Level 3 Creative Music Industry Course in Manchester. Classes run at Access Creative College Manchester, full-time during the day. Tuition is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though an Advanced Learner Loan may be available to help with costs. This creative music industry qualification runs over 72 weeks and covers composing, producing, and performing electronic music using professional hardware and software. You'll need four or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English.
Who this course is for
If you are a musician, vocalist or singer/songwriter who wants to develop skills for university or professional work, then this is the course for you. You will gain in-depth skills in all areas of music performance, including
musicianship, songwriting, repertoire development, rehearsal skills and live and recorded performance.
Ideal for young musicians aged 16+. We work with guitarists, bass players, keyboard players, drummers, vocalists, singer/ songwriters, percussionists, horn players, string players. Whatever you play we can help you develop your skills!
For musicians into creating and performing any style of popular music, from metal, indie and alternative to folk, funk, soul, jazz and blues.
Based around real-world projects with opportunities to write, record and perform. Performances range from gigs in local venues to festivals such as Latitude.
Linked to business, allowing you to map out your future career. Creative industries in the UK are out-performing almost all other areas of the UK economy and now support over 1.7 million jobs.
Designed to give you more than music in that you will also gain valuable job skills and life skills.
Linked to nationally-recognised music qualifications.
Graded Good by Ofsted in 2016.
Entry requirements
Four or more GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English (Language or Literature).
What you will learn
You'll compose and produce music using industry-standard hardware and software.
You'll develop skills across a range of electronic music styles, from drum and bass to film and media music.
You'll learn to DJ and perform your work at live events.
You'll record and arrange music for different contexts, including games, adverts, and film.
You'll build a working knowledge of the professional music industry.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Access Creative College Manchester, combining practical studio work with taught content. Assessment is through coursework, projects, and practical performance. You'll build a portfolio of produced work across the course, demonstrating your skills in composition, recording, and live performance.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Access Creative College Manchester will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Music producer: create and produce tracks for artists or sync
DJ: perform live at events and venues
Sound designer: create audio for games, film, or advertising
Music composer: write original music for media and TV
Recording studio assistant: support sessions in a professional studio
Audio technician: manage sound at live events or in broadcast
What you could study next
Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music Production or Music Technology: a natural next step if you want to specialise further before entering the industry.
Bachelor's degree in Music Production, Sound Design, or a related subject: many universities accept this Diploma as part of their entry requirements.
Professional certifications in specific software (such as Ableton or Pro Tools): useful for building a specialist technical profile.
