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Music Performance

Level 3

This course provides you with the skills needed to be successful in a music career including composition, improvisation and performance and industry understanding.

Music Performance

Level 3

This course provides you with the skills needed to be successful in a music career including composition, improvisation and performance and industry understanding.

Overview
Key Statistics
Modules
Careers
Additional Info
Related Reading
How to apply
Course Overview
Key Statistics
Course Modules
Careers & Progression
Additional Information
Related Reading
How to apply

This course provides you with the skills needed to be successful in a music career including composition, improvisation and performance and industry understanding.

THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE AT:

Birmingham
Bristol
Lincoln
London
Manchester
Norwich
Plymouth

KEY INFORMATION:

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at 4-9 (C-A*) including English

Course Length

Two years

Qualification

RSL Creative Music Industries – Level 3 Extended Diploma

This course provides you with the skills needed to be successful in a music career including composition, improvisation and performance and industry understanding.

AVAILABLE IN:

Birmingham
Bristol
Lincoln
London
Manchester
Norwich
Plymouth

key information:

Entry Requirements

GCSEs at grades 4-9 (C-A*), including English and maths

Course Length

Two Years

Qualification

RSL Creative Music Industries – Level 3 Extended Diploma

course overview

Our Level 3 Music Performance course gives you the tools to take your performance skills to the next level. With access to top-tier rehearsal spaces, studios, and tech suites, you’ll refine your craft and build confidence as a musician. Bring your own instrument or borrow one of ours as you rehearse, perform, and explore new creative opportunities.

Take part in exciting performances, collaborate with peers, and grow as an artist. We’ll also focus on your personal growth and career readiness, helping you prepare for success in education or the music industry.

  • Music Performance & Stagecraft: Develop your performance skills with expert coaching in setlist preparation, stagecraft, and live performances. Work in well-equipped rehearsal spaces and studios, perfecting your craft both individually and in groups.
  • Music Theory & Composition: Strengthen your understanding of music theory and explore composition and arrangement techniques. Learn how to turn creative ideas into music and critically analyse the key elements of your favourite tracks to refine your sound.
  • Music Industry Knowledge: Gain insight into the music business, from marketing and promotion to sustaining a career as a professional musician. Understand how to respond to creative briefs, work with clients, and thrive under pressure in real-world scenarios.
  • Collaboration & Project Work: Collaborate with peers to create and execute musical projects. Whether performing, composing, or engaging with other creative disciplines, you’ll develop teamwork and communication skills vital to the industry.
  • Personal Development & Career Readiness: Build confidence and employability skills through industry-focused seminars and personal coaching. Prepare for your next steps, whether that’s university, further training, or entering the music industry.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of music production, equipping you with essential skills in composing, sequencing music with industry-standard software, recording and editing audio, and remixing tracks.

With classmates from diverse musical backgrounds, ambitions, and levels of experience, you’ll have the opportunity to inspire and learn from each other. Collaborate on exciting projects both in and outside the classroom, broadening your creative horizons.

In today’s music industry, versatility is key. By developing a wide range of skills and knowledge, this course will provide you with a solid foundation to kickstart your journey as a modern musician.

In college you’ll have access to:

  • Fully resourced practical spaces.
  • PA Systems.
  • Microphones, leads and stands.
  • Guitar and bass amps.
  • Drum kits (acoustic, with cymbals and/or electronic kits).

 

High-spec classroom/tech room spaces:

  • Apple iMacs with up-to-date Logic Pro X music sequencing software.
  • MIDI controller keyboards.
  • Audio interfaces.
  • A range of microphones and headphones.
  • A music production studio.

 

Also benefit from: 

  • An online learning programme in your first year, to support and enhance your studies.
  • A national network of like-minded Students and teachers studying your course in our campuses around the UK.
  • A guest speaker programme with access to industry practitioners.

During your course, you will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), where you can:

  • View your course information.
  • Set and review targets to help you develop musically and academically.
  • Review notes from your 1-2-1 sessions with your course leader.
  • Access resources for your lessons, to help you understand and complete projects and assignments.
  • View your timetable and check your attendance.
  • Submit your work and receive your grades.

course overview

Our Level 3 Music Performance course gives you the tools to take your performance skills to the next level. With access to top-tier rehearsal spaces, studios, and tech suites, you’ll refine your craft and build confidence as a musician. Bring your own instrument or borrow one of ours as you rehearse, perform, and explore new creative opportunities.

