Music – Session Musician
Higher National Diploma Music
The Pearson BTEC Higher National in Music allows all musicians and vocalists to study at Higher Education level for two years in West Dorset.
The course focuses on preparing students for real world popular music careers and will include industry relevant modules such as: applied music theory, advanced performance and technique, fundamentals of composition, arranging techniques, marketing and promotion. Performance is a key focus and there will be opportunities for live performing across the South West.
Benefits of studying at Weymouth College:
- Flexible delivery enabling you to work and learn at the same time.
- Exciting and varied programme of theoretical and practical subjects
- Specialist staff with industry experience.
- Excellent facilities and learning environment
- Opportunities to gain valuable industry experience.
The course can be ‘topped up’ to a full degree by a third year at another HE institution and lead on to post graduate study courses such as teacher training.
Apply via UCAS (Institution Code: W66, UCAS Course Code: W310 or contact Weymouth College for further information.
“Returning to Weymouth College to begin my HND in Music has been an amazing way to continue challenging myself and to learn relevant skills in an ever adapting industry. Even with the recent global circumstances, the process of learning here remained safer, professional and productive.” Ross, HND Student
Benefits
- Flexible delivery enabling you to work and learn at the same time.
- Exciting and varied programme of theoretical and practical subjects
- Specialist staff with industry experience.
- Excellent facilities and learning environment
- Opportunities to gain valuable industry experience
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally be at least 18 years of age. Applications are welcomed from candidates with a subject-specific Level 3 course such as a National Subsidiary/Diploma/Extended Diploma, A Level, Access to Higher Education Course, or a work-based course, such as NVQ 3 or Advanced Apprenticeship with a minimum 48 UCAS points achieved. International applicants will be required to have an IELTS score of 6 achieved within the last two years to apply for this course. Mature students may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.
Applicants will normally be invited for audition/interview.
Course Content
The Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Music is a qualification with a minimum of 240 credits from mainly 15 credit units.
Year 1 – Mandatory Core Units: The Music Industry; Marketing and Promotion for Musicians (Pearson-set); Professional Development
Specialist Units: Live Sound Techniques; Applied Music Theory; Performance; Instrumental Technique
Option Unit: Fundamentals of Composition
Upon successful completion of year 1 full-time students can be awarded a stand-alone HNC Music (Performance).
Year 2 – Mandatory Core Unit: Creative Research Project (Pearson-set) (30 credits)
Specialist Units: Musical Direction in Practice; Advanced Performance Skills; Live Arrangement Skills
Option Units: Advanced Sound Engineering; Composing to a Brief; Notation and Transcriptions.
(* please note Specialist and Optional units may be subject to change)
How will I be assessed?
The course is predominantly assessed through the completion of assignment projects. Much of the study will require work outside of formal classes, so self-motivation and good time management skills are essential. As a guideline you are advised that a 15-credit unit approximates to a learning time of 150 hours.
Progression
A key progression path for BTEC HNC and HND learners is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question. Depending on the entry requirements of individual universities successful completion of the course will enable you to apply to top up to a range of degree level courses in related subject areas. UCAS course search https://digital.ucas.com/search will enable you to explore options for Top Up courses available throughout the UK.
Fees
The course fees for all students for this course will be £6250 per annum. Details of the student finance available for all higher education students can be found on the student finance website www.gov.uk/student-finance