Free Level 1 Music, Performing and Production Arts Course in Grays. Classes run full-time at South Essex College of Further and Higher Education's Thurrock Campus. This free music, performing and production arts course is open to UK learners under 19 years old who are not in employment. The course runs for one year and covers a broad range of production and performance skills, from working with an audience to developing your own project. You'll also support live college productions and external events throughout the year. You'll need two GCSEs at grade 2 or above including maths or English, or an Entry Level 3 qualification, plus attendance at an interview and a transition event.
Who this course is for
South Essex College celebrate a new turn of the creative production wheel as backstage industries take a wider direction. To meet the emerging needs of the entertainment sector, in particular the crucial behind-the-scenes careers that make the magic happen, the Digital Technologies, Media And Performing Arts department are expanding their delivery to specialise in training young people from 16 years for the Theatre, Music, Event and Corporate sectors.
Entry requirements
Two GCSEs at grade 2/grade E including maths or English, or
An Entry 3 qualification, or equivalent
Successful attendance at interview
Successful attendance at transition event
What you will learn
You'll explore the foundations of music, performing and production arts.
You'll develop research skills relevant to the creative industries.
You'll learn how to communicate with a live audience through music and performance.
You'll build production skills across theatre, music, and events.
You'll develop your performance practice through structured projects.
You'll complete a music, performing and production arts project from brief to delivery.
You'll gain experience supporting real college productions and external live events.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based and delivered full-time during the day at the Thurrock Campus. Assessment is internal, with work marked against the assessment criteria for each unit. Internal and external moderation is applied across the qualification. You'll be assessed through coursework and project-based tasks rather than written exams.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College of Further and Higher Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Stage crew or production assistant: supporting live events and theatre productions.
Lighting or sound technician: operating technical equipment for performances.
Event production runner: assisting with setup and delivery of live events.
Music production assistant: supporting recording or live music projects.
Theatre technician: backstage technical support across venues.
Corporate events assistant: helping deliver conferences and branded events.
What you could study next
Level 2 Performing and Production Arts Diploma: the direct next step, building on the skills from this course and opening doors to more specialist technical and performance roles.
Level 3 Performing Arts or Music Production qualifications: for those looking to move toward higher education or professional work in the creative industries.