Take part in exciting performances, collaborate with peers, and grow as an artist. We’ll also focus on your personal growth and career readiness, helping you prepare for success in education or the music industry.

  • Music Performance & Stagecraft: Develop your performance skills with expert coaching in setlist preparation, stagecraft, and live performances. Work in well-equipped rehearsal spaces and studios, perfecting your craft both individually and in groups.
  • Music Theory & Composition: Strengthen your understanding of music theory and explore composition and arrangement techniques. Learn how to turn creative ideas into music and critically analyse the key elements of your favourite tracks to refine your sound.
  • Music Industry Knowledge: Gain insight into the music business, from marketing and promotion to sustaining a career as a professional musician. Understand how to respond to creative briefs, work with clients, and thrive under pressure in real-world scenarios.
  • Collaboration & Project Work: Collaborate with peers to create and execute musical projects. Whether performing, composing, or engaging with other creative disciplines, you’ll develop teamwork and communication skills vital to the industry.
  • Personal Development & Career Readiness: Build confidence and employability skills through industry-focused seminars and personal coaching. Prepare for your next steps, whether that’s university, further training, or entering the music industry.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of music production, equipping you with essential skills in composing, sequencing music with industry-standard software, recording and editing audio, and remixing tracks.

With classmates from diverse musical backgrounds, ambitions, and levels of experience, you’ll have the opportunity to inspire and learn from each other. Collaborate on exciting projects both in and outside the classroom, broadening your creative horizons.

In today’s music industry, versatility is key. By developing a wide range of skills and knowledge, this course will provide you with a solid foundation to kickstart your journey as a modern musician.

In college you’ll have access to:

  • Fully resourced practical spaces.
  • PA Systems.
  • Microphones, leads and stands.
  • Guitar and bass amps.
  • Drum kits (acoustic, with cymbals and/or electronic kits).

High-spec classroom/tech room spaces:

  • Apple iMacs with up-to-date Logic Pro X music sequencing software.
  • MIDI controller keyboards.
  • Audio interfaces.
  • A range of microphones and headphones.
  • A music production studio.

Also benefit from: 

  • An online learning programme in your first year, to support and enhance your studies.
  • A national network of like-minded Students and teachers studying your course in our campuses around the UK.
  • A guest speaker programme with access to industry practitioners.

During your course, you will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), where you can:

  • View your course information.
  • Set and review targets to help you develop musically and academically.
  • Review notes from your 1-2-1 sessions with your course leader.
  • Access resources for your lessons, to help you understand and complete projects and assignments.
  • View your timetable and check your attendance.
  • Submit your work and receive your grades.

Ready to apply?

Applying to study with us takes less than two minutes, and we have interviewers ready and waiting to speak to you.

Find out more about the application journey and apply now below.

Application Journey
apply now

READY TO APPLY?

Applying to study with us takes less than two minutes, and we have interviewers ready and waiting to speak to you. Find out more about the application journey and apply now below.

application journey
apply now

LEARNER ACHIEVEMENT

90% of our learners achieve their full qualification.

93% of our learners have a positive destination.

5 out of 8 of our learners go onto university or other Higher Education.

learner achievement

90% of our learners achieve their full qualification.

93% of our learners have a positive destination.

5 out of 8 of our learners go onto university or other Higher Education.

COURSE MODULES

You will cover the following modules:
  • Music Production
  • Working in the Music Industry
  • Composing Music
  • Performing Live Music
  • Auditioning for Music
  • Performing Music to Camera
  • Performing as a Session Musician
  • Rehearsing Music
  • Improvisation

COURSE MODULES

  • Music Production
  • Working in the Music Industry
  • Composing Music
  • Performing Live Music
  • Auditioning for Music
  • Performing Music to Camera
  • Performing as a Session Musician
  • Rehearsing Music
  • Improvisation

COURSE MODULES

  • Music Production
  • Working in the Music Industry
  • Composing Music
  • Performing Live Music
  • Auditioning for Music
  • Performing Music to Camera
  • Performing as a Session Musician
  • Rehearsing Music
  • Improvisation

Careers Within Music Performance

With all the transferable skills you’ll learn on this course, the world really is your oyster. 

