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The BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Music (Music Performance)
is an intensive one-year course for musicians wishing to fast-track
their musical development and realise their creative potential in an
inspired and unique setting. More commonly known as the Higher
Diploma, the course covers the wide spectrumof musical skills and
business know-how that musicians need in order to succeed in the
competitive environment of the music industry today. Furthermore,
students also focus on technical and stylistic studies related to their
chosen specialism/instrument and the application of this knowledge
into the study and performance of a wide range of contemporary styles.
The course runs over three terms, and consists of the following—
Term1
The students begin by building the foundations of a Professional Portfolio,
a document that is a must for those looking for a career in the competitive
environment of the music industry. This will include a CV, biographical
detail, evidence of an online presence and other suchmaterial relevant
towards a career as a musician. Parallel to this, students will be taught the
essential skills for effective practice on their instrument, with the student
completing a reflective diary that looks specifically at the improvement
of their individual playing. These studies are underpinned by ear-training,
weekly sight-reading classes and the regular playing in a live band
situation with other students; performing the different musical styles
relevant to today’s wide-rangingmusical landscape.
Term2
As a means of building upon their Professional Portfolio fromTerm 1,
students will be asked to perform a gig in the latter half of this term;
of which they will also be assessed according to their performance skills.
Reinforced by students continuing to play in weekly live band situations,
the gig will bring to the fore students’on-going study of different styles
and technique of modern playing. The preparation for the gig also
draws upon the students’ study of the music industry this term, looking
specifically at industry roles, contractual agreements and record labels.
Term3
This final termwill culminate in the‘Live Event Project’, where students
organise a live event at a London-basedmusic venue. As well as being
responsible for the organisation of the event, students will also play,
adding to their professional portfolio and gaining experience of
playing in a London-based venue. Lasting over three days, the
Live Event Project will draw together the many strands of the course,
including live performance, the music business and aural training.
Qualification
BTECLevel 5Diploma inMusic (QCF)
Timing
3x10-week terms
16hours/week
3days/week
EntryRequirements
Min5GCSEswithmarksA-C
or similarqualifications
International
English language requirement—
MinLevel B1of theCEFR
formore information
Auditions
All applicantswill be invitedtoattendan
auditionand interviewassessingtheir
abilities inperformance, aural perception,
harmonyandtheoryand instrument skills
Sight readingskillsarenot required
Accreditedby
Pearson/Edexcel
Fees
Contact InstituteAdmissionsor see
website fordetailsof course fees, funding
andscholarships
HigherDiploma
Bass
/
Drums
/
Guitar
/
Vocals