Music Performance and Production

Course Code
HF3MUSC1-2
Start Date
August 9, 2026
Level
Level 3
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Course Overview

Turn your passion for music into your future. This exciting, practical two-year course is designed for aspiring musicians and producers who want to take their creativity to the next level. You’ll explore all aspects of music performance and production, developing your technical skills, artistic identity, and industry awareness through hands-on projects and collaborative work.

Throughout the course, you’ll perform live in a range of settings, write and record your own music, and gain professional experience using industry-standard equipment and software. You’ll also learn how the music industry works – from promotion and marketing to event planning and self-management, building the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in a fast-paced creative environment.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the performance experience, technical expertise, and creative vision to progress to higher education, music school, or launch your own career in the music industry.

Entry Requirements:

4 x GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths and English

Course Highlights

Perform Live – Take to the stage with group performances.
Get Studio Ready – Learn professional recording, mixing, and production techniques.
Create Original Music – Write, record, and refine your own tracks.
Industry Insight – Understand how the modern music industry works.
Collaborative Projects – Work with performers, producers, and other creatives.
Next Step Ready – Progress to university, music school, or a career in performance or production.

Course Units

• Principles of music performance and production

• Critical listening and music composition

• Music industry and professional practice

• Critical and contextual awareness for music performance and production

• Music production in context

• Music performance in context

• Preparation for specialist study in music performance and production

• Collaborative music performance and production project

Course Breakdown

80% Practical
20% Theory

Course Structure

This course gives you a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of music. A significant part of your learning is coursework, where you’ll develop and showcase your knowledge through written assignments, composition projects, and research tasks exploring a range of musical styles, theory, and history.

Practical sessions are a key part of the course, giving you the opportunity to refine your performance, instrumental, and production skills through rehearsals, ensemble work, and live performances. Your progress is assessed through a combination of internal and external assessments, ensuring you receive regular feedback from your tutors while also meeting nationally recognised standards. This structured approach equips you with the technical, creative, and analytical skills needed for further study or a career in the music industry.

Progression & Next Steps

This course gives you a comprehensive understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of music. With 80% of your assessment based on coursework, you’ll develop and demonstrate your knowledge through written assignments, composition projects, and research tasks that explore a range of musical styles, theory, and history.

Practical sessions are a key part of the course, giving you the opportunity to refine your performance, instrumental, and production skills through rehearsals, ensemble work, and live performances. Your progress is assessed through a combination of internal and external assessments, ensuring you receive regular feedback from your tutors while also meeting nationally recognised standards. This structured approach equips you with the technical, creative, and analytical skills needed for further study or a career in the music industry.

Choose your start date

August 9, 2026
26/27 – HF3MUSC1-2 – Music Performance and Production Apply

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