UAL Level 2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

This course is designed to teach you the skills needed to kick-start a career in music. Whether you are a performer, composer or interested in music technology, the course serves as an excellent introduction to this fast-growing and highly competitive industry and will prepare you for further study at Level 3.

You need grades 3 at GCSE, including English Language and Maths.

If you play an instrument or sing, you will be required to take part in a short audition.

If you are a composer or music technologist, you will be required to demonstrate some experience in these areas, for example a project using music software.

Programme structure:

• Unit 1 Introduction to music performance -This introduces you to a range of activities essential to the development and delivery of a performance. It will introduce the basic elements of music performance, the process of rehearsal, production and delivery of a performance and impart an understanding of performing as a collaborative activity

• Unit 2 Introduction to music production -This introduces you to the diversity of roles and responsibilities within the music performance and production sector. It will introduce the student to the importance of health and safety as integral to the performer and production and the personal and professional characteristics needed for a career in the music industry

• Unit 3 Listening skills for music performance and production – This provides you with the opportunity to expand and develop listening skills to help inform musical performance and production ideas

• Unit 4 Exploring music composition – This will develop students’ understanding of the fundamentals of musical composition and explore methods of effectively communicating their ideas to specified audiences

• Unit 5 Contextual research for music performance and production – This will develop students’ awareness of the value of contextual research to support music performance and production.

• Unit 6 Music performance skills and practice – This will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate and use previously acquired skills, knowledge and understanding and to explore and develop more specific techniques, skills and attributes for music performances

• Unit 7 Music production skills and practice – This will provide the student with an opportunity to research the history and context of performance and production and will develop the students understanding of the value of contextual research in informing practice.

• Unit 8 Music performance and production project – This an opportunity for the learner to demonstrate their ability to competently use the range of skills, knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the course. It is expected that they will take greater ownership of their learning and, through a process of discussion and evaluation, respond positively to opportunities for individual expression of artistic and technical competence and creativity

If you are yet to achieve a grade 4 in English and Maths, you will also study these alongside the Music course.

This course is delivered entirely on-site through a mixture of workshops, taught sessions, practical work in groups and independent work through the following units. As part of the course you will have the opportunity to participate in gigs at an external venue. 

You will need to have your own pair of headphones, earplugs and a USB memory stick.  You will also need to have your own instrument where applicable.

Students may be entitled to support in purchasing any of the above through the College’s Bursary Fund, depending on their individual circumstances.

Your UAL Music assessment will be through coursework. This will entail a mixture of practical assignments, written assessments, presentation work and project work.

This course is designed to prepare you for study at Level 3. You can progress to Level 3 if you successfully achieve your Level 2 Music qualification at a Merit or Distinction standard, and grade 4 in English and Maths.

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