Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C)* including English and maths
- An appreciation of and a passion for music with a level of practical experience and/ or a Level 2 qualification in the subject area
- Audition showing musical ability to roughly a grade 3 level. Please don’t worry if you haven’t sat any formal grades this is just a rough guide
Fees & funding:
Visit our fees & funding page for more information.
How to apply:
When you're ready to apply, there's a few ways to start the process.
- Apply online - Start your application now!
- Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
- Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day
Introduction to the course
If you dream of performing your music live on stage or writing the next big hit, then this course is for you. On this Music Performance and Songwriting course we focus on exactly that. We will work with you to craft music, looking at songwriting across a range of musical styles, digital audio composition and music theory. We will delve into the inner workings of the music industry, as well as dive into marketing yourself.
Match your talent and passion for performing with techniques that will build your confidence and improve your stage presence. You will have multiple opportunities to perform at closed, open, large, small events inside and outside Confetti using established and highly regarded local venues.
100% of students on this course feel the teaching they receive is of a good standard. (QDP Student Survey Results 2022)
You’ll learn:
- An understanding and appreciation of popular music
- Instrument and vocal skills
- Music theory
- How to compose music and write lyrics
- Stagecraft and performance skills
- Practical musicianship
- The structure of the music industry
- English and Maths skills
What you'll study
In term one, you will contribute to the development of musical material through rehearsal, review choices and actions made in a rehearsal to develop musical material and apply ensemble performance skills.
We will also be exploring the music industry, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the sector and employment opportunities within it.
In term two you will demonstrate an understanding of music sequencing techniques when developing musical material in response to a brief. Students will apply creative processes when developing musical material, as well as applying musical creation skills and sequencing techniques in response to a brief.
You will also explore the development of the music industry and identify potential opportunities for the future of the music industry.
In term three you will apply stylistic conventions and musical elements to musical material in response to a brief.
In terms four and five, you will identify personal opportunities and areas for improvement related to progression, create a plan for personal musical development and develop musical skills in response to the plan
You will demonstrate technical and musical skills within a project, as well as defining and planning self-promotional material in relation to networking opportunities.
During the final term you will plan and prepare for a technical role and contribute towards the final major project.
You will need to demonstrate personal engagement and musical skills when developing a collaborative project, culminating in presenting a final collaborative music project.
Maths & English
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
On this course you’ll have access to:
- Confetti's live Music & Events Hub, Metronome
- 400 Capacity Metronome venue
- C100 – Mac Suite, digital audio production facility
- Metronome live events spaces for internal gigs (P2 & P3)
- Metronome recording studios – Studio 4 5 & 6
- FE Rehearsal rooms 10-20
- Extensive backline equipment
- Ableton Live and Logic Pro X DAW's
Confetti Live performances
Our students collaborate with other Confetti courses to plan and perform live and streamed performances throughout the academic year.
Celebrate
Every year we welcome family, friends and industry professionals to watch, listen, test and play the fantastic work of our college students.
Industry Week
As a Confetti student, you will also take part in Industry Week where you’ll meet a range of professionals within your field of interest, as well as other areas of the creative industries.
Previous guests include: Tony Wilson (Factory Records), Michael Eavis, Will Kennard (Chase and Status), Andy Copping (Download Festival), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Professor Green, Sleaford Mods, Mandy Parnell (Bjork, Aphex Twin, The White Stripes), Jon Kelly (Paul McCartney, Kate Bush), George Shilling (Oasis, Primal Scream, James Brown), Rudimental's Piers Aggett and Easy Life Murray Matravers.
Check out our OnDemand service here.
Continue your studies
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on our range of foundation and full honours degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
Future careers:
- Musician
- Singer songwriter
- Music producer
- Artist management
- Music teacher