You can head off to University, study a Level 4/5 course or go straight into the world of work.

Guitarist at work

Freelance Performing Musician

Could include performing and/or recording, could be own project or someone else's. Most likely to be your own creative vision or that of a band you are in and will include playing live gigs, engaging with recording sessions. Your salary and earning potential is based on your popularity and how hard you work.

Session Musician in Studio

Session Musician

Usually working for other artists assisting with live performances or recording services for their projects. Usually paid upfront or via royalties. Can take a long time to earn money from, as better session work often requires more experience.

Sound Designer at work

Original Artist

This will include performing and/or recording, and will be your own project and creative vision and will include playing live gigs, engaging with recording sessions, and fulfilling marketing and label requirements in some cases. Your salary and earning potential is based on your popularity and how hard you work.

Rock Band in Studio

Original Band Musician

Will include performing and/or recording your own or your band's creative vision, and will include playing live gigs, engaging with recording sessions and fulfilling marketing and label requirements where applicable. Your salary and earning potential is based on your popularity and how hard you work. This role requires considerable collaboration skills.

Music Educator at work

Music Teacher/Tutor

Can be done freelance, via private tuition, or as part of a private company or a state institution such as a college or secondary school. This can lead to university lecturer positions based on level of education. Usually requires degree level education and has reasonable earning potential.

Musical Director

Musical Director

Will be working with other musicians to direct and lead a musical project. This can be in a theatre scenario, function band scenario or studio band scenario. Becoming a successful Music Director requires an in-depth understanding of music theory and a very personable attitude and demeanour. Usually quite well paid and rarely requires touring, leaving home etc.

Careers Within Music Performance

With all the transferable skills you’ll learn on this course, the world really is your oyster. 

You can head off to University, study a Level 4/5 course or go straight into the world of work.

Guitarist at work

Freelance Performing Musician

Could include performing and/or recording, could be own project or someone else's. Most likely to be your own creative vision or that of a band you are in and will include playing live gigs, engaging with recording sessions. Your salary and earning potential is based on your popularity and how hard you work.

Session Musician in Studio

Session Musician

Usually working for other artists assisting with live performances or recording services for their projects. Usually paid upfront or via royalties. Can take a long time to earn money from, as better session work often requires more experience.

Sound Designer at work

Original Artist

This will include performing and/or recording, and will be your own project and creative vision and will include playing live gigs, engaging with recording sessions, and fulfilling marketing and label requirements in some cases. Your salary and earning potential is based on your popularity and how hard you work.

Rock Band in Studio

Original Band Musician

Will include performing and/or recording your own or your band's creative vision, and will include playing live gigs, engaging with recording sessions and fulfilling marketing and label requirements where applicable. Your salary and earning potential is based on your popularity and how hard you work. This role requires considerable collaboration skills.

Music Educator at work

Music Teacher/Tutor

Can be done freelance, via private tuition, or as part of a private company or a state institution such as a college or secondary school. This can lead to university lecturer positions based on level of education. Usually requires degree level education and has reasonable earning potential.

Musical Director

Musical Director

Will be working with other musicians to direct and lead a musical project. This can be in a theatre scenario, function band scenario or studio band scenario. Becoming a successful Music Director requires an in-depth understanding of music theory and a very personable attitude and demeanour. Usually quite well paid and rarely requires touring, leaving home etc.

additional information

  • We are a creative college, creating a specialist, creative ecosystem. This is enhanced by teachers, support staff and managers with creative backgrounds and experience.
  • There are opportunities for collaboration across creative disciplines for example photo and video shoots for musicians, or writing music for video games.
  • We have developed in house careers and online learning programmes to support, enhance and harness students’ creative skills and abilities.
  • We cover a range of disciplines and outputs whilst still allowing students to determine and develop their own creative outputs.

4 GCSEs at 4-9 (C-A*) including English.

Learning Structure:

  • Practical sessions in specialist spaces combined with contextual classroom studies.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with peers from different pathways during shared lessons.

