Free RSL Level 3 Creative Music Industry Course in Brighton

CostFREE
Duration24 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyRSL

About this course

Free RSL Level 3 Creative Music Industry Course in Brighton. Classes run at Varndean College, full-time during the day. This two-year course takes you through the full music production process, from initial ideas and sampling through to mixing and mastering. You'll work with industry-standard software and equipment, developing technical production skills alongside project planning and organisation. Assessment is entirely coursework-based and practical, so you build a portfolio as you go. Entry requires standard advanced-level qualifications plus tangible music production experience, demonstrated through a Level 2 music qualification or a portfolio of recent work made in a DAW.

Who this course is for

The Creative Music Industry course enables learners to develop practical skills in all aspects of the music production process. Learners will be able to complete full music production cycles, starting from initial creative production processes and taking their music through the mixing and mastering stages to create complete musical products. Learners will develop technical skills, as well as effective planning and project organisation through a course centred around practical music-making. The course addresses both the in-the-box and out-of-the-box aspects of music production, from managing the signal path and setting up microphones for recording sessions to MIDI programming and sequencing skills. The skills developed over the course of the two years will enable learners to be comfortable in a wide range of music production environments and equip them with tools needed to make music independently, pursue music at a Higher Education level or seek employment within the music industry. To align with the practical nature of the course, learners are assessed through coursework sessions at regular intervals, promoting opportunities for progressive development and mastery of key skills across the two years. These skills are also supplemented through the music department's collaboration with local projects supporting young artists' development and opportunities to engage with local employers in the music industry, providing students with a range of opportunities to explore the multitude of potential roles they can pursue in music.

Entry requirements

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Standard Advanced Level entry requirements Plus Tangible and substantial music production experience, which can be demonstrated through either a GCSE or BTEC Level 2 music qualification (if taken), or a portfolio submission of music recently made in a DAW and accompanying annotated screenshots.

Practical instrumental skills are helpful and recommended, but not essential.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in digital audio workstation (DAW) production, from beat-making to full track arrangement.
  • You'll learn sampling, synthesis, and sound design techniques across a range of musical styles.
  • You'll practise recording, mixing, and mastering music to a release-ready standard.
  • You'll study critical listening and apply it to improve your own productions.
  • You'll complete full music production cycles, managing a project from concept to finished product.
  • You'll build a portfolio of original work that demonstrates your technical and creative range.

How you will learn

The course is entirely coursework-based and practical. You'll work on studio-based projects in the classroom, applying skills progressively at deeper levels across the two years. There are no written exams. Assessment is through a portfolio of completed music production work, supported by annotated documentation of your process and decision-making.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Varndean College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Headphones are commonly useful for studio work, and you may wish to bring a USB drive for saving project files.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Music producer: create and produce tracks for artists or sync licensing
  • Studio recording engineer: manage recording sessions and live sound capture
  • Beatmaker or composer: produce original music for games, film, or TV
  • Audio post-production assistant: edit and mix audio for video and broadcast
  • Music content creator: produce original music for digital platforms and social media
  • Live sound technician: manage front-of-house or monitor sound at events

What you could study next

  • A degree in Music Production or Music Technology: deepens your technical and creative skills, and opens doors in the professional studio and broadcast industries.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music: a shorter higher-education route if you want to progress without a full three-year degree.
  • Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in Audio Engineering or Sound Design: specialist routes for those focusing on post-production or live audio work.

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