Duration:
2 years full-time for FdA (Foundation Degree)
Upon successful completion of this course you'll have the option to join our BA (Hons) Music Performance and top up to a Level 6 qualification. Find out more about topping up your degree.
Location:
Confetti, Nottingham
UCAS course code:
W310
Institution code:
N91 (Nottingham Trent University)
- A-levels – DDE; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP; or
- 64 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
- GCSE - English and Maths Grade C / 4
We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations.
You will also have at least one of the following music qualifications:
- A-Level in Music
- BTEC Extended Diploma in Music (or similar, e.g. RSL Awards)
- Music Theory Grade 5 (ABRSM, Rockschool, Trinity or equivalent)
- Voice or Instrument Grade 5 (ABRSM, Rockschool, Trinity or equivalent)
We very much welcome self-taught applicants who do not have the formal entry requirements. If that’s you, we’ll request a video of you playing 2 songs from start to finish in contrasting styles. This can be performing along to a backing track, or solo. We must be able to hear you clearly and see you in close up. Once we get that, we can chat with you to make sure the course is right for you or advise you about anything you can do further to support your application.
This course is not for instrumental beginners.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors. Find out more about advisors in your country.
This degree is validated by Nottingham Trent University. You can apply through UCAS.
For tuition fee costs, visit our fees & funding page for more information.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
A budget of £250 would be appropriate for most audio and music software. External storage media to save large amounts of data from audio sessions (£50).
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop, Blackwell’s. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think. There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
On this two-year foundation degree we’ll help you develop your instrumental and vocal skills whilst broadening your understanding and experience in songwriting, composition, performance, and music management.
You’ll get to learn and perform in world-class studios and performance spaces, including our own commercial facing live music and events venue, surrounded by experts who are working professionals in the music and creative industries.
If you want the chance to clock up a range of live performance experiences, Confetti is the place to study. You’ll spend plenty of time on stage, working with our Technical Events students to put on performances, both on a local and regional level. This will enable you to develop your identity as a professional musician, whilst ensuring you gain a broad set of practical skills to aid your future career.
The Denizen artist management company also works with our students to nurture talent and facilitate development. With great contacts, its a great way to start making those all important connections and opportunities!
Teaching and learning are designed around developing your practical and technical skills, whilst also enhancing your critical and analytical thinking.
Classes are a mixture of rehearsals, live performances, workshops, seminars and tutorials. During these sessions you will develop your expertise, working alongside Confetti’s expert tutors who are active professional musicians who have performed with some of the world’s biggest artists on some of the world’s biggest stages, such as Glastonbury.
The course will involve a number of performances at a wide range of events, at both local and nationally recognised venues, such as Splendour. In some modules you’ll work on ‘live’ projects, where you’ll be required to complete work for industry clients, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your developing professionalism and build a portfolio of work that will support your future career.
Guest lectures from professional musicians, promoters and producers will also help enhance your knowledge and experience of the music industry. In addition, you’ll have direct access to our very own in-house record label and artists management company Denizen who will offer help and guidance throughout your studies.
Trips
There are opportunities to go on some great trips during your studies, too. Take a look at one of our past trips where students visited Tileyard Studios.
Assessment is 100% through coursework. You will receive feedback throughout.
Forms of assessment include:
- practical tests
- written research
- technical papers
- presentations
- independently led coursework
- projects
To progress through the course you must achieve 120 credit points each year. Your final degree mark will be based 100% on your final year work.
A two year Foundation degree is a great choice if you want to have the option to graduate with a Level 5 qualification and start your creative career early. With an accessible UCAS tariff – this type of degree is perfect for you if you prefer a more practical approach to your studies.
After completing two years you will graduate with an FdSc/FdA qualification and choose whether you want to continue and enroll on a top up year for a full BSc/BA qualification or whether you would rather stop your education and start your creative career.
Topping up your existing qualification
Each case will be considered individually, but if you have passed an FdA from Confetti and decided you want to continue your studies, you’re automatically entitled to enter into the 3rd year of the equivalent BA degree to ‘top up’ to a full honours degree.
What you'll study in year 1
This module aims to develop your understanding of composition and music arrangement. You’ll be given grounding in music theory, arrangement techniques and composition, whilst developing hands-on skills in music production software. During this module you’ll study different approaches to composing. You’ll work both individually and collaboratively on projects that show a developing understanding of music genre and create a body of work that demonstrates your developing practice as a composer, arranger and producer.
This module aims to develop your performance techniques, focusing on several key areas. You’ll develop technical competence in playing an instrument, through studying contemporary performance techniques, developing skills in sight reading, as well as listening skills and improvisation. You’ll 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. This module also deals with the various technical demands of the performing musician, including instrument maintenance. You’ll carry out research to inform your developing practical skills, giving you an appreciation of contemporary theories and techniques.
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. You’ll also study the historical development of recording technology and its impact on musical styles, as well as the wider influence on society and culture.
During this module, you’ll develop 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, so there’ll be a strong emphasis on completing work for clients as part of your study. You’ll 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 employment in industry.
What you'll study in year 2
This module aims to further develop your performance techniques, enhancing your technical skills whilst broadening your contextual understanding of musical performance. You’ll continue to develop a technical mastery in your first instrument – performing individually and collaboratively to develop your stage craft and hone your skills as a performer. As well as a focus on traditional musicianship, you’ll also explore the integration of different technologies in performance. You’ll research the historical and contemporary use of technology in performance, and use this research to inform the integration of technology into your own work.
This module focuses on composition for visual media. A composer for visual media must be able to work collaboratively, taking direction from others in the development of their work. It is also important to understand the emotive impact music can have and how to write music that enhances the viewing experience. You’ll explore the application of compositional tools for specific themes such as horror, romance, drama, sadness, suspense and comedy. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and reflection – through the study of a wide range of commercial compositional work and analysis of your own work.
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 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.
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.
Study Music Performance with us and you'll learn in our very own live music and events venue, Metronome.
With its unrivalled reputation for the quality of its sound and visuals, Metronome hosts a successful commercial programme of live events throughout the year – and it’s here where you’ll learn from the best and gain real work experience.
This world-class venue is home to some amazing facilities, jampacked with recording studios, rehearsal rooms, performances spaces, and a 400-capacity venue.
Confetti Album
Each year, Confetti students write, perform, record, mix, master and promote the Confetti Album. Supported by our expert staff, it's a great way to experience doing it for real in the music industry.
Degree Showcase
It's not just music that we deliver at Confetti.
Take a look at some of the inspiring work our degree students from across all our creative subjects create each year.
Confetti Single
Each year we shine the spotlight on an artist or band, supporting them with the recording, release and promotion of the Confetti Single.
If you want to do more than just study a qualification, ‘Do It For Real’ at Confetti. This is our commitment to all our students to provide real, creative, hands-on experience in their chosen specialism whilst accessing the best facilities.
Metronome
Metronome is a national centre for music, moving image, video games, live performance and spoken word - and it's part of Confetti. Our students have access to state-of-the-art studios within Metronome, as well as the 400-capacity venue where free student membership gets you exclusive ticket deals and offers.
Guest speakers
Throughout the year, students are able to attend talks and events, and work on projects with visiting industry experts. Recently, one student had the opportunity to work on his single with Bring Me The Horizon’s Producer, Al Groves – a huge opportunity for the budding songwriter. Read the story here.
Industry Week
We also hold an annual Industry Week, where guest speakers and mentors from the music industry are invited in to talk to students. Our students have the opportunity to learn from people working in the industry right now, and can make invaluable contacts during this week.
Past Industry Week guests have included:
- Becky Hill - Brit award winning musician
- Michael Eavis - Glastonbury founder
- Kim Hawes – Tour Manager
- Tom Visconti - Worked with David Bowie
- Linda Perry - Lead singer from 4 Non Blondes, worked with Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Pink, and Adele
- Piers Aggett - Rudimental
- Sister Bliss - Faithless
Check out our talks OnDemand here
Splendour Festival
Each year, a number of Music Performance students get to perform to thousands in the crowd on the Confetti and Courtyard Stages at Nottingham's Splendour Festival.
BBC Introducing
The platform for up-and-coming artists has regular shows at Confetti's very own venue Metronome.
Confetti Album
Each year, a selection of our Music Performance and Music and Audio Technology students are selected to feature in our Confetti Album, released under our record label - Denizen. Our students write, perform, record, mix and even master the tracks!
Continue your studies
Each case will be considered individually, but upon successful completion you’re automatically entitled to enter into the final year of our BA (Hons) Music Performance to gain a full BA qualification.
Your career
You can also move straight into your career, in areas which might include:
- Singer/songwriter
- Band member
- Session musician
- Record producer
- Composer for the film and TV industry
- Music teacher
- Music journalist