 

Year 1:

  • 13 hours of in-person subject lessons each week, covering a variety of topics in your chosen discipline and employability skills development through the Professional Development programme.
  • 56 hours of self-directed study (independent learning) across the year.
  • 64 hours of enrichment activities throughout the year, focusing on additional creative projects and experiences outside the classroom.
  • 4 hours of Maths and/or 3 hours of English weekly for students needing to retake due to achieving a grade 3 or below.

 

Year 2:

  • 12 hours of in-person subject lessons each week, continuing to cover a variety of topics in your chosen discipline and employability skills development through the Professional Development programme.
  • 111 hours of self-directed study over the course of the year (approximately 3 hours per week).
  • 48 hours of enrichment activities throughout the year, continuing to focus on additional creative projects and experiences outside the classroom.
  • 4 hours of Maths and/or 3 hours of English weekly for students needing to retake due to achieving a grade 3 or below.

 

Professional Development: 

  • Weekly sessions to develop employability skills specific to your chosen discipline.

 

Attendance and Independent Work:

  • 100% attendance is mandatory for all lessons and timetabled activities.

 

Students are expected to work independently outside timetabled lessons to:

  • Apply what they learn.
  • Complete assignments.

 

Progress Reviews and Reporting:

  • At least three one-to-one reviews per year.
  • A formal learner report accessible to parents/carers via the online portal.

 

Enrichment Opportunities:

  • Creative projects, guest lectures, and events.
  • An online learning programme to support studies outside college hours.

This internally assessed course is delivered and evaluated by teachers through planned projects. These combine practical tasks, like performances, compositions, and music videos as well as written reports, and presentations. 

Our bespoke professional development programme aims to empower you to take your next steps into your future career. We achieve this by providing you with a three phase programme of lessons, projects and experiences designed to give you as much exposure to industry as possible.

If you are 16-18 and don’t already have GCSE Grades 4 or above in mathematics and/or English Literature or Language, it will be compulsory for you to do a GCSE level maths and/or English course alongside your studies with us. Learn more here.

All campuses 16-18*

FREE

All campuses 19+ (FIRST YEARS ONLY)

£2,882

additional information

  • We are a creative college, creating a specialist, creative ecosystem. This is enhanced by teachers, support staff and managers with creative backgrounds and experience.
  • There are opportunities for collaboration across creative disciplines for example photo and video shoots for musicians, or writing music for video games.
  • We have developed in house careers and online learning programmes to support, enhance and harness students’ creative skills and abilities.
  • We cover a range of disciplines and outputs whilst still allowing students to determine and develop their own creative outputs.

4 GCSEs at 4-9 (C-A*) including English.

Learning Structure:

  • Practical sessions in specialist spaces combined with contextual classroom studies.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with peers from different pathways during shared lessons.

Year 1:

  • 13 hours of in-person subject lessons each week, covering a variety of topics in your chosen discipline and employability skills development through the Professional Development programme.
  • 56 hours of self-directed study (independent learning) across the year.
  • 64 hours of enrichment activities throughout the year, focusing on additional creative projects and experiences outside the classroom.
  • 4 hours of Maths and/or 3 hours of English weekly for students needing to retake due to achieving a grade 3 or below.

Year 2:

  • 12 hours of in-person subject lessons each week, continuing to cover a variety of topics in your chosen discipline and employability skills development through the Professional Development programme.
  • 111 hours of self-directed study over the course of the year (approximately 3 hours per week).
  • 48 hours of enrichment activities throughout the year, continuing to focus on additional creative projects and experiences outside the classroom.
  • 4 hours of Maths and/or 3 hours of English weekly for students needing to retake due to achieving a grade 3 or below.

 

Professional Development: 

  • Weekly sessions to develop employability skills specific to your chosen discipline.

 

Attendance and Independent Work:

  • 100% attendance is mandatory for all lessons and timetabled activities.

 

Students are expected to work independently outside timetabled lessons to:

  • Apply what they learn.
  • Complete assignments.

 

Progress Reviews and Reporting:

  • At least three one-to-one reviews per year.
  • A formal learner report accessible to parents/carers via the online portal.

 

Enrichment Opportunities:

  • Creative projects, guest lectures, and events.
  • An online learning programme to support studies outside college hours.

This internally assessed course is delivered and evaluated by teachers through planned projects. These combine practical tasks, like performances, compositions, and music videos as well as written reports, and presentations. 

Our bespoke professional development programme aims to empower you to take your next steps into your future career. We achieve this by providing you with a three phase programme of lessons, projects and experiences designed to give you as much exposure to industry as possible.

If you are 16-18 and don’t already have GCSE Grades 4 or above in mathematics and/or English Literature or Language, it will be compulsory for you to do a GCSE level maths and/or English course alongside your studies with us. Learn more here.

All campuses 16-18*

FREE

All campuses 19+ (FIRST YEARS ONLY)

£2,882

student benefits

A range of student-friendly offers are available in partnership with WEX. These vary by store so check in with your local branch to see what support they can provide you as an ACC learner.

student benefits

A range of student-friendly offers are available in partnership with WEX. These vary by store so check in with your local branch to see what support they can provide you as an ACC learner.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Your learning journey doesn’t just stop with this course! Take a look at next steps via courses at Access Creative College, Access Industry and dBs Institute!

Level 4 Assistant Recording Technician (Apprenticeship)

This Level 4 apprenticeship helps learners gain on-the-job experience in the music industry.
Find out more

Level 3 Creative Venue Technician (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship programme offers a blend of practical experience and focused training in essential areas such as stagecraft, lighting, sound, and digital technologies. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of creative venues while developing the technical skills and knowledge required to excel in the live performance and events industry.
Find out more

Level 3 Live Event Technician (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship programme combines hands-on experience with training in essential areas such as audio, lighting, and video technology, as well as event production and operations. You'll develop the key skills required to work in the live events industry.
Find out more

Level 4 Artist Development

Establish who you are as a creative and develop your music, image and branding. Analyse your current musical output and determine what you need to achieve your goals. Practise and showcase your talent to the public and peers, and receive feedback from staff and music industry partners.
Find out more

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Your learning journey doesn’t just stop with this course! Take a look at next steps via courses at Access Creative College, Access Industry and dBs Institute!

Level 4 Assistant Recording Technician (Apprenticeship)

This Level 4 apprenticeship helps learners gain on-the-job experience in the music industry.
Find out more

Level 3 Creative Venue Technician (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship programme offers a blend of practical experience and focused training in essential areas such as stagecraft, lighting, sound, and digital technologies.
Find out more

Level 3 Live Event Technician (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship programme combines hands-on experience with training in essential areas such as audio, lighting, and video technology, as well as event production and operations.
Find out more

Level 4 Artist Development

Establish who you are as a creative and develop your music, image and branding. Analyse your current musical output and determine what you need to achieve your goals. Practise and showcase your talent to the public and peers, and receive feedback from staff and music industry partners.
Find out more

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

ACC Partners Latitude 2

Latitude Festival

ACC Partners Renderman 2

Renderman

ACC Partners Wild Paths 2

Wild Paths Festival

ACC Partners Brighten the Corners 2

Brighten The Corners

ACC Partners Love Saves The Day 2

Love Saves The Day

ACC Partners Climate Live

Climate Live

FIND OUT MORE

industry connections

ACC Partners Latitude 2

Latitude Festival

ACC Partners Renderman 2

Renderman

ACC Partners Wild Paths 2

Wild Paths Festival

ACC Partners Brighten the Corners 2

Brighten The Corners

ACC Partners Love Saves The Day 2

Love Saves The Day

ACC Partners Climate Live

Climate Live

Find out more

what next?

Book an open day

The best way to find out what it's like to study at Access Creative College is to come and see us at an open day. We have open days throughout the year. Book your place below.
Book now

How to apply

Applying is quick and easy, and can be done in less than two minutes. Just click the button below and fill in a quick form and we'll do the rest. We have interviewers ready to speak to you.
Apply now

what next?

Book an open day

The best way to find out what it's like to study at Access Creative College is to come and see us at an open day. We have open days throughout the year. Book your place below.

BOOK NOW

How to apply

Applying is quick and easy, and can be done in less than two minutes. Just click the button below and fill in a quick form and we'll do the rest. We have interviewers ready to speak to you.

APPLY NOW

related reading

related reading

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Registered Office: Heath Mill Studios, 68 Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, United Kingdom, B9 4AR. Access Further Education Ltd. trading as Access Creative College.
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