Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance
This two-year vocational course is suitable for anyone with a passion for creative music performance, designed to develop aspirant music professionals by focusing in on performance skills, styles, technique, theory, music business, aural perception and career-focused goal setting, overall providing a rounded music education that prepares learners for further study or their first steps into the music industry.
You will have the opportunity to learn in a creative and contemporary environment where you will develop strong connections with fellow aspiring musicians, songwriters and entrepreneurs, guided by industry professionals that teach to the highest standards and a guest programme of prominent music industry professionals to help steer you towards a life in music.
Successful completion of the course will gain you a nationally recognised RSL level 3 qualification, providing you with a firm stepping stone into Higher Education. The course is designed to develop both the academic and creative qualities found in all music professionals, exposing you to many opportunities to build upon your existing knowledge and skill and shaping you into a high-level performer that controls their own career path.
UK students and EU students holding settled or pre-settled status, aged 16-18, are eligible for funding (subject to meeting ESFA conditions of funding).
So, what are you waiting for? To make your way as a live music professional, connect with us, and we’ll connect you to a life in music.
Course specification
Mode of attendance: Full-time
Length of course: 2 years
Awarding institution: RSL
Funding partner: New College Swindon
Campus delivery: Brighton, Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham
Language of study: English
Final award: RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Performance Pathway)
Exit award: RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Performance Pathway)
Admissions Criteria: 5 GCSEs inc. English & Maths, or 4 GCSEs inc. English or Maths on the condition that the other is retaken during the duration of the course, and Grade 4-6 equivalency playing skills.
Minimum requirements
Five GCSEs at C/4 including English and Maths, or four GCSEs including English or Maths on the condition that the other is retaken during the duration of the course.
Progression
Graduates can progress directly to employment in the music industry or they can continue their studies with BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals or Keyboards at BIMM Institute.
Course fees
Diplomas are free for UK students aged 18 years and under, providing funding requirements have been met.
As a BIMM Further Education Student, you may be eligible for Financial Support through our educational partnership with New College Swindon.
Year 1 Subsidiary Diploma
Module names and structure may be subject to change.
In Rehearsal and Performance Planning you’ll explore and engage with the preparations required towards a great performance. This class takes a detailed look at the factors that make up successful performances, such as band forming, rehearsal techniques, communication, building repertoire, creating a live set, promotion, marketing, tour management, stage management, budgeting and more.
Good technique is essential if you wish to push your discipline to the next level. In these lessons you’ll develop that technical skill and introduce a logical approach to improving your voice or instrument through research and reflective practise.
Good technique is the backbone to professional musicianship. In this class you will look at the fundamentals and rudiments of your chosen instrumental discipline. From paradiddles to modal harmony, Technical Development will push you to becoming the best player and performer you can possibly be.
In Pre-Production, you will work within your chosen instrumental discipline in critically analysing, and then learning the week’s chosen BIMM playlist song. You will prepare and perfect your parts in preparation for your Live Performance Workshop where you will perform the track on stage with a full band. Each song on the BIMM LPW playlist has been specifically chosen to explore a wide range of creative, stylistic and technical factors that will give you the grounding and skills to succeed as a professional musician.
MPW will focus on the various requirements of the live performer in the digital age.
In this class, you get to showcase your hard work in Pre-production through performance with other musicians. You’ll perform together in front of an audience of our expert tutors and your peers. The live experience and up-to-date industry knowledge and feedback you receive here will be invaluable to your development as a live performer.
It’s important to remember that there’s much more to being successful in music than your discipline alone. In this lesson you’ll learn about the structure of the modern music industry, the various job roles available and how you can start to prepare yourself for a future within it.
Ear training and music theory is not just about honing your aural perception skills and music knowledge, but also about helping you to understand how you personally engage with sound. This technical and contextual understanding will support your instrumental and vocal development, as well as give you an understanding of your own musical creativity, and how to successfully navigate that as an artist.
Extended Studies is a dynamic and conversational space for general course management and personal development. In this session you will discuss a range of topics including (but not limited to) up and coming performances, recording sessions, assessment, masterclasses, important course notices, as well as analysing music and your progress utilising reflective practice.
A technical and contextual understanding of a wide range of musical styles and genre is key to your success as a creative and professional instrumentalist.
In Session Styles, you will analyse and learn the technical elements of a diverse and wide range of styles that span some of the world’s most influential contemporary musicians and genre. You will then practically apply your new knowledge of these styles in both a live and recording environment.
Music in Context is where you’ll learn about the interaction between music and society. In this class, you’ll track back through history and study some of the most influential musical styles, artists and the impact they’ve had on music, technology, politics and societal change.
Year 2
Module names and structure may be subject to change.
Collaboration is often central to music industry success. This class focuses on the knowledge and understanding of taking a team project from concept to completion and in doing so, enhances and develops research ability, independence, teamwork, time management awareness and project management skills.
Good technique is the backbone to professional musicianship. In this class you will build on the technical aspects from one, and take look at advanced technical ability, improvisation, repertoire and preparing for auditions. Technical Development will push you to becoming the best player and performer you can possibly be.
Music in Context is where you’ll learn about the interaction between music and society. In this class, you’ll track back through history and study some of the most influential musical styles, artists and the impact they’ve had on music, technology, politics and societal change.
MPW will focus on the various requirements of the live performer in the digital age.
In this class, you get to showcase your hard work in Pre-production through performance with other musicians. You’ll perform together in front of an audience of our expert tutors and your peers.
The live experience and up to date industry knowledge and feedback you receive here will be invaluable to your development as a live performer.
In Pre-Production, you will work within your chosen instrumental discipline in critically analysing, and then learning the week’s chosen BIMM playlist song. You will prepare and perfect your parts in preparation for your Live Performance Workshop where you will perform the track on stage with a full band. Each song on the BIMM LPW playlist has been specifically chosen to explore a wide range of creative, stylistic and technical factors that will give you the grounding and skills to succeed as a professional musician.
Music Theory is an essential component of musicianship. In this lesson you’ll learn the links between theoretical knowledge, aural awareness and musical ability
This year’s class builds on your existing knowledge from year one, where you’ll continue to explore the music industry and the different roles and functions within it. You’ll take an in-depth look into royalties, copyright and collection societies. You’ll also begin working on your own business plan that will help you to forge a path into the music industry.
This lesson offers students the chance to undertake an investigation, critically analysing an area of interest within the music industry. Whilst doing so, you’ll develop your academic skills that will help you for higher academic studies.
Extended Studies is a dynamic and conversational space for general course management and personal development. In this session you will discuss a range of topics including (but not limited to) up and coming performances, recording sessions, assessment, masterclasses, important course notices, as well as analysing music and your progress utilising reflective practice.
Alex has been a professional drummer for over fifteen years. He has worked as a session…
Alex teaches Drums at BIMM Institute Birmingham. For more than 20 years, Alex Magni had a successful…
Alix is a diverse vocalist and performer. Her vocal and performing experiences include live performances on…
Andy teaches Drums at BIMM Institute Bristol. He has been working as a professional musician for…
Antonio currently plays bass in British Rock band Tax The Heat, who signed to Nuclear Blast…
Ben teaches Drums at BIMM Insitute Brighton. He has worked with many bands and solo artists…
As live drummer for Two Door Cinema Club, BIMM graduate Ben has toured the globe several…
Bob is an active session and touring drummer, with over 20 years experience, spanning across multiple…
Bryan Hargreaves teaches Drums at BIMM Institute Manchester. His list of drumming credits makes for an eclectic…
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM Institute, please contact our Admissions Team on 0344 2 646 666 or email [email protected].