Music Performance & Production

Course Overview

Our two-year course is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points (Triple Distinction*) or 144 UCAS points (Triple Distinction). This course will give you the knowledge, underpinning skills and experience to help you succeed in creative and media-based industries and progress to higher-level study. All applicants must complete an instrumental or vocal audition for this course.

You should be actively interested in music performance and composition and be willing to work creatively as a team member. You will develop your performance skills both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. You will learn to maximise your rehearsal experience and work to deadlines in a professional environment. Your instrumental/vocal technique will be improved through workshops, performances in our purpose-built venue and live showcase gigs at professional venues in and around Cumbria.

By completing this course, you will achieve a University of Arts London (UAL) Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production.

This is 2 year course and is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points (Triple Distinction*) or 144 UCAS points (Triple Distinction). UCAS have recently changed the UCAS Tariff from September 2017 so they could include more qualifications. The new Tariff points are lower than the original Tariff points but the value remains the same, as universities will just use lower Tariff numbers in their entry requirements than in previous years.

You will have the opportunity to develop your creative songwriting skills using traditional and modern practices, including collaborative projects and writing music to a brief. You will also work in our professionally equipped recording studio using industry-standard hardware and software, giving you the knowledge and confidence to progress towards a career in the music industry or further study.

During the course, you will study:

- Music Performance Techniques
- Solo and Ensemble Performance Studies
- Music Industry in Context
- Digital Music Production
- Recording Studio Practice
- Live Sound
- Contemporary Song Writing
- History of Popular Music
- Music Theory and Harmony

Throughout your course, you will also develop skills in professionalism, online presence, critical reflection and the overall application and presentation of yourself and your work. You will have the chance to meet current industry professionals through talks, workshops and residential field trips.

The Music Department has strong links with the Kendal Calling festival, where many of our students have secured exciting work placements. We also have excellent relations with the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Spirit Studios in Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music in Leeds. All of which run specialist music degree programmes that many of our students have gone on to study after finishing their courses at Kendal College.

Our curriculum is delivered by experienced lecturers currently active in the Music Industry as musicians, performers, songwriters or producers- offering you a unique insight into how the industry works on a practical and professional level- and how to get started on your careers.

The course is assessed through the completion of observed performances, a practical audio portfolio, and accompanying research and reflective evaluation. Studying Music at Kendal College will allow you to learn about a wide range of relevant subject areas relating specifically to the music industry.