Level 3 RSL Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Performance)

If you have ever wondered how music is made, performed, recorded, produced or how an artist makes money, this course is for you.  Consider that every time that you hear music or sound on TV, Radio, Film, Computer games or any interactive media that a number of people have been involved in the process of making that sound or music.  From the composer, performer, sound engineers, producers, editors and sound designers each sound must be made, recorded, edited, mixed and mastered ready for performance.  From the sound of the Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to the sound of a gun-shot on a computer game to the music that accompanies the media, Music Technology is at the heart of the process from beginning to end.  For those interested in Music Performance this course offers the opportunity to develop your rehearsal, composition and performance skills through dedicated units and multiple performance opportunities both inside and outside of college.

Our results are consistently above the national benchmarking from the RSL exam board for our level 2 and 3 courses meaning our students out perform their counter parts at other colleges meeting and exceeding their target grades.

You will also be able to study using the latest software and specialist hardware including the industry standard Pro Tools recording software and Logic Pro X production software.  This is an exciting two year course which provides a nationally recognised qualification from an exam board, RSL, whose qualifications are written by those that work in the music industry. Each assignment is based on an industry brief, essentially the work that you undertake on this course is based on the work that you would complete in the industry. The course will enable you to develop practical skills and a theoretical understanding of the music industry through the completion variety of core and specialist units in your selected pathway. The department has recently benefited from large scale investment in new iMac computers, software upgrades as well as new live sound and studio recording equipment.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above or a Merit profile in a related Level 2 Diploma. You should also demonstrate a clear interest or previous experience in music technology/performance and be able to work independently and in a team.

We offer two pathways: a production route, focusing on production and sound engineering and a performance route focusing on rehearsal, instrumental skills development, and performance. We deliver RSL qualifications which involve taking part in creative projects and practical exercises as well as written assignments and presentations.  Alongside study are trips and opportunities to get hands-on and use the techniques learnt on the course.

This course is an opportunity for you to develop practical and theoretical skills that are required in the ever-changing music industry. If you have considered working as a performer, sound engineer, events manager, music producer, remix artist or DJ this course could be for you. You have a choice of taking either the production or performance pathway.  Below is the current unit selection for year 1 and 2.

Year 1:
317 Working in the Music Industry

302 Rehearsing Music (Performance only)

305 Music Sequencing & Production

327 Recording Live Sound

306 Digital Recording & Production

312 Practical Sound Reinforcement

325 DJ Skills (Production only, optional for production)

345 Using a Keyboard with a DAW

330 Remixing (Production only, optional for production)

Year 2:

328 Recording Studio Sound (Production only)

303 Performing Music Live (Performance only)

307 Studio Sound Mixing

311 Managing a Music Event

313 Live Event Promotion

343 Composing for Media Destinations

340 Composing Music Styles Skills unit

The course is the equivalent to 3 A Levels and is a widely recognised qualification valued by employers and universities.  During the course you will undertake a number of creative production projects and practical exercises.  Other methods of assessment include written assignments, compositions and presentations.  Your learning experience is enhanced by workshops with professional practitioners and regular performance visits and study trips.

A contribution towards educational visits may be requested.

It is expected that you keep rigorous notes during sessions, for this we advise that you purchase a note book or academic journal.

Recommended equipment includes closed back headphones with a Jack adaptor, USB hard drive or memory stick.

Where your grades in GCSE maths and English are not at C (4) and above you will have to take these up as part of your programme of study.  Our results are above national benchmarking for RSL, this means our students make outstanding progress meeting and often exceeding their target grades. Study where staff are enthusiastic, highly qualified, talented and who work in the industry; Develop studio craft in three of our purpose built recording studios running Pro Tools and Logic Pro X; Develop skills in live sound using high quality PA and outboard equipment; plan, organise and run your own events here at college or in Shrewsbury town; develop music production techniques on Pro Tools or Logic Pro X in our dedicated production suite; have access to a wide array of equipment including: Drum Machines, Guitar Effects Units, Amplifiers, Loop-stations, Synthesisers, V-Drums and Portable Recorders.

Studying at Level 3 is a hard but a rewarding endeavour. If you put time and effort in you will be rewarded with an enriching experience that will set you up for a career in the music industry or further studies at University or on our very own HND Music Technology, Business or Performance HND.  Working to deadlines is part and parcel of working in the music industry and your work on the course will be no different. During the course there will be numerous opportunities to perform and gain work experience.

During the course our students take part in workshops, visits and work experience to enrich their understanding and to widen their opportunities.  Workshops include ESL Sound and Lighting, University guest workshops, Musicians Union, 60 Second Music Marketing plus other university visits. Visits to Liverpool Beatles Story, British Music Experience, Birmingham Symphony Hall and the BBC form part of the visits programme. Work experience opportunities have included in the past: Performing Arts shows in house and at Theatre Severn; Loopfest music festival; Dance Shows; The Fashion Show; Prestfelde school dance showcase, GB Pro Tennis; Shrewsbury Christmas Lights Switch On; Creation Music Group; Pro Audio Solutions along with other offers for sound engineers and performers throughout the year.

For the Music Performance pathway you must be able to play an instrument or sing, it is not essential or a course requirement for the production pathway.  A basic understanding of how music is made, recorded or performed is essential. An ability to work well as part of a team as well as having individual drive and motivation to succeed are paramount on the course. This is an exciting, interesting and intensive course; if you believe you have what it takes please get in touch.

Many of our students stay with us to study the HNC in Music Production course which is the equivalent of the first year of a degree. Once completed we offer the HND in Music Production course which is equivalent to the first two years of a degree. RSL qualifications are university and employer recognised and can lead to you achieving 168 UCAS points. The majority of our students choose to continue their studies either with us or at university. Many have gone on to forge their own careers in the industry from running music events companies, working as sound engineers, running live sound hire to working on post-production on TV for the BBC and Channel 4 as well as HBO and Hollywood films.

The UK music industry contributed £6.7 billion to the UK economy in 2023. There are now over 210k people working full-time in the industry. Music exports account for £4 billion.  The industry is growing and you could be part of it.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.