Extended Diploma in Music Performance

Open your eyes and ears to what can be achieved with sound and develop your practical skills in recording and music production. On this exciting, creative and hands-on course you will develop skills in sound recording and music production, digital music composition, sequencing, live sound, events management and much more. You will also develop essential listening skills and discover how to carve a career in the music industry. You will explore your interests and career aspirations, creating individual and collaborative projects related to your specialisms, guided by our team of professional industry staff in our state-of-the-art facilities using hardware and software that can be found in specialised recording studios. 

The Extended Diploma in Music Production, equivalent to three A Levels, is a practical route towards a career in music and sound production and is designed to equip you with the skills needed to progress in this ever-changing and dynamic 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.

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.

If you wish to find out more you can contact us by email at: performingarts@nscg.ac.uk

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.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance