Music Performance & Production Level 3 Extended Diplomas

Program Overview

Music Performance Diploma

Overview

ACM’s Level 3 course in Music Performance is designed to give its students a focused learning experience, providing the skills and knowledge necessary for continuing study at Higher Education level or building a career as a Musician. Students can choose from Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals disciplines and are given access to a host of lectures, tutorials, workshops and masterclasses led by the same world-class music industry professionals that teach on our Higher Education programme offerings.

Details

Award

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production

Modes of Study

• Full time
• Blended

Study Level(s)

• Diploma

Campus Delivery

• Guildford

Duration

• 2 Years - Level 3 Extended

UCAS Points

• Up to 168 (equivalent to three A-Levels at A*)

Progression Options

• Students can enrol directly onto a two year Degree programme

Entry Requirements

• Minimum age: 16
• At least 4 GCSEs (A* – C or 9 – 4 grade) or equivalent level 2 qualification
• English and Maths GCSE (A* – C or 9 – 4 grade)
• Suitability for the programme will also be assessed through interview/audition

Course Units

Level 3 (Year 1)

• Unit 1 – Principles of Music
• Unit 2 – Creating Music
• Unit 3 – Understanding the Music Industry
• Unit 4 – Cultural Awareness
• Unit 5 – Music Production in Context
• Unit 6 – Music Performance in Context
• Unit 7 – Preparation for Specialist Study
• Unit 8 – Collaborative Project
• Instrumental Studies
• Performance Workshop
• Music Theory and Ear Training
• Collaborative Workshop

Level 3 Extended (Year 2)

• Unit 9 – Advanced Music Performance and Production Skills
• Unit 10 – Specialism Study
• Unit 11 – Progression Preparation
• Unit 12 – Extended Project Proposal
• Unit 13 – Extended Project
• Instrumental Studies
• Performance Workshop
• Music Theory and Ear Training
• UCAS
• Industry Insight
• Marketing and Promotion
• Further Personal Development
• Experiential Tasters

Tutors

• Nat Martin
• Aly Duff
• Matt Jones
• Tobias Alexander
• Pete Friesen
• Jon Duff
• Mark Taylor
• Joe Yoshida
• Leo Appleyard
• Vince Hearn
• Rob Harral
• Pat Hughes
• Sarah Geary

Career Credits

• Pete Friesen: Guitarist for Alice Cooper, The Almighty and Bruce Dickinson
• Jon Duff: Rhythm magazine, Chris Norman and Shakin Stevens
• Mark Taylor: Simple Minds, Elton John, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cult, Jimmy Cliff, and Belinda Carlisle
• Joe Yoshida: Katie Melua, Mika, Toseland, Mike Batt, Joel Compass, Akala
• Leo Appleyard: Universal Records, Decca Records, Bonfire Records, Gold of My Own, Jo Harman, Beating Heart Label, Cat Delphi (MOBO), Duncan Eagles
• Vince Hearn: Master’s Degree in Contemporary Music Performance
• Rob Harral: Glastonbury, Boardmasters, Shambala, national television and radio platforms
• Pat Hughes: Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers), John Cooper-Clarke, Toyah, Ray Keith, The Disorientee
• Sarah Geary: Paul Young, Edwin Starr, Hot Chocolate, Bonnie Tyler, Crowded House and James Blunt
• Nat Martin: Jo Harman, Sam Barks, and Robert Fripp
• Aly Duff: Chad Smith, The Royal Albert Hall
• Matt Jones: 13 years of guitar teaching expertise and 7 years as a studio recording engineer
• Tobias Alexander: Suzi Dian and Soweto Kinch, touring extensively and supporting acts like the Noisettes and Calvin Harris with their band This Beautiful Thief

Fees

• View course fees

Audition Guide

• View Audition Guide

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Program Outline

Degree Overview:

ACM’s Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production is a two-year, full-time or blended learning program designed to provide students with a focused learning experience. The objective is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for either continuing their studies at a Higher Education level or launching a career as a musician. Students can specialize in Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, or Vocals. The curriculum includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, and masterclasses led by music industry professionals who also teach at the Higher Education level. The program aims to prepare students for professional careers in music. The program states that it gives students a focused learning experience, providing the skills and knowledge necessary for continuing study at Higher Education level or building a career as a Musician.

