Level 2 Diploma in Music Production or Music Performance

This course is designed to lay the foundations for working in the music industry. It features a wide range of units that will challenge you to complete projects that are based on jobs in the music industry. Discover how music is made, performed, recorded, produced or how an artist makes money. This course will lay the foundations for progression to our level 3 courses. 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.

We have achieved a grade 2 ALPS for 2 years in a row, this places us in the top 10% nationally in Music Technology! This means our students make outstanding progress meeting and often 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 one 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 four GCSEs at grade 3 or above or a pass in a level 1 qualification and an ability to demonstrate a clear enthusiasm for music technology and/or performance.

Music technology or performance are fantastic subjects to study at SCG. We have three dedicated recording studios and two production suites that have been upgraded recently to professional standards with the latest analogue and digital hardware. We operate with industry-standard software including Pro Tools and Logic Pro X. These exciting facilities are backed by expert and experienced teaching staff.

This Level 2 RSL qualification is an excellent foundation for developing skills in music technology and music performance. The course also offers the opportunity to improve confidence and interpersonal skills in a supportive environment.

You will develop theoretical and practical skills in studio recording, music performance and music sequencing whilst learning about the music industry. Specialist units could include: DJing, rehearsal skills, music performance and studio recording.

Work is assessed through unit assignments, including practical classwork, development of performance skills, written evaluations, discussions, and presentations.

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 headphones with a Jack adaptor, USB hard drive or memory stick.

We offer progression to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology or Music Performance.

The UK music industry contributed £5.8 billion to the UK economy in 2019. There are now over 197k people working full-time in the industry. Music exports account for £2.9 billion. In addition to direct contributions, the industry brought in £4.7 billion from music tourism.

Our exciting facilities are backed by expert teachers who are active in the music industry, using their industry knowledge and skills to inform their teaching and prepare students for the realities of working in the music business.

SCG students have worked on The Big Busk, BBC introducing Live, the GB Pro Tennis Tournament, the college fashion show, corporate events and external and in-house theatre productions.

There are a range of trips to places such as  BBC Birmingham, BBC Media City, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and British Music Experience.

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 admissions@scg.ac.uk