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Starts

1 Sep 2025

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

1 Year

Level

Level 2

Awarding body

BTEC

Course code

MUSIF2001A01

Fee Information

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Age 16-18

FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.

Age 19+

If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect on live chat (bottom right of your screen).

Course may be subject to change.

Take the first step to being centre stage with our music industry skills course.

Explore the core elements of being a musician or vocalist, such as different genres of music, performance skills and self-promotion in the music industry.

Entry Criteria

4 GCSEs at grade 3 - this will include English and maths at a minimum of Level 4 or Functional Skills at Level 2.

Additional Costs

You will be required to provide your own microphones, cables, drumsticks, plectrums, spare strings etc.

What are the next steps?

You will meet with a course tutor in our Music Department which is on the first floor of the Music & Sport building.

Please come prepared with a short piece of music demonstrating your technical ability.

This will be followed by an informal discussion regarding scales and rudiments as they pertain to your instrument or voice.

Study Aims

Our music industry skills course is designed to prepare you for progression in the music industry by providing you with the core element of being a musician or vocalist.

Modules Studied

Mandatory units:

  • Exploring Music
  • Skills Development for Performing Arts
  • Self-promotion in the Music Industry
  • Music Project (Synoptic Assessment).

Elective units

  • Music Performance
  • Music Production.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching will include a combination of:

  • Practical workshops (band rehearsals)
  • Assessed live music performances
  • Lectures
  • Seminar-style surgeries
  • Portfolios of projects using MIDI workstations
  • Essays
  • Logbooks
  • Videoed rehearsals
  • Presentations.

Industry Links

We have strong links with a range of local businesses within the music industry. Previous students have benefitted from our strong links and have secured part-time and full-time jobs.

Partnerships include:

  • Beamish Museum
  • Bishop FM
  • Pathways Durham
  • Durham Music Service.

Placement

You will be encouraged to gain work placement in a music-related role, such as:

  • Music venue
  • Music retail
  • Radio station
  • Rehearsal/ recording studio
  • Drama/theatre group or stage school (as musical director or musician for hire)
  • Performing music for the community e.g. care homes, primary school workshops etc.

Where can it take me?

Musicians £42,120 Potential salary

More info