This module aims to develop your performance techniques, focusing on several key areas.  You will develop technical competence in playing an instrument, through studying contemporary performance techniques, developing skills in sight reading, listening skills and improvisation.

You will develop your skills as a performer in solo and group contexts, considering the communicative nature of musical performance, your relationship with the audience and exploring the performance environment.

The module also deals with the various technical demands of the performing musician, including instrument maintenance and the ‘tool kit’ required by a performing musician. You will carry out research to inform your developing practical skills, giving you an appreciation of contemporary theories and techniques.

The role of the modern musician requires an understanding of the technological aspects of recording and producing music. Advancements in technology mean that more and more musicians are recording their own music and ‘self-producing’.

In addition to this, the ability of musicians to effectively communicate thoughts and ideas about their work with sound engineers and producers can be an invaluable asset. Consequently, this module aims to develop your understanding of sound recording practices to aid you in your future career as a professional musician.

A large emphasis of the module is on practical recording techniques. You will also study the historical development of recording technology and its impact on musical styles as well as the wider influence on society and culture.

This module aims to equip you with knowledge and understanding of how changes in industry impact on consumer trends and working practices. In addition, the module focuses heavily on your development as an emerging professional. Consequently, there is a strong emphasis on you completing work for client(s) as part of your study in the module.

You will be required to carry out independent study into current industry trends, examining and evaluating how changes in technology have affected the creation and consumption of music and audio content. You will also be introduced to the pressures of working for clients through the completion of a live client brief.

The aim is for you to acquire practical experience of the skills and attributes needed for work and employment in industry.

Music plays an integral part of everyday life across a diverse range of cultures and societies. In many ways, music provides the touchstones of human experience. Music can transcend language and cultural barriers. It can have an effect on individual and social identity, politics, fashion and technology.

This module encourages you to examine the historical significance of music and musical performance and its impact on global cultures and societies. You will also study the fundamental aspects of the psychology of music and its effect on the human brain in terms of emotive response to music and sound.

There is a strong emphasis on research throughout this module and you will be required to spend time carrying out independent research activities to widen your understanding of the subject area. There will also be practical aspects of the module with guest workshops and lectures from industry professionals.

This module aims to further develop your performance techniques, enhancing your technical skills whilst broadening your contextual understanding of musical performance. You will continue to develop a technical mastery in your first instrument, through timetabled and self-directed rehearsal and performance schedules. Throughout this module you will perform individually and collaboratively, developing and working on your technique in both settings in order to develop your stage craft and hone your skills as a performer.

As well as a focus on traditional musicianship and solo / ensemble performance, you will also be exploring the integration of different technologies in performance. You will research the historical and contemporary use of technology in performance, and use this research to inform the integration of technology into your own work.  You will investigate pioneering individuals in the integration of technology in performance, and acquire the technical know-how required to implement technology into a live performance.

The module also focusses on the knowledge and understanding required to effectively stage a live performance, including aspects such as health & safety legislation, project management, self-promotion and budgeting.

During this module you will undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.

The nature of creative industries is increasingly defined by freelance and self-employed models of work. Consequently, individuals seeking work in industry need to appreciate the pressures of working on multiple projects to strict deadlines and the subsequent demands this place on time and resources. Similarly, an understanding of professional practice and the legal and economic imperatives in industry is important, as is effective communication, self-efficacy and autonomy.

This module aims to develop these skills and knowledge by challenging you to develop a range of self-directed projects.

Music professionals require expert understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of performance and production for employment in the music industry. Throughout this module you will apply and extend your knowledge of composition and performance techniques in creating music products and staging live productions. You will be encouraged to develop important critical listening and observational skills when working in a variety of performance and recording situations.

The module will focus predominantly on practical performance and recording in the rehearsal and recording studio environments, alongside opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in a range of performance situations. Towards the end of the module you will take part in events and performances designed to market, publicise and support the product you are releasing.

The overarching aim is to equip you with a range of practical skills that are grounded in a historical, cultural and theoretical context.

This module builds on your previous experience and knowledge gained during Level 4 and 5. The module provides you with an opportunity to develop a research based portfolio of work, through self-initiated creative investigation.

The emphasis of this module is to create a dissertation based on your interests and personal study which is negotiated through consultations with tutors. It provides you with the opportunity to develop professional practical work while demonstrating sustained intellectual engagement with a specific form of creative investigation.

In this way the module gives you greater autonomy to define your career direction, produce industry level practical work and demonstrate your potential for professional practice.

The module will provide you with opportunities to demonstrate your ability to research, critically analyse, contextually formulate opinion and produce work on industry related topics.

As part of this investigation you will also enhance your abilities to communicate your findings with an audience and consolidate your skills in project management and self-directed work, both of which are vital for a career within the creative industries and wider world of work.

The module serves to acquaint you with the key skills and practices required to undertake and complete independent project research and to produce creative technological products in response.