Professional Music Programme – Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Level: 3 | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September

What is this course about?
At Cronton Sixth Form College we welcome and celebrate all styles of music. Our Professional Music Programme is aimed at preparing our students for employment and further study in the music industry as performers, composers, songwriters, recording engineers and other production roles.

If you have a strong interest in music and are considering higher-level study or you wish to gain specialist vocational skills to develop your employability, then the Professional Music Programme is for you. This UAL qualification is nationally recognised and is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Performance Element:
A number of practical performance units run throughout the course, in which you will be working in bands to develop musical material to perform at a number of external venues, such as The Studio (Widnes), the Cavern Club (Liverpool) and Parr Street Studios (Liverpool). In rehearsals, you will work as professional bands and you will have a say in what songs and styles of music you perform. In this way, we reflect real industry experience in developing your interests and professionalism, as well as working towards a performance.

At all times in the year, you will be working towards a public performance of one form or another.

Shakespeare North Playhouse is working in partnership with Cronton College to highlight career opportunities within the theatre and also the wider Creative Industries sector, offering students industry insight through inspiring experiences.

Recording, Sequencing & Software Element:
You will also have the chance to record and sequence your musical ideas using industry-standard DAW and notation software such as ProTools, Sibelius and MuseScore. You will also develop industry-standard practice methods in both studio and live recording scenarios, and gain experience in composing, arranging, mixing and mastering.  

Music Theory Element:
This course focuses on popular music theory and particularly on aspects that will help you become a more efficient and confident player on your chosen instrument(s), and that will also allow you to compose more effectively and to a higher standard.

Music industry Element:
Our whole Level 3 Music course is designed around the concept of working as a professional within the music industry. As such, all units are approached as a project (or part of a project) that you would undertake as a freelancer or employee in the music industry.
In addition, as part of your course you will undertake a substantial work experience placement within the music industry, adding to your experience and preparing you for the next steps in your career.

What are the entry requirements?

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 including a Grade 4 in English Language and a Grade 4 in Maths.
• You must be able to play an instrument/sing competently and have an interest in the industry.
• You will need to successfully pass a musical audition for this course.

  All Music students will have an individual audition with the music team to demonstrate proficiency on your chosen instrument/voice as well as take part in a group workshop with other applicants. Please see Audition Guidelines below.

  Task 1: Ensemble Workshop – Band Song
  You will be sent an audition pack for a song of our choice to help you prepare your part for a workshop where you will play your instrument or sing within a band of other musicians. During the workshop, you will be working with the music tutors and current college students to prepare a performance of this piece as part of a band. We will spend approximately 45 minutes working together on this task before performing the piece to all those present at the audition.
  Task 2: Performance
  Prepare a solo piece of your choice (approximately 1 to 3 minutes in length), which can be performed unaccompanied, with a backing track or piano accompaniment, depending on which is appropriate. You will perform individually for the music staff.
  Task 3: Discussion
  You will have a short discussion with the music team about your musical experience.
  The information you will be asked includes:
  1. How long have you been playing your instrument?
  2. Why did you decide to start learning an instrument?
  3. Have you had lessons or are you self-taught?
  4. What/who has inspired you as a musician?
  5. Do you play other instruments?
  6. Are you involved in any bands or ensembles, either in school or out of school?
  7. Which bands/artists inspire you as a musician?
  8. Why would you like a place on the A Level or Vocational Music course?

What will this course lead on to?
The music industry is highly competitive, and all students will benefit from further study in Higher Education, however this is not essential as upon completion of the students will have a range of skills that allow them to enter range of jobs such as sound engineer, session musician, songwriter, producer and performer.

Our Professional Music Programme allows you to be able to move straight into the music industry, should you wish to, following completion of the course. You will be experienced in a number of areas of the music industry, and you will have valuable practical experience as a direct result of your work on the course. Many students also go on to universities and conservatoires for further study of music, so this course is designed to fully prepare you for both employment and further study.

The Cronton Experience:
During your time at Cronton Sixth Form College, you will have the opportunity to take part in a number of different enrichment activities in your free time. These will increase your enjoyment of your studies and equip you for further success. Click the image below for more information!