Course Overview
The Music Academy HND in Music is a Full-time, Higher Education course designed for students who wish to further their academic studies or to embark on a career in music. With an estimated value of £1.33bn to the UK economy in music sales alone and an overall worth of £4.5bn in 2017, you will develop your skills to enter an emergent and exhilarating professional path.
Music industry jobs are amongst the most varied, with roles including film, television, stadiums, recording studios, live performances, education and freelance work available. Specific jobs include session musician, performer, studio engineer, music agency executive, sound designer, composer, arranger, musical director, west end performer, music teacher, music therapist, radio broadcaster, music journalist, researcher, event manager or record label manager.
In addition to your formal studies in music, you will have the opportunity immerse yourself in the extra-curricular opportunities available within the Music Academy including Choir, Function Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Brass Group. You will perform regularly in the purpose built Nidum Arts Centre, situated on campus, whilst there are many UK and international performance tours undertaken.
A typical offer would be: 3 A Levels including Music at grade D or above / 2 A Levels including Music at grade C or above or MMM profile from a BTEC Level 3 qualification and five GCSEs at C or above, including English and Maths or a suitable combination of the above.
Additionally, entry criteria can vary dependant on the applicant’s recent relevant experience within the music industry. Applications are welcomed from mature learners who do not have formal qualifications, and the college will consider applications on an individual basis. Applicants will be invited to an interview and vocal/instrumental audition before acceptance on to the course. Please prepare one piece to perform which should be of Grade 6 standard. Please send in an example of a composition and an essay or a piece of extended writing.
A recognised progression route for this programme is the BA (Hons) Music or other music related degrees. Graduates have employment prospects in a diverse range of media companies as well as the music industry, for example: session musician, performer, studio engineer, music agency executive, sound designer, composer and arranger, musical director, music teacher, music therapist, radio broadcaster, music journalist, researcher, event manager, record label manager.
Whatever your interest in music, you will embark on a rigorous, structured and enjoyable course delivered by industry specialists. Encapsulating the main elements of musical performance, composition, aural skills, music production and self-promotion, you will learn in an environment of specialist and well equipped teaching rooms, Sibelius Ultimate and Logic Pro X software, 6 practice rooms, live room, recording studio and auditorium.
Specialist modules include: The Music Industry, Marketing and Promotion for Musicians, Professional Development, Song writing, Live Arranging Skills, The Evolution of the Instrument, Performance & Instrumental Technique.
You will learn – via a combination of taught lectures / practical classes and workshops / self-directed study and blended learning, with a focus on developing instrumental/vocal technical skills and the additional underpinning knowledge, etc. essential to the employable musician.
Assessment takes place via continual assessment / coursework / written assignments / assessment evenings.