Outline:

The Level 3 Extended Diploma is structured across two years (Level 3 and Level 3 Extended). The curriculum includes both core units and specialist instrumental studies.

Year 1 (Level 3):

• Unit 1 – Principles of Music: Introduction to music performance, production, technology, and collaborative performance.
• Unit 2 – Creating Music: Development of listening and compositional skills to inform musical performance and production ideas.
• Unit 3 – Understanding the Music Industry: Overview of roles, responsibilities, employment, and progression opportunities within the music industry, including health and safety considerations.
• Unit 4 – Cultural Awareness: Investigation of historical and contemporary contexts influencing music performance and production.
• Unit 5 – Music Production in Context: Critical analysis and application of knowledge to explore production and design skills in music.
• Unit 6 – Music Performance in Context: Critical analysis and application of knowledge to explore performance skills in music.
• Unit 8 – Collaborative Project: Collaborative project utilizing skills learned in previous units, promoting self-directed learning and clarifying long-term goals.
• Instrumental Studies: Development of technical skills and confidence on the chosen instrument.
• Performance Workshop: Introduction to music performance, production, technology, and collaborative performance through practical workshops.
• Music Theory and Ear Training: Development of music theory and ear training skills applicable to coursework and musical practice.
• Collaborative Workshop: Cross-pathway collaboration between students on student-led projects.

Year 2 (Level 3 Extended):

• Unit 9 – Advanced Music Performance and Production Skills: Formal dialogue to identify strengths and ambitions within a specific pathway, developing artistic, professional, and vocational skills.
• Unit 10 – Specialism Study: Understanding critical and contextual perspectives influencing music performance and production through a personal research project.
• Unit 11 – Progression Preparation: Research, dialogue, reflection, and evaluation to identify and prepare for Higher Education or employment progression routes.
• Unit 12 – Extended Project Proposal: Reflection on personal progress and presentation of a rationale for the choice of discipline and final project.
• Unit 13 – Extended Project: Independent project demonstrating skills acquired throughout the course, preparing for Higher Education or employment.
• Instrumental Studies: Continued development of technical skills and individual sound on the chosen instrument.
• Performance Workshop: Building upon Year 1 skills, introducing project-driven challenges to develop arranging, performing, and improvisational skills.
• Music Theory and Ear Training: Continued development of music theory and ear training skills to a foundation level for Higher Education.
• Industry Insight: Sessions providing first-hand insight into the music industry from professional tutors.
• Marketing and Promotion: Exploration of marketing and promotional activities for connecting with an audience.
• Further Personal Development: Holistic approach to personal and professional development, addressing barriers to learning and creativity.
• Experiential Tasters: Short project-based modules exploring areas of the music industry outside the chosen pathway (Music Video, Broadcast Media, Collaborative Music Performance).

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and masterclasses. The faculty comprises experienced music industry professionals, many with extensive performance and recording backgrounds. Specific teaching styles are not detailed, but the emphasis is on practical application and collaborative learning. The tutors listed include Pete Friesen (guitar), Jon Duff (drums), Mark Taylor (keyboards), Joe Yoshida (drums), Leo Appleyard (guitar/production), Vince Hearn (guitar/production), Rob Harral (performance/songwriting), Pat Hughes (bass), Sarah Geary (vocals), Nat Martin (guitar), Aly Duff (vocals/performance), and Matt Jones (guitar/production), and Tobias Alexander (drums). Detailed biographies are provided for each tutor, highlighting their extensive experience in the music industry.

Careers:

The program aims to prepare students for careers as professional musicians. Potential career paths include performance, music production, and related roles within the music industry. Students who lack GCSE passes in English or Maths will be given the opportunity to complete these alongside their course. ACM offers a two-year accelerated undergraduate program and a three-year Masters program as options. The program emphasizes the importance of practice, collaboration, and performance.