National Diploma in Music Practice
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National Diploma in Music Practice
Level: Further Education [level III]
Study Mode: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Minimum Age: 16 years
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs grade C or above, or completion of a First Diploma
How to Apply: Direct to College

Electric guitar

Close up of electric guitar

Girl with acoustic guitar

Rehearsal session

Sax player

Introduction
This popular, two year course provides a fantastic opportunity to develop your musical skills across the entire popular music spectrum; from Metal to Hip-Hop, from Folk to Grunge, from Jazz-Funk to Classic Rock.

It allows you to develop and build on your existing interest and knowledge of popular music, such as playing and singing techniques, music technology, songwriting and composition, sound recording and performing, alongside a team of experienced tutors and fellow students from a wide range of backgrounds.  If you want to be a committed musician, what better way could you find to spend your time ‘doing music’ every day and gain a substantial qualification at the same time?

The National Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and is recognised as such by all Universities and specialist Music Colleges. We believe it is important to make students feel valued, so whatever you bring to the course in terms of prior ability and experience, we will help you to build and develop it, to realise your full, creative potential.
Course
The course is a practical, work-related course covering all aspects of modern popular music including Rock, Jazz, Pop and World.

It is designed to give students a broad-based foundation from which to progress to either Higher Education or directly into employment.  All of our tutors have experience or currently work in a related area of the Music Industry e.g. performance, composing, recording and are able to pass on to students a wealth of practical and professional experience.

From 2010 the course will be based in a brand new Music Department, located at our main campus at Folly Lane, which will include: sound-proof rehearsal/recording studios each containing a PA system, back-line amplifiers, keyboards and drum kit, alongside a fully-equipped Music Technology suite (Cubase & Sibelius), and classrooms for more formal lessons.

There are many regular opportunities to perform and record both formally and informally throughout the course - a unique aspect of the course being the weekly ‘Performance Clinics’ where students can perform to each other and receive constructive feedback. A wide range of trips are arranged to gigs, workshops and music fairs, and we also regularly host visits from music industry professionals, including former students.
Structure
The course comprises 17 Units, one of which is a ‘double’ Unit making a total of 18 Units.

There are 5 Core Units:
Listening Skills for Musicians
Planning A Music Project
The Sound And Music Industry
Major Music Project (double)
Music In Society

The remaining Units include options such as:
Popular Music in Practice
Music Sequencing
Working and Developing as an Ensemble
Music Theory and Harmony
Sound Recording Techniques
Improvisation
Composing
Keyboard Skills
Singing Techniques
World Music
Performance Techniques

Generally, students study 9 Units each year.  Some Units e.g. Music Theory run the entire duration of the course, while other Units are completed within a Term. Functional Skills are integrated into the course and students also study units from Rock Schools’ ‘Creative Music Practitioner’ Award.

Advice and guidance is given throughout the UCAS application process, enabling students to make an informed decision in order to progress successfully to degree level study at University or College.
After your Course

On successful completion of the course, students usually go on to Higher Education or straight into the Music Industry. In the past our students have gone on to study at: Academy of Contemporary Music, Guitar Tech, Bath Spa University, Bristol Institute of Modern Music, Brighton Institute of Modern Music, Cardiff University, Buckingham University, British Academy of New Music, Glamorgan University and Westminster University.

Catch-up and listen to former student Sam Garbutt - his band Cha Cha have released their first single and could be gigging near you.  Visit www.myspace.com/wearechacha


 
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