Free BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Boston. Classes run at Sam Newsom Centre, full-time over two years. You'll cover performance, recording, songwriting, music theory, and the music business. The course includes live projects, workshops, and public performances, with access to recording studios, rehearsal rooms, DJ studios, and a music technology suite. A Music Production pathway is also available. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent), plus an audition.
Who this course is for
If you are passionate about music and enjoy working in a creative, exciting environment, then this is the course for you. The music course is for musicians, performers and songwriters who want to take their music to the next level. You will work within our fully equipped, dedicated music campus where you will develop personalised projects relating to performance and production. The course, delivered by our experienced lecturers, covers performing, recording, song writing, music business and theory to give an overview of the music industry and how to succeed as a musician or performer. The emphasis of the course is on creating entrepreneurial musicians who have the skills, knowledge and experience to promote themselves and their music. This is achieved through practical application of knowledge in realistic industry environments such as projects, workshops and performances, and by enabling learners to create and promote a portfolio of their own work. You will be required to work on 'real world' projects, giving you the opportunity to perform to the public and submit songs to our record label. This course will help learners gain the skills to progress into work or Higher Education and achieve their future goals.
Entry requirements
The entry qualifications for the Level 3 Music Extended Diploma are five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (Old GCSE grade C or above) (or equivalent) or Merit or above at Diploma Level 2. When you attend your review, an audition to demonstrate musical ability will also be required. , this can be instrumental, vocal, DJing or music production. If you are unsure about meeting the entry requirements an alternative course would be the Music Practitioner Diploma Level 2 course.
What you will learn
You'll develop performance skills across instrumental, vocal, DJing, or music production disciplines.
You'll learn recording techniques using professional studio equipment, VST instruments, and samplers.
You'll practise songwriting and composition, building a portfolio of original work.
You'll study music theory to underpin your practical work.
You'll explore the business of music, including self-promotion and entrepreneurship.
You'll gain experience through live performances and public showcases.
You'll build a professional portfolio, with opportunities to submit work to the college's in-house record label.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical workshops, live projects, and public performances. Assessment is through coursework and portfolio submissions rather than traditional exams. You'll build a body of work over two years, applying skills in real contexts. In year one you'll complete the BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Music, then top up to the full Extended Diploma in year two.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Sam Newsom Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Musician or performer, working live or in session recording
Music producer, creating and engineering tracks in a studio
Songwriter, writing for artists, publishers, or sync licensing
DJ, performing at events or on radio
Music teacher or tutor, teaching privately or in schools
Events and tour manager, coordinating live music productions
Music marketing or promotions assistant, working with labels or venues
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Music or Music Production. A degree at a conservatoire or university builds on the Extended Diploma and opens doors to specialist roles.
BA (Hons) in Music Business or Artist Management. Focuses on the commercial side of the industry.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music. A two-year higher education route if you want to progress without a full degree.
PGCE in Music. For those who want to teach music in secondary schools after completing a degree.
