Pathway to Music and Performing Arts: Level 1

Our UAL Award in Music (Level 1) is an inspiring first step into the world of music creation. We will be studying how to create music, utilise studio equipment, work collaboratively with others, and plan, develop and complete creative projects across a range of different genres, media and uses. 

Picking a different focus every half term, we will be delving into the world of sound effects, creating a multi-genre class album, getting to grips with studio and stage equipment, and investigating the sound and music of film and video games.

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner with a strong interest in music, a well-practised musician or a keen home studio enthusiast, there will be something here to sink your creative teeth into. 

You will need a profile of three grade 2s at GCSE or the equivalent. A creative GCSE would be beneficial. You may, however, have a limited qualification profile due to personal circumstances.

You will attend an interview. Experience and a keen interest in music would be preferable.

You will develop and build skills that focus on:

• composition and song writing
• recording and manipulating audio
• programming and sequencing MIDI
• mixing techniques
• selecting and setting up studio equipment
• working with and creating sound effects
• creating music for a range of different sources and media

This course will be delivered on-site.

The only equipment that we require students to bring is a pair of wired headphones.

We also strongly suggest that each student has their own memory stick for backing up and storing files.

Students are more than welcome to bring their own instruments and equipment such as drum sticks, picks and cymbals if they are appropriate to the project or session. 

You will be assessed once every half term through a range of diverse projects, each one designed to challenge your skills and encourage your creativity. Each project will follow a similar process, giving you the opportunity to plan, create, work with others, show how your project is progressing, and finish by sharing your work with your peers and lecturers. 

Further Study

This course can provide a progression route to our Level 2 BTEC Certificate in Music Industry Skills, or other Level 2 courses across the College or beyond. 

Careers

This course will give you the starting knowledge and experience that could lead to a pathway in many different careers including roles such as:

• Studio Engineer
• Producer
• Composer
• Song Writer
• Foley Artist
• Roadie
• Live Sound Technician

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk