Music Performance
& Production

Access to Higher Education

The Access to Higher Education DJ & Electronic Music Production course is designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industry and to lead into Higher Education.

Music Performance & Production

Access to Higher Education

The Access to HE Music Performance & Production course is designed for creatives that want to be able to write, produce and perform original music.

Build your confidence as a performer, songwriter and producer while developing the skills you need to take your next step in music. This one year Access to HE Diploma will help you strengthen your creative and technical skills, build your portfolio and prepare for progression to university.

This course is available at dBs Institute in Bristol and Manchester

KEY INFORMATION:

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements.

Course Length

One Year – Full Time.

Qualification

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma

Build your confidence as a performer, songwriter and producer while developing the skills you need to take your next step in music. This one-year Access to HE Diploma will help you strengthen your creative and technical skills, build your portfolio and prepare for progression to university.

This course is available at dBs Institute in Bristol, Manchester and Plymouth.

key information:

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements.

Course Length

One Year – Full Time.

Qualification

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma

course overview

Our Music Performance & Production course gives you the practical, creative and technical skills to develop as a musician, performer and producer. You’ll explore the different sides of music-making, from writing and performing your own material to recording and producing music in the studio.

Throughout the course, you’ll build your skills in:

  • Live performance and collaboration
  • Ensemble work
  • Songwriting and composition
  • Studio recording and production
  • Music technology
  • Music theory

 

You’ll learn through practical, hands-on sessions led by tutors with industry experience. Working in professional recording studios and music technology suites, you’ll get the chance to develop your sound using industry-standard equipment and software.

Alongside your creative and technical skills, you’ll develop the communication, teamwork, research and independent working skills you’ll need to take your next steps in music. You’ll also have opportunities to reflect on your work, collaborate with other creatives and explore where your skills could take you within the industry.

By the end of the course, you’ll have built a strong foundation in both music performance and production, preparing you to progress to degree-level study and continue developing your creative career.

This course is taught and delivered by Access Creative College at dBs Institute campuses.

  • Hands on experience in studio recording, mixing and sequencing
  • Using industry standard software inclluding Logic Pro and Ableton Live
  • Songwriting, composition and arrangment
  • Music theory and creative development
  • Solo and group performance
  • Working and collaborating with other musicians and creatives
  • Using professional recording studios and music technology facilities
  • Communication, teamwork and time manegment
  • Independent working, research and critical thinking
  • Building confidence and developing your own creative style
  • Skills and experience to support progression into further study or the music industry

Over the course of the year, you will refine your skills as a music performer and producer as you explore a wide range of creative techniques and approaches. You’ll deepen your understanding of key industry software, develop as a solo and collaborative practitioner, and culminate your studies with a final project.

You’ll receive access to:

  • Industry standard music production software, including Logic Pro and Ableton Live
  • Professional recording studios
  • Music technology suites
  • Recording, MIDI and audio sequencing equipment 
  • Digital resources to support presentations, independent learning and academic development

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.

Modules

Get hands on with music production and recording, building your confidence using industry standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) including Logic Pro and Ableton Live. You’ll develop practical skills in audio recording, MIDI and sequencing while learning how to turn your creative ideas into finished productions.

 
Units included in this study area:
  • MIDI and Audio Sequencing
  • Studio Recording

 

Develop your own sound as you explore songwriting, composition and music theory. You’ll experiment with chords, scales, modes, rhythm and lyrics, using your growing production skills to create, develop and refine your own music.

Units included in this study area:
  • Songwriting
  • Composing Music
  • Music Theory in Practice

Build your confidence as a performer through practical solo and group sessions. You’ll develop your performance techniques, work with other musicians and build a collection of songs and material to perform. You’ll also explore how music technology can be used to support and enhance live performance. 

Units included in this study area:
  • Performance Techniques
  • Working and Developing as Musical Ensemble
  • Music Technology

Get prepared for your next step into Higher Education while developing the academic and independent study skills you’ll need at university. You’ll build confidence in research, critical thinking, essay writing, presentations and reflection, while also planning and developing your final project. 

Units included in this study area:
  • Core HE Study Skills 1 – Research
  • Core HE Study Skills 2 -Presentation and Reflection
  • HE Study and Digital Skills
  • Introduction to Critical Thinking
  • Final Project Planning and Practical

course overview

With creative and professional development at its core, this Music Production course will see you grow and refine your skills in studio and computer-based recording, production and mixing.

You’ll be introduced to the industry-standard DAWs, Logic Pro X and Ableton Live, working with a suite of software plugins as well as hardware mixing consoles and effects in our cutting-edge recording studios.

You will develop your understanding of a series of core skills including:

  • Studio recording and production
  • Sequencing and sound design
  • Music composition
  • Music/sound for visual media.
  • Digital Audio Workstations e.g. Ableton Live and Logic Pro
  • Music technology

 

Alongside these practice-based sessions, you will expand your academic and entrepreneurial skills through a mixture of research, study skills, presentation, independent study and self-reflection. All of this experience will provide the perfect platform to progress onto an undergraduate degree, where you can continue to specialise in music production or explore more niche study areas in sound design or music and sound for screen.


This course is taught and delivered by Access Creative College on dBs Institute campuses.

  • Industry Tools: Master essential music production software, DAW sequencing, and studio recording techniques used by professionals.
  • Sound Design & Production: Develop skills in synthesis, sampling, and advanced production techniques to create your own unique sound.
  • Compose & Produce: Build your repertoire by producing music across various genres, rhythms, and styles, refining your creative skills.
  • Music Theory & Analysis: Strengthen your foundation in music theory, enhancing your critical listening and track analysis skills.
  • Pathway to University: Develop academic skills like research and critical thinking, keeping university-level study as an option for your future.
  • Career Guidance: Learn more about diverse opportunities in music production, performance, sound design, and more.
  • Employability: Build key transferable skills like collaboration, organisation, and business knowledge through real-world projects.
  • Portfolio Development: Create and refine a portfolio of original tracks, showcasing your talents and production expertise.

Over the course of the year, you will refine your skills as a music performer and producer as you explore a wide range of creative techniques and approaches. You’ll deepen your understanding of key industry software, develop as a solo and collaborative practitioner, and culminate your studies with a final project.

You’ll receive access to:

  • Apple iMacs, with up-to-date Logic Pro X music production/recording software.
  • MIDI controller keyboards.
  • Audio interfaces.
  • A range of industry-standard microphones and recording interfaces.
  • Music Production Studio(s).
  • 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.

Modules

For this study area, you’ll be working ‘in-the-box’, building your proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and Ableton Live, developing your techniques with audio recording, MIDI and sequencing.

Units included in this study area:

  • MIDI and Audio Sequencing
  • Studio Recording

Here you will explore the world of music theory and develop your compositional and songwriting skills. You’ll study chords, scales and modes, rhythm and lyrics, and further develop your music production skills through creating and refining the music you have written.

Units included in this study area:

  • Songwriting
  • Composing Music
  • Music Theory in Practice

In this strand you’ll study individual and group performance techniques, develop a repertoire of material and learn how to integrate music technology into performances.

Units included in this study area:

  • Performance Techniques
  • Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble
  • Music Technology

This final study area is all about developing your academic skills, preparing you for university and supporting the creation of your final project. With the support of your tutors, you’ll create a personal statement and UCAS application at the start of the academic year. You’ll turn your attention to essay planning and writing, grow your understanding of academic conventions, as well as developing presentation and independent study skills.

 

Units included in this study area:

  • Core HE Study Skills 1 – Research
  • Core HE Study Skills 2 -Presentation and Reflection
  • HE Study and Digital Skills
  • Introduction to Critical Thinking
  • Final Project Planning and Practical

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.

LEARNER ACHIEVEMENT

90% of our learners achieve their full qualification.

93% of our learners have a positive destination.

92% of Access to HE learners go onto university.

learner achievement

Apply now

CAREERS within music performance & production

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.

CAREERS within music production

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.

additional information

  • We are an exclusively creative college, where 100% of our courses are in the creative sectors, 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.

This course is designed to be as practical as possible and all your submissions will be coursework-based. You will learn hands-on in recording studios and iMac suites, with access to hardware instruments and effects, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and software-based instruments and tools, as well as practical skills through interactive workshops.


You will learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, 1-2-1 reviews and self-evaluation. Regular learning will come from lectures and seminars.

On average, you should allow for between 35 – 40 hours per week for your studies, 11.5 hours of which will be delivered onsite. The remaining time is allotted to self-study.

In addition, your learning will be supported by:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Planned independent study
  • Group tutorials and 1-2-1 reviews
  • Access to studio facilities and bookable equipment
  • Use of library resources and study spaces
  • Access to supporting online resources including a self-directed programme featuring videos, reading and interactive activities

No formal entry requirements.

This course is internally assessed, with coursework delivered and evaluated by your teachers. Assignments include practical tasks such as performances, compositions, and audio recordings, visual media, alongside written reports and presentations. The year consists of 8 assignments, culminating in a Final Project, where you will create a professional portfolio showcasing your development and work for future progression.

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.

All campuses (18 years old at enrollment)

All campuses 19+

Free

£4,835*

*Free with Advanced Learner Loan from the UK Government

additional information

  • We are an exclusively creative college, where 100% of our courses are in the creative sectors, 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 or scoring music for games
  • We have developed in-house careers and online learning programmes to support, enhance and harness students’ creative skills and abilities
  • We cover a wide range of disciplines and outputs within music production and technology, whilst still allowing students to determine and develop their own creative outputs
  • 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 Access Creative College learner

Three or more GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English (Language or Literature).

This course is internally assessed, meaning your teachers deliver and assess all of your coursework. The year is currently made up of 7 assignment submissions. Projects are a balance of practical work like compositions, audio recordings and videoed performances; reports and presentations.

We will work with you to build your skills from the ground up, and we can provide you with all the gear you need, but before you start with us, it would be beneficial for you to do the following:

  • Develop skills on an instrument if possible. For those who are more interested in production, keyboard skills will be really valuable
  • Listen to lots of music, question what it is that you like about it and pick out the key elements that really appeal to you
  • Take advantage of online resources that will help you develop your knowledge of working with and composing on a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) – musicians do a lot for themselves these days, and that includes the technical stuff! You can find free software or browser-based DAWs online, such as BandLab, Soundtrap or Garageband – even the simplest software can be used to create music and develop your skills and understanding
  • Try to consider where you would like to end up next – performing, composing, teaching, whatever the case may be, start investigating!

Your course benefits from an enrichment programme planned out by your local campus. Activities we’ve done in the past are guest talks from industry practitioners, opportunities to play at local or national events, field trips and visits, and collaborative projects between students from different courses.

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)

£4,425

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!

BA Vocal Artistry & Music Production

This course supports artists to develop a distinctive vocal identity and gain the technical skills to take creative control of their sound.

BA Songwriting & Music Production

This course is designed for songwriting artists, DIY producers, and creative performers who want to write, produce, and perform original music. Whether you're developing your sound as a solo artist, exploring personal storytelling, or experimenting with different creative approaches.

BA Music Performance & Production

This degree is designed for contemporary performers who want to develop as confident artists, creative producers, and versatile musicians.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

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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.

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.

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