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Free Level 3 Music Course in Barnsley – Barnsley College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Music Performance and Production Course in Barnsley. Classes run at Barnsley College, full-time over two years.

The course covers music performance, composition, music theory and harmony, live sound, music technology, improvisation, and the music industry. You will take part in public performances throughout the course. In year one you study for a Subsidiary Diploma. Complete year two successfully and you earn the full Extended Diploma.

Entry requires four GCSEs at grade A* to C, including GCSE Maths and GCSE English at grade 4 or above. You will also need a competent standard of musicianship on an instrument or vocals, demonstrated at interview. You'll finish with a Diploma in Music Performance and Production.

Who this course is for

This exciting course develops your understanding of the broad subject of music. You will explore music performance, composition, music theory and harmony, live sound, the music industry, improvisation and music technology. You will take part in a number of public performances. Initially in year one you will study for a Subsidiary Diploma. Successful students will be invited to study for the Extended Diploma which they will complete in year two of the course. Course content: You will study all areas of music including music performance techniques and session styles plus improving your listening skills and sound recording techniques. You will look at music theory, the music freelance world plus modern and pop music in practice. There are many opportunities for public performances, playing large and small venues, representing the College at national competitions. Other units will include areas such as: Planning a music project. Composing music. Improvising music. Working and developing as a musical ensemble. Live sound. Upon successful completion of this course you could progress into Employment: former students have gained employment at The Music Factory Entertainment Group, as touring musicians, solo artists at the Palladium Theatre in London, session players, instrumental teachers and school music teachers. Or Education: you could choose to develop your skills further at university progressing onto a range of courses.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade A* to C including GCSE maths at grade 4 plus GCSE English at grade 4 or above. Maths at grade D or above. You will need to have a competent standard of musicianship on an instrument or vocals. You will be required to demonstrate your musical skills at interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your skills in music performance on an instrument or vocals.
  • You'll study music composition and learn to create original work.
  • You'll explore music theory and harmony.
  • You'll gain practical experience in live sound and audio production.
  • You'll use music technology tools used in professional settings.
  • You'll practise improvisation techniques.
  • You'll build knowledge of the music industry and how it works.
  • You'll perform in public as part of the course.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical workshops, and public performances. Assessment is through coursework, practical performance, and portfolio work. In year one you work toward a Subsidiary Diploma. In year two you build on that to complete the full Extended Diploma. Your musical skills are assessed at interview before you start.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Barnsley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Musician, performs live or in studio settings as a professional artist.
  • Music producer, creates and develops recordings for artists and labels.
  • Sound engineer, manages audio for live events, studios, or broadcasts.
  • Music teacher, delivers instrumental or vocal tuition in schools or privately.
  • Session musician, records and performs for other artists on a freelance basis.
  • Music technology technician, supports audio and production equipment in venues or studios.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Music or Music Production, for deeper specialist study at university level.
  • A degree in Sound Engineering or Audio Technology, building on the production and live sound skills from this qualification.
  • An apprenticeship in a music or creative industry role, combining work and further training.
  • A teaching qualification, if you want to pass your skills on in schools or colleges.
Apply on barnsley.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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