management or music composer.